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RAISED IN THE
RING is a
documentary that
bares witness to
the strength,
beauty and
history of Muay
Thai (Thai
boxing) as an
important
component to
the traditions
of Thailand.
Muay Thai is
part of a
cultural
practice steeped
in history and
religious
reverence. More
importantly, to
the rural poor,
it is a career
and a way to
improve their
livelihood.
RAISED IN THE
RING allows
us to witness
life in the Muay
Thai training
camps in the
Chiang Mai and
Surin regions
where children
are raised in
"the ring" in
the hopes of
offering them a
better life
through
education and
training. Many
of these
children come
from very poor
farming
families. In
Thailand boys
starting at age
14 are often
expected to help
provide for the
family. At an
early age their
training allows
them to engage
in Thai boxing
fights for candy
or small gifts,
then they soon
become old
enough to fight
for 300 baht
($10) in the
small, regional
rings. If they
are talented and
skilled enough,
they will be
given the
opportunities to
fight in the
large Bangkok
arenas
for up to 10,500
baht ($350) per
match.
Matt Marek's
eloquent and
fascinating
documentary
reveals the
lives of five
aspiring young
Thai Boxers,
from children
aged twelve and
fifteen to a
university
student vying
for a
professional
career in
Bangkok. As we
follow them in
their daily
routines and
their rigorous
training
regimens, we
come to
understand the
respect and
dignity with
which this form
of fighting is
regarded in this
Buddhist
society.
RAISED IN THE
RING is an
interesting
reflection of
Muay Thai
through a
grassroots
glance of the
sport as part of
everyday Thai
life as we
witness the life
of young
fighters and the
hardships that
most face.
Juxtaposing this
with the spirit
and beauty of
the Thai culture
and
surroundings,
RAISED IN THE
RING takes a
surreal and
reflective
approach at
studying this
fascinating
physical art and
way of life.
