‘BKO: Bangkok Knockout’ tries to fight its way to the top

There’s not much exposition to BKO: Bangkok Knockout. For fans of martial arts and stylized cinematic action, it will definitely satiate the action palette. For others looking for story and characterization, the film is an unfortunate slog with mediocre acting and few respites from the carnage.

The premise should sound familiar: A group of wealthy muckety-mucks pay good money to see young fighters punch, kick and headbutt their way through violent ordeals. The story seems inspired by The Most Dangerous Game, Saw and even Hostel: Rich people getting off by watching street people hurt each other.

The only way for the fighters to escape is through bloody encounters with a cadre of villains. There’s also a side plot about a kidnapped friend, but it largely is overshadowed by the fury of fists.

To be expected, the fight sequences are impressive. Martial arts choreographer Thana Srisook knows how to keep the energy level sky high with a brilliant display of death-defying feats. Directors Panna Rittikrai and Morakot Kaewthanee are able to use clever camera techniques to take in all of the action.

There’s one too many slowed-down sequences, and some of the fighting is blurred when the action is unnaturally sped up (much of BKO comes off as a video game). Still, there’s no denying that the talented group of fighters in the movie has palpable skill. Featuring Muay Thai, Capoeira, Kung Fu and Tai Chi, BKO: Bangkok Knockout is a smorgasbord of agile technique.

It’s tough to pinpoint specific performers because most of the characters are two-dimensional. But of the notable scenes: I couldn’t believe my eyes when a young lady flipped over a guy using only her teeth. Another hand-t0-hand sequence involves a transvestite villain with a penchant for pain.

Much of the action is personal, complex and always a pleasure to watch.

The highlight is a combative tango between two fighters around a waterfall. Using carefully placed sound effects and stunning visuals, the action is a marvel to behold.

I was less impressed by the scenes where the performers seemed to fly through the air. The obvious theatrics of the moves are distracting, causing the viewer to scour constantly for the strings or harnesses.

BKO: Bangkok Knockout excels when it focuses on disciplined fight moves. It begins to fall apart when it takes the entire premise too seriously.

Honestly, I would cut out all of the talking, all of the cruel billionaires (most of whom are poor actors) and their inhumane wagers, all of the back stories and all of the setup. If the film’s 106 minutes were stripped down to a lean, mean display of punches and kicks, I would be an ecstatic convert. As it stands, BKO: Bangkok Knockout only wins by default.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

• BKO: Bangkok Knockout

• 2010

• In Enlish and Thai with subtitles

• Directed by Panna Rittikrai and Morakot Kaewthanee

• Written by Dojit Hongthong and Jonathon Siminoe

• Starring Supaksorn Chaimongkol, Sorapong Chatree, Kerttisak Udomnak, Kazu-Patrick and the Tang Fighting Club

• Running time: 106 minutes

• Rated R for violence and strong martial arts action and some language

• Rating: