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Films & Schedules
  • Ong Bak 2: The Beginning

  • Tony Jaa

  • Panna Rittikrai

Country: Thailand
Year:
2009
Language:
Thai
Runtime:
110 minutes
Format:
Colour/35mm
Rating:
14A

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Description

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 connected to the original only 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 his parents, young Tien (Natdanai Kongthong) 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-whuppings 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 fight scenes. 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.

Colin Geddes


Tony Jaa was born in Thailand. He has acted in several films, including Ong Bak Muay Thai Warrior (03), The Bodyguard (04) and The Protector (05). Ong Bak 2: The Beginning (09), in which he also stars, is his feature directing debut.

Panna Rittikrai is a Thai martial arts choreographer, actor, screenwriter, director and producer. He served as stunt coordinator on Suriyothia (01), Ong Bak Muay Thai Warrior (03), Mercury Man (04) and The Protector (05). His recent directing credits include The Bodyguard (04), Born to Fight (04) and Ong Bak 2:The Beginning (09).

Cadillac People's Choice Award