With all the influx of Asian films coming in over the last few years, I’ve tried to catch as many as I could. Not necessarily because they are all good, but so that I could pick out the best to recommend to friends wanting an introduction to the genre, whether it be horror or action. I recently had a chance to watch “Ong Bak: The Thai Warrior”, which came with its own set of high recommendations. I was told that the film plot-wise was fairly simple. Tony Jaa stars as Ting, who accepts the challenge of recovering the stolen head of the Ong Bak Buddha. He is joined (begrudgingly) by Humlai (Petchtai Wongkamlao), a rather slovenly character with questionable character. They in turn are joined by a young girl (Pumwaree Yodkamol) and together they search for the stolen head. Like I said… fairly simple. But what we are treated to is some of the most impressive fighting sequences I’ve ever seen. The style is called Muay Thai, and you have to see it to believe it.

But it is not only the style that is so impressive, but the fact that Jaa does all his won stunts, without the use of wirework. There are occasions when this is hard to believe, but I don’t think they can claim it if it isn’t true.

But then, this is evident by some of the extra features offered on this disc. Two of them in particular show some of the stunt and fighting behind the scenes, and again it’s hard to believe some of what this guy can pull off. You’ll also find a couple of live performances by Jaa. If he gets the right marketing push, I think he could very well become as big here in the States as Jackie Chan.

The only unfortunate thing about this DVD is that it includes some bizarre rap videos featuring Jaa that I could’ve done without. The music, as I mentioned was rap, so by default… it’s bad. Of course, there’s also a making of the video, again that I could have done without.

“Ong Bak: The Thai Warrior” is offered up with an optional English dub, but I highly recommend watching it in the original Thai language with subtitles. If you live in Texas and can’t read, don’t worry about it. Contact a friend who can, and let them talk you through it. Movies like these are always better in their native language. Trust me.

Directed by: Prachya Pinkaew
Starring: Tony Jaa, Petchtai Wongkamlao, Pumwaree Yodkamol
Extras: Rap music video featuring Tony Jaa, Making of the music video, The 8 movements of Muay Thai, Behind-the-scenes stunt footage, Tony Jaa performance at French screening, Tony Jaa performance at NBS game, Promotional video featuring The RZA, Trailer featuring The RZA, Additional Trailers
Specifications: Widescreen (1.85:1), English Dolby Surround, Thai Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Studio: Fox
Release Date: 8/30/2005
Region 1
MPAA Rating: R
Website

We'll give Ong Bak: The Thai Master a B.