Ong-Bak, The Thai Warrior: Frank's Take
01/03/2005 . Source: Frank Ochieng 

Lately, moviegoers have been treated to the extravagant chopsocky films that were armed with poetic elegance and sophistication. Profound glossy martial arts melodramas such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and House of Flying Daggers were staples of exaggerated yet lyrical landscape pieces that dared to be meditative in its presentation of demonstrating a literate fist of fury fable.

Buy Ong-Bak in the USA - or Buy Ong-Bak in the UK

Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior (2005) Magnolia Pictures 1 hour 40 minutes. Starring: Tony Jaa, Suchao Pongwilai, Petchtai Wongkamlao, Pumwaree Yodkamol, David Ismalone, Erik Marcus Schuetz. Directed by: Prachya Pinkaew.

Lately, moviegoers have been treated to the extravagant chopsocky films that were armed with poetic elegance and sophistication. Profound glossy martial arts melodramas such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and House of Flying Daggers were staples of exaggerated yet lyrical landscape pieces that dared to be meditative in its presentation of demonstrating a literate fist of fury fable. Gone were the repetitive days of empty-minded kick-and-chop capers that were more cartoonish than they were creative. One can argue that Far East fight flicks have become too intuitive for their own good and it’s about time that this kinetic genre got back to its own daring carefree roots.

Thailand’s Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior will never be mistaken for something as operatic and refined such as Hero. In fact, this showcase was a bona fide smash hit when it was released in its native country. Writer-director Prachya Pinkaew (aided by the film’s fight choreographer Panna Rittikrai) delivers a raw and rollicking account of a young country fighter out to save the dignity of his deprived community.

There’s nothing penetrating or special about Pinkaew’s narrative that suggests a breakthrough in action-pack Asian cinema. Still, it’s refreshing to see that Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior is a throwback to the martial arts melodramas of yesteryear where frenzied features didn’t always have to be resonate in its polished presentation. Basically, Pinkaew helms a simple fish-out-of-water story that’s thoroughly robust within its own skin. Visually involving and vibrantly executed, fight fans will definitely get a rousing kick out of Ong-Bak.

Dazzling twenty-nine year old leading man Tony Jaa is the awesome surging centerpiece that fuels this quirky kickboxing gem. Lean and marvelously chiseled as an indescribable human hurt machine, Jaa exudes the skillful intensity of the late great Bruce Lee. Also, he proudly wears the badge of enthusiasm as demonstrated by his influence Jackie Chan. It’s sheer exhaustion in watching Jaa perform his amazing stunts as he uses his flexible and fervent body to express the rage and riotous rigors of his combative convictions. Jaa is very charismatic and crafty and drives this stimulating sock ‘em saga convincingly with riveting results.

Ting (Jaa) is the local guy from a small Thai village that takes umbrage when it is learned that the sacred Buddha statue Ong-Bak had been stolen from his hometown. The statue represents the heart and soul of Ting’s beloved village and he’s outraged that anyone would want to desecrate the symbiotic meaning of his area. Feeling resentful and courageous at the same time, Ting decides to travel to Bangkok and retrieve the precious item that clearly defines the spirituality of his residence. Since Ting is a faithful follower of the provocative Muay Thai fighting art form, he has the confidence (if not ability) to march into the big city and claim what is rightfully his village’s treasured property.

The sinister individual behind the swiped statue is a shady urban antiquities dealer in the name of big-time gangster Komtuan (Suchao Pongwilai). In order for Ting to go up against Komtuan and his twisted henchmen, he’ll need some assistance during his chaotic adventure. Ting eventually meets up with aspiring monk-turned-despicable-gambler George (Petchtai Wongkamlao) and his teenaged girly hanger-on (Pumwaree Yodkamol).

Together, this unlikely band unite to battle the riff raffish Komtuan and other surrealistic opponents that present a serious challenge. Whatever the confrontation, Ting is unshakable and trusts the astounding athletic tendencies to do the harsh talking for him. Through tenacious means, our harried hero takes on these furious foes with reckless aplomb. The fight scenes are uniquely incredible and Ting does an unimaginable amount of eye-popping acrobatic movements that will leave audiences gasping in a cold sweat.

Predictably, Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior will invite obvious comparisons to film fans that will recall the same sensationalized formula that Jean-Claude Van Damme flicks have revisited numerous times before. Despite this glaring revelation, Ong-Bak is still inspired and vastly entertaining in its risk-taking mode to conjure up a fearless farce that clicks on cue. There’s no doubt that Jaa is being put on display as the next international action-oriented star to make waves on the big screen. He certainly has the physical appeal and brooding mystique to carry off this agenda.

Although the thinning plot can be classified as arbitrary and nonsensical, this silly-minded tale about revenge and respectability is indeed innocent frivolous fun. Pinkaew’s grainy project doesn’t have the best production values per se but its punchy spirit and frenetic flashes makes for a spry session of energetic eye candy. The character development is rather sketchy but who really cares about this tidbit in light that the movie’s main protagonist stick to the philosophy of boisterously kicking some bad guy butt while taking names in the process. Whether witnessing gritty underground death matches or partaking in the excitement of outrageous foot and transportation chases, Ong-Bak takes viewers on an exhilarating ride.

As a free-wheeling spectacle, there’s not a spurious bone to pick when flipping and flinging for the raucous Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior.

Frank Ochieng

(c) Frank Ochieng 2005