You just knew there had to be a sequel. Tony Jaa became too much of a hit to not get another crack at this film. But this new film takes a very different direction indeed.
Unlike most sequels, Ong Bak 2 is jumping right to a prequel stage. Instead of going forward with the storyline the movie goes back in time to present us with a historical and perhaps more epic view of Thailand. Think of it as a kind of Braveheart with martial arts. The movie trailers are definitely giving it that kind of a feel.
I love the music choice in this trailer. The fight scenes definitely look like the Tony Jaa that took America by storm. But if you recall the first film you will also note that something is different. The direction and storytelling is not the same pace or style. It really shows in this imperfect trailer of a fight scene.
The reason that it has such a different look and feel is because the director has changed. This time out it is Tony Jaa himself that is taking the helm. And from what I can see he does a good job. Though the above scene is a bit slow in pace for American audiences it is good in defining the narrative and motivations of Tien (Jaa). Also keep an eye out for Dan Chupong (Crow Ghost) in this film.
I think this will be a hit in America. It has already done very well in Thailand. But it has one potential problem. This story ends in a less than happy American movie way. That is because there is a 3rd film that continues this story. Which I would expect to be just as good, though I can’t imagine the reported “boneless” fighting it contains.
This is a good film from what I can tell. It has all the elements of what you might expect from Jaa and a martial arts film. It adds to the growing trend of Thai martial arts films that are growing in recognition in this genre. I’m looking forward to this, and Ong Bak 3 next year or so.
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