THE BODYGUARD (2004)

Thai comedian-turned-actor/director Petchai WongKomlao co-wrote, co-directed, and stars in this action-packed, very funny movie about a bodyguard named Wong Kom, assigned to protect the family of a wealthy businessman, who does his job incredibly well in the bullet-riddled action/chase scene that opens this film ... only to, in the end, lose it when the very man he's assigned to protect gets killed.  Humbled and shamed, Wong Kom seeks only to prove his merit by staying with the family - something the new widow wants, yet her only and obstinate son blames Wong Kom, firing him.  Soon after, a gang of incredibly inept thugs try to kidnap the son, who instead flees to a poor section of town, staying incognito with a family even as he falls for their tomboy daughter ... all while Wong Kom and the bad guys scour the city trying to find him.  A funny, uplifting film featuring one of the most unlikely yet likable leading men you'll ever hope to find (and Tony Jaa even has a cameo!). (not rated)  ****

THE BODYGUARD trailer