Prachya Pinkaew
Encyclopedia
Prachya Pinkaew is a Thai
film director
, film producer
and screenwriter
. His films include Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior
and Tom-Yum-Goong
, both martial arts films starring Tony Jaa
.
in 1985, majoring in architecture. He began his career in 1990, working as an art director and later as creative director at Packshot Entertainment, an advertising firm. He directed music videos and won several Best Music Video Awards at Thailand's Golden Television Awards.
His first feature film was made in 1992 and called The Magic Shoes. It was followed in 1995 by Romantic Blues, a karmic
thriller-romance.
By 1998, Prachya was concentrating on producing films, including the vampire movie Body Jumper
, the action-comedy Heaven's Seven, the horror movie 999-9999
, the musical Hoedown Showdown, the frankly sexual comedy Sayew
and the arthouse drama Fake
.
With his own Baa-Ram-Ewe production house, his name is seen on many films produced for Sahamongkol Film International.
In 2003 he took the director's chair for Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior
, starring Tony Jaa
, which went on to become a worldwide sensation and was the highest-grossing Thai film of the year. He also directed Tony Jaa's next starring feature, Tom-Yum-Goong
.
His next projects included Chocolate, about a young autistic female martial artist out for revenge, and Power Kids, about four young martial artists fighting off terrorists who have taken over a hospital. Daab Atamas (Sword), starring Tony Jaa, was canceled. He produced Ong Bak 2
, with Jaa directing, released in 2008.
As the president of the Thai Film Directors Association, Prachya Pinkaew has been active during 2007 in lobbying against proposed legislation that would put into place a restrictive motion picture ratings system. The system would replace the 1930 Censorship Code
, but would retain the Board of Censors' ability to cut or ban films.
After the violent crackdown
on the 2010 protests
, he produced an all-star music video with the message "May our happiness return" that is being shown on the Bangkok Skytrain.
Pinkaew has just wrapped filming duties for his latest action film Elephant White starring Djimon Hounsou
and Kevin Bacon
, and produced by Nu Image and Millennium Films. Filmed and set entirely in Bangkok
, the film tells the story of a mercenary (Hounsou) in Thailand who is engaged by a 14 year old girl who gives his life a new meaning. Bacon plays the mercenary's old friend who may or may not be on his side this time. The film, Pinkaew's English-language/Hollywood debut, is slated for release in early 2011. The film is now undergoing the post-production stage.
Thai people
The Thai people, or Siamese, are the main ethnic group of Thailand and are part of the larger Tai ethnolinguistic peoples found in Thailand and adjacent countries in Southeast Asia as well as southern China. Their language is the Thai language, which is classified as part of the Kradai family of...
film director
Film director
A film director is a person who directs the actors and film crew in filmmaking. They control a film's artistic and dramatic nathan roach, while guiding the technical crew and actors.-Responsibilities:...
, film producer
Film producer
A film producer oversees and delivers a film project to all relevant parties while preserving the integrity, voice and vision of the film. They will also often take on some financial risk by using their own money, especially during the pre-production period, before a film is fully financed.The...
and screenwriter
Screenwriter
Screenwriters or scriptwriters or scenario writers are people who write/create the short or feature-length screenplays from which mass media such as films, television programs, Comics or video games are based.-Profession:...
. His films include Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior
Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior
Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior , also known in the United States as Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior is a 2003 Thai action film. It was directed by Prachya Pinkaew, featured stunt choreography by Panna Rittikrai and starred Tony Jaa. Ong-Bak proved to be Jaa's breakout film, with the actor hailed...
and Tom-Yum-Goong
Tom-Yum-Goong
Tom-Yum-Goong Tom-Yum-Goong Tom-Yum-Goong (Thai: ต้มยำกุ้ง, is a 2005 Thai Martial arts Action film starring Tony Jaa. The film was directed by Prachya Pinkaew, who also directed Jaa's prior breakout film Ong-Bak. As with Ong-Bak, the fights were choreographed by Jaa and his mentor, Panna Rittikrai...
, both martial arts films starring Tony Jaa
Tony Jaa
Tatchakorn Yeerum , formerly Panom Yeerum , better known in the West as Tony Jaa, in Thailand as Jaa Panom, is a Thai martial artist, actor, choreographer, stuntman, director, and monk...
.
