Bringing forth a new plot and storyline, Netflix, through Hurts Like Hell, gives us a glimpse into the world of Thai Boxing matches and the gambling associated with it. The mini-series is created on the basis of real-life events, throwing light on the concept of how these boxing matches are turned into means of business from the beginning.
Directed by Kittichai Wanprasert, Hurts Like Hell has four episodes, each one being about 50 minutes long. The main cast includes Nat Kitcharit, Tammanoon Sakcharoen, Miinpat Ngamkerdteerasee, Kwanruean Lohakat, and Nut Keasanond. The show is primarily in Thai but dubbed versions of the same are available on the streaming platform.
The official synopsis of Hurts like Hell reads, “When a hotshot gambler challenges a notorious high roller with a wager during a Thai boxing match, the consequences become too much to bear”.
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– Hurts Like Hell Review Does Not Contain Spoilers –
Episode one of Hurts Like Hell starts off with a glance at the backstage Thai Boxing matches, with the purpose of unveiling the deep and dark secrets and controversies of what happens in the unseen parts of these matches. This mini-series was inspired by actual occurrences in the Muay Thai scene, where an activity that has long been revered as a national treasure is packed with hidden and shocking facts.
The main character is introduced as Phat, who is involved in the matches, and we get to see the entire process of match-fixing and gambling through his eyes. Although Phat seems to be the main character of the series, the focus is directed toward new characters in every progressing episode. Since there are four episodes, Phat is the protagonist of the pilot episode, and then we see the world through a referee, a poor child, and lastly, a man and his son in the last instalment of the show.
We see boxing gurus and high rollers, club owners, commentators, and ring doctors. The episode takes up a multi-perspective type of flow which may seem a little weird at first but actually makes a lot of sense around the concept of gambling matches. We then see Phat ask or basically challenge a high roller or a big guru to let him play with him. The high roller threatens to kill him if he is not able to pay him back after the game. This particular scene shows how intense these gamblers play.
The episode ends with a glimpse of the “Crooked Referee”, who is the focus in episode two. This episode brings forth another dimension and perspective in regard to boxing matches and how even the referee can cheat his way out of the match.
The third of the four available episodes is perhaps the best, including a wonderfully compelling plot of a young person struggling to survive while putting in a lot of effort. Your favourite episode may vary depending on how unique each one is. A poverty-stricken young boy is the centre of focus in this episode, and the way he tries to make his way in gambling is truly fascinating.
The fourth episode, which focuses on a man and his son, has amazing cinematography with a very intense and gripping soundtrack. The show concludes beautifully but also meets a very critical end.
Hurts Like Hell: Final Thoughts
Overall, the plot of the show is very intense and brutal and follows a documentary-fiction style of filming. This may not be everyone’s cup of tea, as we see real interview shots in between the scenes of the actual action play. Even though Hurts Like Hell might not be for everyone, if you’re hooked after the first episode, and like the structure, you’ll probably appreciate it a lot. Reenactment play and talking head interviews are split roughly 80/20. These episodes have generally decent filming and editing, and there are unquestionably some excellent moments, particularly during the in-ring action.
Hurts Like Hell is available to be streamed on Netflix.