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The Protector

Directed by Prachya Pinkaew · 2005 ·

Short answer

Is The Protector worth watching?

Probably not. The Protector (2005) earns a 59% Celluloid Score. That is below our 60% Recommended threshold. Audiences (76%) responded more warmly than critics (50%). See the 4 inputs.

59%
Celluloid Score Not Recommended

4-input transparent breakdown

50% Editorial Rating
76% Audience snapshot · excluded
51 Metascore
★★★☆☆ Letterboxd 3.3
7 IMDb /10
0
Watch Trailer
Released
Runtime
1h 45m
Age rating
R (US) · 18 (UK) · MA 15+ (Australia)
Cast
Tony Jaa , Petchtai Wongkamlao , Bongkoj Khongmalai , Jin Xing , Nathan Jones , Johnny Tri Nguyen , Lateef Crowder , Jonathan Patrick Foo
Country
Thailand
Language
Thai

Also known as ต้มยำกุ้ง El Protector Thai Dragon: El Protector L'Honneur du Dragon Revenge of the Warrior O Protetor トム・ヤム・クン! 옹박: 두번째 미션

Where to watch

Streaming availability varies by region — our catalogue lists Netflix in Thailand. Check local listings for your region.

Rent: Apple TV, YouTube, Fandango at Home

Buy: Apple TV, YouTube, Fandango at Home

Why this score?

  • Celluloid's editorial rating is reserved (50/100).
  • General viewers mostly liked it (76%).
  • Celluloid Score 59% combines 4 rating inputs; audience sentiment is shown separately. Consult the source notes for verification dates where recorded.

Best for

  • Short runtime — easy weeknight watch
  • Crowd-pleaser seekers — audiences liked it more than critics

Not ideal for

  • Anyone needing a safe, highly rated pick

Scores reflect data indexed at build time. Component sources are shown on this page; Celluloid Score is our composite, not a third-party trademark. Scoring policy

Streaming availability, artwork and title metadata courtesy of TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.

Is The Protector worth watching?

Probably not — The Protector earns a 59% Celluloid Score. That is below our 60% Recommended threshold. It suits short runtime — easy weeknight watch, but anyone needing a safe, highly rated pick may want to skip it. Read our full review (3.5/5).

Celluloid verdict

Critics shrugged; the four-minute unbroken staircase take is still studied by every action unit working today.

, Founder & Editor

Audiences (76%) responded more warmly than critics (50%).

What is The Protector about?

A young fighter named Kham must go to Australia to retrieve his stolen elephant. With the help of a Thai-born Australian detective, Kham must take on all comers, including a gang led by an evil woman and her two deadly bodyguards.

Watch the Trailer

Critic Reviews

Short review 4 min read English The Protector

The Protector (2005) Review: Tony Jaa Breaks Everything

The Protector (Tom Yum Goong) sends Tony Jaa to Australia after a stolen elephant; the story is flimsy, but its fight scenes remain some of the best ever filmed.

Yes, for martial arts fans. The plot is thin and the tone lurches, but Tony Jaa's fights, including a famous single-take brawl, justify the whole film.

Kaiser Khan Founder & Editor

The Protector stills

Official production imagery supplied through TMDB, kept with the movie instead of split into a thin gallery page.

The Protector production still 1
The Protector production still 2
The Protector production still 3
The Protector production still 4
The Protector production still 5
The Protector production still 6

Images courtesy of TMDB. TMDB does not endorse or certify Celluloid.

Reader takes

No reader takes published yet. Send yours and we may publish it after editing.

The Protector: frequently asked questions

Is The Protector worth watching?

Probably not. The Protector (2005) has a Celluloid Score of 59%, averaged from the available Celluloid editorial, Metascore, Letterboxd and IMDb ratings. That is below our 60% Recommended threshold. Audience sentiment is shown separately and does not change the score.

Where can I watch The Protector?

In the United States you can rent it from Apple TV, YouTube, Fandango at Home or buy it from Apple TV, YouTube, Fandango at Home. Elsewhere: Netflix in Thailand. Availability changes; the where-to-watch table on this page is refreshed from TMDB.

How long is The Protector?

The Protector runs 1 hour 45 minutes (105 minutes).

What is The Protector rated?

The Protector is rated R in the United States, 18 in the UK and MA 15+ in Australia. These are the official classifications as recorded on TMDB; check your local classification board for content advice.

Who stars in The Protector?

The Protector is directed by Prachya Pinkaew and stars Tony Jaa, Petchtai Wongkamlao, Bongkoj Khongmalai, Jin Xing, Nathan Jones.

What is the Metascore for The Protector?

Metacritic's Metascore for The Protector is 51 out of 100. It is one of the inputs to the Celluloid Score.

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