Ong-bak (2003)

When the head of a statue sacred to a village is stolen, a young martial artist goes to the big city and finds himself taking on the underworld to retrieve it.

Director:

Prachya Pinkaew

Writers:

Panna Rittikrai (story), Prachya Pinkaew (story)

Stars:

Tony Jaa, Petchtai Wongkamlao, Pumwaree Yodkamol

2 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Tony Jaa	...	Ting
Petchtai Wongkamlao	...	Humlae / George (as Mum Jokemok)
Pumwaree Yodkamol	...	Muay Lek
Suchao Pongwilai	...	Komtuan (as Suchoa Pongvilai)
Chatthapong Pantanaunkul	...	Saming
Wannakit Sirioput	...	Don (as Wannakit Siriput)
Cheathavuth Watcharakhun	...	Peng (as Chetwut Wacharakun)
Rungrawee Barijindakul	...	Ngek (as Rungrawee Borrijindakul)
Pornpimol Chookanthong	...	Mae Waan
Chumphorn Thepphithak	...	Uncle Mao (as Chumporn Teppitak)
Sukanya Kongkawong	...	Waitress
Boonsri Yindee	...	Yai Hom (as Bunsri Yindee)
Woranard Tantipidok	...	Pra Cru
Sawang Rodnuch	...	Noi
Sutin Rodnuch	...	Jamnean

Storyline

Booting lives in a small and peaceful village. One day a sacred Buddha statuette called Ong Bak is stolen from the village by an immoral businessman. It soon becomes the task of a voluntary young man, Boonting (Phanom Yeeram), to track down the thief in Bangkok and reclaim the religious treasure. Along the way, Boonting uses his astonishing athleticism and traditional Muay Thai skills to combat his adversaries.

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Plot Keywords:

combat | head | muay thai | martial artist | thief | 

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Taglines:

No stunt doubles, no computer images, no strings attached

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Genres:

Action

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for sequences of strong violence, language, some drug use and sexuality

Details

Official Sites:

Europa Corp. [France] Official site [Australia]

Country:

Thailand

Language:

Thai English

Release Date:

11 February 2005 (USA)

Also Known As:

Daredevil

Filming Locations:

Rat Burana, Bangkok, Thailand

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$270,496 (Hong Kong) (27 February 2004)

Gross:

£214,580 (UK) (20 May 2005)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Baa-Ram-Ewe, Sahamongkolfilm Co.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min 104 min (director's cut) 100 min (DVD edition)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital EX

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Prior to the film's release in the western world, action hero Steven Seagal was so impressed by it that he planned to release the film through his production company with newly-shot scenes featuring himself as the teacher of Tony Jaa's character.

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Goofs

Obvious stunt double when Humlae jumps through the wooden window to attack Don, and when Don throws him over the gas pump. Humlae's stunt double has a smaller head and more straight hair. Stunt double is used in both scenes.

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Quotes

Humlae: At least let me help you start your motorcycle.

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Connections

Referenced in The Bodyguard (2004)

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Soundtracks

Guitar Disto
Written by Camille Farrell and Albert Swim

User Reviews

Brutally Beautiful

The storyline is predictable, but the visual and the fights makes up for it. I understand why people compare the lead actor with Jet Li. They both have that presence on screen, the amazing flexibility and fighting sequences. Outstanding acrobatic movements when running from the bad guys in the street and it was good to see the shots from different angles.

It reminds me of some Jet Li's better fighting sequences before he took to the wires. This is the kind of martial arts film that makes me smile and cheer.

If you like martial arts films, then you'll sure to like this.