Movies
Action, Adventure, Martial Arts
Release Date: February 6, 2004 (US Release)

Director: Prachya Pinkaew

Main Cast:
Tony Jaa as Ting
Pumwaree Yodkamol as Muay
Peechaya Wattanamontree as Humlae
Somchai Khemklad as Chet

Plot Summary
Ong-Bak (2003) is a high-octane martial arts film that put Thai cinema on the global map. The story follows Ting (played by Tony Jaa), a skilled young man from a small village in Thailand, who embarks on a dangerous mission to retrieve the stolen head of the sacred statue of Ong-Bak. The statue’s theft has caused the village to lose its spiritual protection, and Ting, driven by loyalty and duty, heads to Bangkok to track down the criminals responsible.

In the bustling streets and dark underworld of the city, Ting finds himself facing ruthless thugs, underground fighting rings, and treacherous adversaries. Along the way, he encounters a colorful cast of characters, including his friend Humlae, who becomes his reluctant ally. With his unparalleled martial arts skills, which feature a mixture of Muay Thai and gravity-defying stunts, Ting must fight his way through intense battles to reclaim the statue and restore honor to his village.

Trailer Highlights

The official trailer for Ong-Bak gives audiences a taste of the raw action and martial arts brilliance, featuring:

• Stunning, no-cut fight sequences showcasing Tony Jaa’s extraordinary skills, including jaw-dropping Muay Thai moves and acrobatics
• High-speed chases through the crowded streets of Bangkok, where Ting’s determination and speed are tested to their limits
• Intense and brutal hand-to-hand combat, with every fight pushing Ting to his physical and mental edge
• Moments of humor and camaraderie between Ting and his companions, providing a break from the relentless action
• The unforgettable spectacle of Ting using his environment and surroundings to deliver gravity-defying stunts and fights

Reception

Ong-Bak was a game-changer in the action and martial arts genre, earning rave reviews for its raw, unpolished fight choreography and Tony Jaa’s incredible physicality. The film was praised for its commitment to using practical stunts and real martial arts techniques, with Jaa’s fierce dedication to performing his own stunts making him an international star. The film’s action sequences, especially its fight scenes, were widely regarded as some of the most intense and innovative in modern cinema. While the plot may have been straightforward, Ong-Bak’s commitment to showcasing authentic martial arts drew audiences from all corners of the globe, catapulting it into cult classic status.