Whack! Crack! Thump! Six years ago, the legendary Midnight Madness screening of Ong-Bak Muay Thai Warrior launched Tony Jaa as an action superstar and the first internationally recognized Thai cinema celeb. Now Jaa and his action supervisor Panna Rittikrai team up again to direct Ong Bak 2: The Beginning, a film only connected to the original by Jaa’s presence and the number of body whacks and skull cracks it delivers. This bone-snapping follow-up is set in a wild medieval fantasy world of warlords and superhuman fighters.
When an evil warlord assassinates young Tien’s parents, the boy escapes only to be captured by slave traders. Liberated when bandits raid the slavers’ auction, Tien joins the rogues in their mountain lair, taken in by their fatherly leader. Over the years, he is taught an array of exotic and deadly ways to rip, crush, pummel and maim his opponents in combat. Now a young man, Tien (Jaa) is poised to become the leader of this motley crew, but after avenging himself against the slave traders who captured him, he leaves his adopted clan to seek vengeance on the warlord who killed his family.
Ong Bak 2 is a lavish mini-epic that shimmers and glows, anchored by ancient Thai cultural traditions that beg to be experienced on the big screen. But does it deliver the cinematic ass-whoopings the Midnight Madness audience craves? Hell yes.
A departure from the stunt-based action featured in Jaa’s previous roles, Ong Bak 2 focuses on close-contact combat with fists, feet, swords and knives. Jaa is a master of imitation, matching various styles blow for blow with a graceful show of force. Heavy on action and minimal in exposition, this affectionate nod to older martial-arts films fulfills the promise of jaw-dropping action. If you want serious drama and strict adherence to the laws of physics, plenty of films in this Festival will accommodate those cravings. However, no other film will deliver horse chases, crocodile wrestling, swordplay, explosions, elephant stampedes, and dozens of thrilling displays of arcane martial arts. —tiff.net
This is definitely a stand alone film, don't let the title confuse you. This has nothing to do with the original "Ong Bak". Regardless, if you like martial-arts-lore, heavy over use of medium shots, and a seemingly random higher fps rate this is you film. There were somethings worth sitting through. The unique weapons and fighting style were great, as well as close ups and full shots to display Muay Thai.
The best weapon fighting i've ever seen in a movie, but not that deep a film... then again that makes narative sense when put next to the 3rd film. How can there be a character journey if there is no low point to come from?
Studios and renegade teams of independent filmmakers alike are chasing each other into theaters this weekend, scrambling to get a head start
Ong Bak 1 was one of my favorite films of all time. Too bad I walked out on Ong Bak 2 after the half hour mark and not earlier; I could have gotten a refund. Jaa is way to young and inexperienced to… read review
