Watch Ong Bak 2: The Beginning

In Ong Bak 2: The Beginning, martial arts superstar Tony Jaa plays a young man named Tien, the son of a murdered nobleman in ancient Thailand. As a child, Tien was captured by slave traders and sold to a group of pirates, who trained him to become a deadly fighter. When Tien escapes from the pirates, he joins a group of rebels fighting against the corrupt officials who have taken over his homeland.

The film is set in the 15th century, and features stunning period costumes, locations, and action sequences. Director and co-writer Tony Jaa clearly put a lot of research and effort into creating an immersive world that feels authentically Thai. The result is a film that is both visually stunning and emotionally engaging.

One of the most impressive aspects of Ong Bak 2 is the incredible fight choreography. Tony Jaa is known for his jaw-dropping physical prowess, and he does not disappoint in this film. From the opening scene, in which Tien battles a pack of vicious tigers, to the final showdown against a powerful warlord, the fight scenes are breathtakingly intense and creative. Jaa's martial arts skills are on full display, as he seamlessly blends traditional moves with acrobatics, weapons, and even elephant riding.

But Ong Bak 2 is not just a showcase for Tony Jaa's athletic ability - it also has a strong narrative that explores themes of betrayal, revenge, and redemption. Tien's journey to reclaim his homeland is fraught with danger and moral ambiguity, as he must navigate alliances with both the rebels and the corrupt officials. Along the way, he meets a mysterious woman (played by Primorata Dejudom) who becomes his ally and confidante.

The supporting cast is equally impressive, particularly Sarunyu Wongkrachang as Lord Rajasena, the tyrannical ruler who holds Tien's people in thrall. Wongkrachang brings a subtle complexity to the role, making the audience understand the motivations behind Rajasena's cruelty. Sorapong Chatree also shines as the sage-like Chernang, who trains Tien in the ways of combat and philosophy.

Another standout aspect of Ong Bak 2 is its stunning cinematography. The film was shot on location in Thailand, using a variety of natural landscapes to create a sense of epic scale. The jungle scenes are particularly striking, with Jaa leaping and swinging through the trees like a modern day Tarzan. The fight scenes are also beautifully staged and shot, with slow-motion and close-ups used to emphasize the impact of each blow.

Overall, Ong Bak 2: The Beginning is a thrilling, engrossing martial arts epic that is sure to satisfy fans of the genre. Tony Jaa proves once again that he is one of the most talented and charismatic action stars working today, and his co-direction of the film shows a new level of creative ambition. Whether you're looking for intense fight scenes, breathtaking visuals, or a thought-provoking story, Ong Bak 2 delivers the goods.

Ong Bak 2: The Beginning is a 2008 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 47.