Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior

[Brian in Mesa]

Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior

Release Date: February 11, 2005 (top 20 markets)
Studio: Magnolia Pictures
Director: Prachya Pinkaew
Screenwriter: Prachya Pinkaew, Panna Rittikrai
Genre: Action, Adventure
MPAA Rating: R (for sequences of strong violence, language, some drug use and sexuality)
Website: Ong Bak

Starring: Tony Jaa, Phanom Yeerum, Petchtai Wongkamlao, Pumwaree Yodkamol, Suchao Pongwilai, David Ismalone, Chatthapong Pantanaunkul, Erik Markus Schuetz, Rungrawee Barijindakul, Don Ferguson, Chatewut Watcharakhun, Nudhapol Asavabhakhin, Nick Kara

Plot Summary: One dark night, a former native of a rural Thai village, has his men steal the head of the town's Ong Bak (Buddha statue) to win favor with ruthless crime boss Khom Tuan. The locals regard the theft as a catastrophe, and seek a champion to retrieve their lost treasure. They find their man in Ting (Tony Jaa), an orphaned youngster raised at the local temple, and schooled by Pra Kru, a kindly monk, in an ancient system of Muay Thai: 'Nine Body Weapons'. Ting travels to the mean streets of Bangkok, where he's forced to compete in illegal street fights, taking on both local and foreign opponents to win the head of Ong Bak from the ruthless crime boss.

 

[joeshmo]

I just saw this movie today, playing over at Arrowhead Mall.

Very good movie, had soe funny parts in there sort of Jackie Chan type style action funny.

Tony Jaa could be a Young Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee love child, you get the best of both worlds. Plus he has a totally different fighting style then the main stream stuff so that was really cool as well.

The chase scenes were pretty cool with some nice stunts that actually looked very real without any of the chinese wire stuff. Plus alot of the falls look really authentic I think they were actually real, including some of the kicks and punches as well.

Some really great fight scenes that were very raw, some burtal moments, and a lot of butt kicking without all of the Matrix fighting style that I really hate.

All subtitles but there isnt that much talking in it anyways, and the picture is a little grainy but I think it adds to the style.

If you like pure butt kicking action, are fight scene purists(no matrix crap), and like the Jackie Chan action and fight scene type Choregraphy you will love this move. Tony Jaa may be a rising star soon.