Digital Review: BANGKOK DOG

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Nov 13 Posted by Kyle Nolan in DVD/Blu-ray, Reviews | Comments

LS-75 International Crimes agents Andrew Kang (D.Y. Sao) and Kaitlyn Liu (Jenny Philomena Van Der Sluijs) are investigating the activities of an international drug cartel on a dock in Long Beach, California when they come across some men unloading a shipping container containing several dead bodies of drug mules who had their cargo burst in transit. Instead of waiting for backup, Agent Kang decides to take down the criminals on his own, utilizing his martial arts skills. The agents manage to capture the crew’s captain, Benz Wu (Brian Le), and learn that he has never actually met his contacts in Thailand face-to-face. So Agent Kang goes deep undercover, posing as Benz Wu, in order to infiltrate the operation and gather evidence on the sadistic crime boss in charge, Dominick Mesias (Sahajak Boonthanakit). He’s partnered up with Charn Chai Yoodee (Byron Bishop), an enforcer raised by Mesias from an early age, and joins him in collecting on debts. Those who can’t or won’t pay are brought to Mesias, where they learn a gruesome and deadly lesson. Kang and Charn Chai become fast friends, and the lines between the cop and his uncover role start to become a bit blurred. Meanwhile, the agency, worried that Kang’s identity is in danger of being revealed, sends Agent Liu to help him get back on track and finish the job.

If you’re looking for some deep, character-driven drama, this is not that film. Bangkok Dog is very much a popcorn film, focusing heavily on the action. The acting and dialogue aren’t the best, but the fights and fast-paced action sequences are great. Whether Kang is facing off against members of the gang, or chasing after folks who don’t want to pay their debts, D.Y. Sao is always there with his fists and feet flying. The supporting and stunt cast also deliver, making these fights look exciting and real. Brian Le makes for a formidable opponent for D.Y. Sao, with size facing off against speed and agility. Sahajak Boonthanakit also gives a solid performance as the sadistic crime boss willing to burn his victims alive. The film also has a bit of humor. The friendship that forms between Kang and Charn Chai is a lot of fun—it kind of reminded me of Alphonso and Kid in Monkey Man. And there’s even some elements of a rom-com with the relationship between Agents Kang and Liu.

Well Go USA has released Bangkok Dog on digital format, and the film will arrive on Blu-ray & DVD December 10. Normally in my reviews, I would comment on the audio and video presentation of the release, but since I watched this film via a watermarked screener, I’m not sure how it compares to the final quality of the consumer product. That said, the audio and video quality on my screener was excellent. The film is primarily in English, though there are some subtitled moments where the characters speak Thai.

What’s Included:

Digital specs may vary by platform/retailer.

Film: (1:28:46)

1080p / Widescreen 2.35:1
Audio: English Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles: English

Extras:

No bonus material included

Final Thoughts:

My Rating

Film:

Video:

N/A

Audio:

N/A

Extras:

Worth a Look for Action Fans

Bangkok Dog is a fun and entertaining action film. While some of the acting is a little sub par, and writing a bit formulaic, the action sequences are really well done. Star D.Y. Sao delivers on the kicks and punches, single-handedly taking on a room full of Kang’s enemies. If you’re an action fan, this is worth checking out. The film is now available on digital, and will arrive on disc next month.