Biography
Prachya graduated from Nakhon Ratchasima Technology College in Nakhon Ratchasima ProvinceNakhon Ratchasima Province
Nakhon Ratchasima or , often shortened to Korat or Khorat , is one of the north-eastern provinces of Thailand...
in 1985, majoring in architecture. He began his career in 1990, working as an art director and later as creative director at Packshot Entertainment, an advertising firm. He directed music videos and won several Best Music Video Awards at Thailand's Golden Television Awards.
His first feature film was made in 1992 and called The Magic Shoes. It was followed in 1995 by Romantic Blues, a karmic
Karma
Karma in Indian religions is the concept of "action" or "deed", understood as that which causes the entire cycle of cause and effect originating in ancient India and treated in Hindu, Jain, Buddhist and Sikh philosophies....
thriller-romance.
By 1998, Prachya was concentrating on producing films, including the vampire movie Body Jumper
Body Jumper
Body Jumper is a 2001 Thai horror/comedy film directed by Haeman Chatemee and written by Pakphum Wonjinda.-Plot:In 1932 Siam, a ravenous female ghost named Pop is ravaging the village of Sam Kotr, Roi Et, killing all the men...
, the action-comedy Heaven's Seven, the horror movie 999-9999
999-9999
999-9999 is a 2002 Thai horror film directed by Peter Manus and starring Sririta Jensen and Julachak Jakrapong. The story, about the deadly consequences of receiving a telephone call from the number 999-9999, is similar in premise to Final Destination or 976-EVIL.-Plot:A young woman who was given...
, the musical Hoedown Showdown, the frankly sexual comedy Sayew
Sayew
Sayew is a 2003 Thai comedy film about a naive female college student who works as a writer of erotic stories for a pornographic magazine.-Plot:...
and the arthouse drama Fake
Fake (film)
Fake is a 2003 Thai romance-drama film, directed by Thanakorn Pongsuwan. It starred Leo Putt , Ray MacDonald, Tah Barby and Patcharapha Chaichua...
.
With his own Baa-Ram-Ewe production house, his name is seen on many films produced for Sahamongkol Film International.
In 2003 he took the director's chair for Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior
Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior
Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior , also known in the United States as Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior is a 2003 Thai action film. It was directed by Prachya Pinkaew, featured stunt choreography by Panna Rittikrai and starred Tony Jaa. Ong-Bak proved to be Jaa's breakout film, with the actor hailed...
, starring Tony Jaa
Tony Jaa
Tatchakorn Yeerum , formerly Panom Yeerum , better known in the West as Tony Jaa, in Thailand as Jaa Panom, is a Thai martial artist, actor, choreographer, stuntman, director, and monk...
, which went on to become a worldwide sensation and was the highest-grossing Thai film of the year. He also directed Tony Jaa's next starring feature, Tom-Yum-Goong
Tom-Yum-Goong
Tom-Yum-Goong Tom-Yum-Goong Tom-Yum-Goong (Thai: ต้มยำกุ้ง, is a 2005 Thai Martial arts Action film starring Tony Jaa. The film was directed by Prachya Pinkaew, who also directed Jaa's prior breakout film Ong-Bak. As with Ong-Bak, the fights were choreographed by Jaa and his mentor, Panna Rittikrai...
.
His next projects included Chocolate, about a young autistic female martial artist out for revenge, and Power Kids, about four young martial artists fighting off terrorists who have taken over a hospital. Daab Atamas (Sword), starring Tony Jaa, was canceled. He produced Ong Bak 2
Ong Bak 2
Ong Bak 2: The Beginning is a 2008 Thai martial arts film co-directed by and starring Tony Jaa. It is a follow-up to Jaa's 2003 breakout film Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior. Initially claimed to be a sequel to Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior, Ong Bak 2 was then announced to be a prequel to its predecessor...
, with Jaa directing, released in 2008.
As the president of the Thai Film Directors Association, Prachya Pinkaew has been active during 2007 in lobbying against proposed legislation that would put into place a restrictive motion picture ratings system. The system would replace the 1930 Censorship Code
Censorship in Thailand
Freedom of speech in Thailand was guaranteed in the articles 39, 40, 41 in the 1997 Constitution.According to those articles, censorship may be imposed to preserve national security, maintain public order, preserve the rights of others, protect public morals, and prevent criticism of the royal...
, but would retain the Board of Censors' ability to cut or ban films.
