DVD Synopsis: A down-on-his-luck salesman has lost his job, his car and his girlfriend on the same day. When a mysterious mobile phone caller offers him $100 million to play a 'game show' featuring 13 secret challenges, he decides to accept. The catch? The tests grow increasingly intense, grotesque and morally questionable, but if he quits at any time he loses everything... Loaded with diabolical twists, 13: Game Of Death is an adrenaline pumping thrill ride that grabs you from the very start and doesn't let go until its final, shocking conclusion. (114 Mins)

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Views: Putting the quote 'From the makers of Ong Bak and Chocolate' on the front cover has no doubt led many fight fans to believe that this is another action-packed film from the team in Thailand, but that is not the case. And I don't mean that negatively because, instead, we are given one of the best Thai films in recent years all wrapped up in a twisted thriller that's filled with plenty of dark comedy and violence galore, that takes the Baa-Ram-Ewe Studio to another level! Its been a while since I first watched 13: Game Of Death and had actually forgotten just how well made, directed, and entertaining it all is. At times it comes across like a ramped-up and twisted version of Michael Douglas' fantastic 1993 film Falling Down, yet keeps its own originality as it starts off on a light jog before breaking into a full sprint in no time at all. There are certainly no boring moments here as it keeps shocking and surprising its audience along the way, as poor Chit accepts challenge after challenge – with each one getting worse along the way, determined to succeed 13 tasks with the promise of winning 100 million dollars for his efforts. It really is a fascinating insight as to how far people can be pushed for money, but 13: Game Of Death goes much deeper. From killing an insect to eating a plate of shit, this downtrodden unemployed and emotionally destroyed guy soon finds himself caught up in something much more sinister. At the same time, there is still plenty of laughs to be had at Chit's expense, most of which don't take anything away from the tension the main story has already provided. More often than not, Thai comedy doesn't translate too well for the Western audience but, with this, most of the humour actually works and comes across as quite funny!

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Each role is pretty well-acted, but main star Krissada Sukosol definitely owns the show. He plays Chit perfectly, full of emotion that keeps you glued to the screen every second he's on it. I felt it was like he was channeling the energy of a young Anthony Wong from the golden years of Hong Kong cinema! And while only having appeared in a handful of films as I write (this being his third) such as The Adventures Of Iron Pussy and Bangkok Loco, I'd like to see Krissada go a long way and make a bigger name for himself. While he has shown up since in a handful of Thai titles, there hasn't been any that have stood out such as this. 13: Game Of Death is the second feature film by director Chookiat Sakveerakul, made 2 years after his debut project Evil (Pisaj) which was also produced by Baa-Ram-Ewe studios. His follow-up feature was the well-received Love Of Siam, a coming-of-age romantic drama that saw his 'Directors Cut' clocking in at a brave 178 minutes long. While I haven't seen anything of his since, it's good to know that Chookiat is still going strong having just directed the Thai television show, Manner Of Death, which has been getting some great feedback...

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I don't want to give too much away about 13: Game Of Death, as the shock value and plot twists will be spoiled if you haven't already seen it. Hollywood already remade it in 2014 as 13 Sins, starring Ron Pearlman and Mark Webber – although I've yet to see it for a full comparison. That said, I'd highly recommend you see the original first for a more entertaining and grittier experience. So go find yourself a copy of 13: Game Of Death and enjoy one of Thai cinema's better offerings before someone ruins it for you...

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Overall: Fast-paced, shocking, and funny, 13: Game Of Death is one of the best films to come out of Thailand thus far!

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DVD Extras: Making of Documentary, Original Trailer