Review of Ong Bak 2 (2008) by Hunter D — 08 Feb 2010

ONG BAK 2 is a sequel that is likely to disappoint fans of the original, at least from a story perspective. It has very little to do with the original film, in fact, it doesn't even take place in the same century.

Tony Jaa plays Tien, a boy of noble blood who is saved by a bandit after his family is murdered, who then learns martial arts in both hand-to-hand and weapon-based methods, eventually opting for the opportunity for revenge.

ONG BAK 2 has loftier ambitions than Tony Jaa's previous efforts, visually, choreographically, and in terms of narrative, even though it doesn't necessarily succeed in the final front. The movie has a flashback story structure that is suspect when it comes to pacing, and at the end of the day, it is a revenge movie, but it takes a different path than most movies in that genre, so I can't really fault it for being what 99% of martial arts movies are on the surface.

Tony Jaa not only stars, but directs this time around, along with BORN TO FIGHT director Panna Rittikrai. The movie is gorgeous to look at, the composition is lovely, the cinematography is lush, the choreography (by Jaa as well) is brutal and breathtaking.

The action set pieces are as creative and interesting as we've come to expect from Jaa, the standout being a fight scene that takes place around an elephant. Jaa also uses this movie to display his versatility as a fighter and performer, using not only Muay Thai kickboxing, but a myriad of weapons as well.

ONG BAK 2 isn't entirely successful as a film, but it's head-and-shoulders above any other period martial arts epic you've seen lately, and I admire the bravery that went in to the Buddhism of the ending, which is sure to piss off Jaa's western fan base.

Tony Jaa has said all will come full circle with ONG BAK 3, I can't wait to see how he does it.