ONG BAK marked the debut of Tony Yaa, the explosive martial talent, to 
both Thai and intenational audience. The story of a young man searching for a stolen Buddha head in Bangkok is aided by the skillful direction by Prachya Pinchaew for the director truthfully portrays country life, while going a little over the top with his depiction of wicked Bangkok.
Honor, serenity, and goodness versus corruption, greed, and violence. Seemingly the latter will win this battle of one man against a city of eveil, except Tony Yaa’s character Ting is on a mission and his ability to take on all comers is not a joke. Tony Yaa never breaks a smile. only arms and legs.
I had to rewind the DVD in several places to verify my eyes weren’t playing tricks. