I'm a kung-fu fan. I adore Hong Kong cinema. I have about sixty Jackie Chan films. In the last ten years, however, I have become completely disillusioned with Jackie Chan's efforts. Films like The Medallion and The Tuxedo have been close to appalling. The reason for these pitiful films can only be attributed to Chan's aging body, and his once minimalistic use of wires and CGI have now become his mainstay.
Then, my best friend, lent me Ong-Bak. He told me to watch it. He said it was good. He was wrong...it was better than good. It's a liability to Chan's dominance.
I was skeptical about watching a Thai film, as opposed to a Hong Kong film, because my own preconceptions led me to think Thai cinema was extremely poor by comparison. How wrong I was.
The action in this film is incredible. There is no wirework. There is no CGI. At a time where it would have been easy to use wires or computerised stunts, the makers of this film have stuck to their guns and said, "we can make greatness on our own." Kudos goes to them for making this decision, and they deserve a big pat on the back for pulling it off too.
The undoubted start of this film is Tony Jaa. He is a truly talented martial artist, with the skills of a master, and the face of a leading man. He is a superstar who really has made a name for himself with this film. Some of the moves he pulls off in this film defy belief in much the same way Jackie Chan used to.
Overall, the stunts, fighting and storyline are enough to keep anyone hooked - not just fight fans. The makers have announced that Thai cinema has something to offer, and Tony Jaa has announced that there is a new king of film fighters, and he is it.
Then, my best friend, lent me Ong-Bak. He told me to watch it. He said it was good. He was wrong...it was better than good. It's a liability to Chan's dominance.
I was skeptical about watching a Thai film, as opposed to a Hong Kong film, because my own preconceptions led me to think Thai cinema was extremely poor by comparison. How wrong I was.
The action in this film is incredible. There is no wirework. There is no CGI. At a time where it would have been easy to use wires or computerised stunts, the makers of this film have stuck to their guns and said, "we can make greatness on our own." Kudos goes to them for making this decision, and they deserve a big pat on the back for pulling it off too.
The undoubted start of this film is Tony Jaa. He is a truly talented martial artist, with the skills of a master, and the face of a leading man. He is a superstar who really has made a name for himself with this film. Some of the moves he pulls off in this film defy belief in much the same way Jackie Chan used to.
Overall, the stunts, fighting and storyline are enough to keep anyone hooked - not just fight fans. The makers have announced that Thai cinema has something to offer, and Tony Jaa has announced that there is a new king of film fighters, and he is it.