She Was the Next Tony Jaa | Video Essay

Accented Cinema - Episode 113
If only the poster is better.

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[ll]

The first thing I noticed about Jeeja's fights in Chocolate was that each fight was a homage to a particular martial arts legend, the fact she can mimic other actors styles so accurately shows that she's a well rounded martial artist herself. Chocolate is a really good movie and you really care about Zen. That said Raging Phoenix is the better movie and the fights are a lot more brutal.

[kirbymarchbarcena]

The fight between Zen the autistic versus Thomas the boy with Tourette's syndrome was quite amazing for me to watch...as each used their wits and talents to defeat each other.

[eyesus]

One more thing, thank you for talking about this movie. I am autistic and the martial arts were where I learned a bunch about life. This movie spoke to me on a different level. Also being in the West I never heard any of the marketing, so I had no expectations. Also listening to your analysis about why the direct callbacks to other martial art movies. Great Channel.

[Sheldon.X.L]

I saw her fights on YouTube back then. She was crazy talented I’m surprise she didn’t take off. Glad she’s getting some attention finally.

[Limxuv]

Chocolate was such a great film. I remember watching it when I started exploring more SEA action films in high school

[JowanaBueser]

I will not stop introducing her films to anyone and I will never forget the first time I saw "Chocolate." One of the last projects she did was as a stunt double in a fantasy-action series here in the Philippines.

[stephengibbons]

Great video! I loved Chocolate and Raging Phoenix when they were released and was kinda disappointed that Jeeja never became a massive star.

[notrealrob]

I randomly found this on Netflix a few years ago. This is a great martial arts film that is not talked about enough.

[exquisitecorpse]

Chocolate is one of my favorite martial arts movies. It has so much heart....criminally underrated. Unfortunately, Jeeja Yanin hasn't really gotten another opportunity like it.

[GiantGeekGuy]

Yet another one of those films that my uncles exposed me to as a kid.

I remember this movie for opening me up to how desperate life can be for many people (though the movie brings it to an extreme with the fierce action). I felt sad for her, yet her action was breathtaking.

[ShadyCrzy]

I love this movie, I've had it on DVD for over a decade and never understood why no one had ever heard of it. Thanks for the video essay and the memories!

[cpuuk]

Love this film- the fights were sublime, especially as she picks up and uses the different fighting styles. For me I must have missed any Tony references, so my expectations weren't skewed.

[redsgrave]

I remember the final battle to this day. I enjoyed the movie but it's been a while since I've seen it. I was mainly interested in it due to the portrayal of autism. You are absolute right on how it's more respectful than plenty of Western portrayals. Seeing an autistic person become a super badass seemed like a cheesy fantasy to me, but I will take it over seeing someone like myself be seen as "creepy" or as some human computer. Both of those takes have the person be largely defined by the condition, which frankly isn't very good for character writing.

[jamesodwyer]

I think I am lucky that I sought out the movie just because it was a martial arts movie. When I first watched it back in the day I had no heightened expectations and could go in blind. I enjoyed it a lot

[shanecamara]

This film is one of my favorites and it hit all the right notes for me.

[GringoXalapeno]

As an autistic adult this movie felt special to me and empowering and you did a good job with this video and it was refreshing to hear you talk about it

[chenzenzo]

Such a well shot film with excellent choreography and an actual plot. I really cared about the character. I thought she did an amazing job, and the action was based on her learning techniques and moves bit by bit. It was brilliant!
Bought it as soon as it came out and have watch it many times. ❤

[thewholesomeheart]

The video essay about Chocolate that the world needed to see. Bless, my guy! I've waited over 10 years for someone to drop this kind of content about Chocolate. Truly, it's an underrated and underappreciated film. I've watched this movie, maybe over 10 times now in this life, and I still love it. Flaws and all. T___T

[biancaroyale]

I am so happy to see more people enjoying Chocolate!

I watched it back when it came out and loved it right away ❤

[markoholic_]

I remember watching this when I was in college, I enjoyed it very much :D