After the violent crackdown
2010 Thai military crackdown
On 10 April and 13–19 May 2010, the Thai military cracked down on the National United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship protests in central Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. The crackdown was the culmination of months of protests that called for the Democrat Party-led government of Abhisit...
on the 2010 protests
2010 Thai political protests
A prolonged series of political protests occurred in Bangkok, Thailand in 2010 from March to May against the Democrat Party-led government. The protests were organized by the National United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship...
, he produced an all-star music video with the message "May our happiness return" that is being shown on the Bangkok Skytrain.
Pinkaew has just wrapped filming duties for his latest action film Elephant White starring Djimon Hounsou
Djimon Hounsou
Djimon Diaw Hounsou is a Beninese actor and model. As an actor, Hounsou has been nominated for two Academy Awards.-Early life:Djimon Hounsou was born in Cotonou, Benin, in 1964, to lbertine and Pierre Hounsou, a cook. He emigrated to Lyon in France at the age of thirteen with his brother, Edmond....
and Kevin Bacon
Kevin Bacon
Kevin Norwood Bacon is an American film and theater actor whose notable roles include Animal House, Diner, Footloose, Flatliners, Wild Things, A Few Good Men, JFK, Apollo 13, Mystic River, The Woodsman, Trapped, Friday the 13th, Hollow Man, Tremors, Death Sentence, Frost/Nixon, Crazy, Stupid, Love....
, and produced by Nu Image and Millennium Films. Filmed and set entirely in Bangkok
Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom...
, the film tells the story of a mercenary (Hounsou) in Thailand who is engaged by a 14 year old girl who gives his life a new meaning. Bacon plays the mercenary's old friend who may or may not be on his side this time. The film, Pinkaew's English-language/Hollywood debut, is slated for release in early 2011. The film is now undergoing the post-production stage.
Director
- The Magic Shoes (Rawng tah laep plaep) (19921992 in filmThe year 1992 in film involved many significant films. -Top grossing films:-Awards:Academy AwardsGolden Globe AwardsNational Film Awards...
) - Dark Side RomanceDark Side RomanceDark Side Romance is a 1995 Thai romantic fantasy film directed by Prachya Pinkaew.-Plot:After a car accident, the spirits of Tan Dark Side Romance is a 1995 Thai romantic fantasy film directed by Prachya Pinkaew.-Plot:After a car accident, the spirits of Tan Dark Side Romance is a 1995 Thai...
(Goet iik thii tawng mii theu) (19951995 in film-Top grossing films:-Events:* March 22 - The Dogme 95 movement is officially announced in Paris by Danish directors Lars von Trier and Thomas Vinterberg.* March 28 - Actress Julia Roberts and singer Lyle Lovett announce their plans for separation....
) - Ong-Bak: Muay Thai WarriorOng-Bak: Muay Thai WarriorOng-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior , also known in the United States as Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior is a 2003 Thai action film. It was directed by Prachya Pinkaew, featured stunt choreography by Panna Rittikrai and starred Tony Jaa. Ong-Bak proved to be Jaa's breakout film, with the actor hailed...
(20032003 in filmThe year 2003 in film involved some significant events. Releases of sequels took place with movies like The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, 2 Fast 2 Furious, Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle, The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions, Pokémon Heroes, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines,...
) - Tom-Yum-GoongTom-Yum-GoongTom-Yum-Goong Tom-Yum-Goong Tom-Yum-Goong (Thai: ต้มยำกุ้ง, is a 2005 Thai Martial arts Action film starring Tony Jaa. The film was directed by Prachya Pinkaew, who also directed Jaa's prior breakout film Ong-Bak. As with Ong-Bak, the fights were choreographed by Jaa and his mentor, Panna Rittikrai...
(20052005 in film- Highest-grossing films :Please note that following the tradition of the English-language film industry, these are the top-grossing films that were first released in the United States in 2005...
) - ChocolateChocolate (2008 film)Chocolate , also known as Zen, Warrior Within, is a 2008 Thai martial arts film starring Yanin "Jeeja" Vismistananda in her debut film performance. It is directed by Prachya Pinkaew, with martial arts choreography by Panna Rittikrai...
(20082008 in filmThis is a list of all major films made in 2008.-Highest-grossing films:Please note that following the tradition of the English-language film industry, these are the top grossing films that were first released in the USA in 2008...
