Summary
Thai animation gets epic, creating a rare fusion of traditional martial arts storytelling within a contemporary action setting.
THE LEGEND OF MUAY THAI: 9 SATRA (9 ศาสตรา) represents a leap forward for the Thai animation market. Which isn’t to say that directors Pongsa Kornsri, Gun Phansuwon, and Nat Yoswatananont haven’t followed a familiar narrative path. They have, however, created something that feels both authentically Thai and simultaneously accessible to global markets.
Thailand isn’t traditionally known for its animation, at least not outside of the local markets, where the powerhouse Hollywood and Japanese studios tend to dominate. Yet there has been a history of animation in Thailand since the Second World War, and more recently a few Thai hits like Khan Kluay (aka The Blue Elephant).
It’s a classic hero’s journey set in the mystical kingdom of Ramthep City, which is under siege by the demonic Yaksas and the merciless Lord Dehayaksa. A new hope is found in Odd, who was smuggled out of the city as a child and trained in the ways of Muay Thai. He soon learns it is his destiny to deliver the mystical weapon 9 Satra to the Prince of Ramthep, destroying the evil once and for all.
If it sounds like you’ve seen this story before, you probably have in some form or another. THE LEGEND OF MUAY THAI: 9 SATRA incorporates the cultural designs and trappings of Muay Thai and local legend and incorporates them into a modern action setting. While targeting a slightly older audience than the fans of the aforementioned war elephant, the creative team ticks the right boxes with the addition of a mischievous monkey prince named Va-ta. There’s a pseudo love interest in pirate lady Xiaolan, along with strong-armed ally Red Asura, a Yaksa who has turned against his own people.
For an animation industry that doesn’t have the sheer resources of its US counterparts, there’s some quality animation here. Water and cliff faces are pretty, the martial arts is gracefully articulated, and there’s an aerial chase sequence that’s expertly staged. There’s other times where it looks more like a morning cartoon on television, but consider the budget: at 230 million Thai baht (or $7 million US), it’s a mere 3.5% of Incredibles 2‘s $200 million US production costs.
Voice acting is appropriate for the tone of the film, and it should be noted that there are both English and Thai dubs of the film. International audiences are being treated to the English dub for the theatrical release, and from all accounts it is an accurate version.
Despite wearing its influences on its sleeve, including an “I’m Spartacus!” sequence, THE LEGEND OF MUAY THAI: 9 SATRA is an enjoyable adventure. It all builds to a final confrontation where mystical powers are unleashed and moral victories are won. Confusingly, we get most of the denouement in a voice-over as the credits roll, which is a little anti-climactic. Yet when all is said and done, it’s a fun adventure that is sure to find audiences around the world.
2018 | Thailand | DIRECTOR: Pongsa Kornsri, Gun Phansuwon, Nat Yoswatananont | WRITERS: Nat Yoswatananont, Bryan Edward Hill, Daraka Wongsiri | CAST: Kanokchat Manyaton, Savitree Suttichanond, Sirichai Charoenkijtanakul | DISTRIBUTOR: China Lion (AUS) | RUNNING TIME: 102 minutes | RELEASE DATE: 12 July 2018 (AUS)