) - Sword (canceled as of 2008)
- Elephant WhiteElephant White (film)Elephant White is a 2011 action-thriller film starring Djimon Hounsou and Kevin Bacon. Filming took place in Bangkok, Thailand.-Plot:American mercenary Curtie Church is completing a job in Thailand when 14-year-old child prostitute, Mae, witnesses Church kill a group her captor Chang Cao gang...
(20112011 in filmThe year 2011 is notable for containing the release of the most film sequels in a single year, at 27 sequels. The following tables list films that are in production or have completed production and will be released in the United States and Canada at some point in 2011.- Highest-grossing films :...
) - The KickThe KickThe Kick is an upcoming Thai martial arts film, directed by Prachya Pinkaew. The film follows a Korean family of Taekwondo experts who immigrate to Thailand.-Plot:Moon is a Taekwondo master running an old Taekwondo gym in Bangkok...
(2011) - Chocolate 2 (2011)
- Tom Yum Goong 2Tom Yum Goong 2Tom Yum Goong 2 is an upcoming Thai martial arts film starring Tony Jaa and Marrese Crump. The film is the sequel to Tom-Yum-Goong.-Production:The sequel officially went into production in August 2011...
(2011)
Producer
- Pop Weed Sayong (Body JumperBody JumperBody Jumper is a 2001 Thai horror/comedy film directed by Haeman Chatemee and written by Pakphum Wonjinda.-Plot:In 1932 Siam, a ravenous female ghost named Pop is ravaging the village of Sam Kotr, Roi Et, killing all the men...
) (20012001 in filmThe year 2001 in film involved some significant events, including the first of the Harry Potter series and also the first of The Lord of the Rings trilogy...
) - 999-9999999-9999999-9999 is a 2002 Thai horror film directed by Peter Manus and starring Sririta Jensen and Julachak Jakrapong. The story, about the deadly consequences of receiving a telephone call from the number 999-9999, is similar in premise to Final Destination or 976-EVIL.-Plot:A young woman who was given...
(20022002 in filmThe year 2002 in film involved some significant events. The first significant releases of sequels took place between The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, Men in Black II, Analyze That, Spy Kids 2: The Island of...
) - Hoedown Showdown (2002)
- 7 pra-jan-barn (Heaven's Seven) (2002)
- SayewSayewSayew is a 2003 Thai comedy film about a naive female college student who works as a writer of erotic stories for a pornographic magazine.-Plot:...
(20032003 in filmThe year 2003 in film involved some significant events. Releases of sequels took place with movies like The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, 2 Fast 2 Furious, Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle, The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions, Pokémon Heroes, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines,...
) - The Unborn (2003)
- FakeFake (film)Fake is a 2003 Thai romance-drama film, directed by Thanakorn Pongsuwan. It starred Leo Putt , Ray MacDonald, Tah Barby and Patcharapha Chaichua...
(2003) - Ong-Bak: Muay Thai WarriorOng-Bak: Muay Thai WarriorOng-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior , also known in the United States as Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior is a 2003 Thai action film. It was directed by Prachya Pinkaew, featured stunt choreography by Panna Rittikrai and starred Tony Jaa. Ong-Bak proved to be Jaa's breakout film, with the actor hailed...
(2003) - PisajPisajPisaj is a 2004 Thai horror film directed by Mae-deaw Chukiatsakwirakul.-Plot:After her parents are killed in a drive-by shooting, a young woman named Oui has no place else to go...
(20042004 in filmThe year 2004 in film involved some significant events. Major releases of sequels took place. It included blockbuster films like Shrek 2, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, The Passion of the Christ, Meet the Fockers, Blade: Trinity, Spider-Man 2, Alien vs. Predator, Kill Bill Vol...
) - Born to Fight (Kerd ma lui) (2004)
- Cherm (Midnight My LoveMidnight My LoveMidnight My Love is a 2005 Thai romantic-drama written and directed by Kongdej Jaturanrasamee and starring Petchtai Wongkamlao and Woranut Wongsawan....
(20052005 in film- Highest-grossing films :Please note that following the tradition of the English-language film industry, these are the top-grossing films that were first released in the United States in 2005...
) - Tom-Yum-GoongTom-Yum-GoongTom-Yum-Goong Tom-Yum-Goong Tom-Yum-Goong (Thai: ต้มยำกุ้ง, is a 2005 Thai Martial arts Action film starring Tony Jaa. The film was directed by Prachya Pinkaew, who also directed Jaa's prior breakout film Ong-Bak. As with Ong-Bak, the fights were choreographed by Jaa and his mentor, Panna Rittikrai...
(20052005 in film- Highest-grossing films :Please note that following the tradition of the English-language film industry, these are the top-grossing films that were first released in the United States in 2005...
) - Mercury ManMercury Man (film)Mercury Man is a 2006 Thai superhero martial arts action film. It is directed by Bhandit Thongdee with martial arts choreography by Panna Rittikrai of Ong-Bak, Tom-Yum-Goong and Born to Fight....
(20062006 in film- Highest-grossing films :Please note that following the tradition of the English-language film industry, these are the top-grossing films that were first released in the United States in 2006...
) - The SpermThe SpermThe Sperm is a 2007 Thai science fiction comedy film directed by Taweewat Wantha.-Plot:A young, struggling Bangkok rock musician, Sutin, constantly dreams about having almost sex with sexy model-actress La-mai, but always wakes up before he can actually have sex...
(20072007 in filmThis is a list of major films released in 2007.-Top grossing films:Please note that following the tradition of the English-language film industry, these are the top grossing films that were first released in the USA in 2007...
) - Sick NursesSick NursesSick Nurses is a 2007 Thai horror film, written and directed by Piraphan Laoyont and Thodsapol Siriwiwat.-Plot:In a run-down, suburban Bangkok hospital, young Dr. Tar and seven nurses have been running a scheme to sell dead bodies on the black market. However, one nurse, Tahwaan , has found out...
(2007) - OpapatikaOpapatikaOpapatika is a 2007 Thai fantasy-action film. It is directed by Thanakorn Pongsuwan and stars Pongpat Wachirabanjong, Leo Putt, Somchai Kemklad, Chakrit Yaemnam, Ray MacDonald, Athip Nana, Nirut Sirichanya and Khemupsorn Sirisukha-Plot:...
(2007) - The Love of SiamThe Love of SiamThe Love of Siam is a 2007 Thai gay-themed romantic-drama film written and directed by Chookiat Sakveerakul. A multi-layered family drama, a groundbreaking element of the story is a gay romance between two teenage boys....
(2007) - Ong Bak 2Ong Bak 2Ong Bak 2: The Beginning is a 2008 Thai martial arts film co-directed by and starring Tony Jaa. It is a follow-up to Jaa's 2003 breakout film Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior. Initially claimed to be a sequel to Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior, Ong Bak 2 was then announced to be a prequel to its predecessor...
(2008) - Sword (canceled as of 2008)
- ChocolateChocolate (2008 film)Chocolate , also known as Zen, Warrior Within, is a 2008 Thai martial arts film starring Yanin "Jeeja" Vismistananda in her debut film performance. It is directed by Prachya Pinkaew, with martial arts choreography by Panna Rittikrai...
(2008) - Power KidsPower KidsPower Kids is a 2009 Thai action film directed by Krissanapong Rachata. The film is about a group of children who team up to fight against a group of terrorists who have seized the hospital moments before their friend is about to go in for surgery...
(2009)
Screenwriter
- Ong-Bak: Muay Thai WarriorOng-Bak: Muay Thai WarriorOng-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior , also known in the United States as Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior is a 2003 Thai action film. It was directed by Prachya Pinkaew, featured stunt choreography by Panna Rittikrai and starred Tony Jaa. Ong-Bak proved to be Jaa's breakout film, with the actor hailed...
(20032003 in filmThe year 2003 in film involved some significant events. Releases of sequels took place with movies like The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, 2 Fast 2 Furious, Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle, The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions, Pokémon Heroes, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines,...
) - Tom-Yum-GoongTom-Yum-GoongTom-Yum-Goong Tom-Yum-Goong Tom-Yum-Goong (Thai: ต้มยำกุ้ง, is a 2005 Thai Martial arts Action film starring Tony Jaa. The film was directed by Prachya Pinkaew, who also directed Jaa's prior breakout film Ong-Bak. As with Ong-Bak, the fights were choreographed by Jaa and his mentor, Panna Rittikrai...
(20052005 in film- Highest-grossing films :Please note that following the tradition of the English-language film industry, these are the top-grossing films that were first released in the United States in 2005...
) - Sword (canceled as of 2008)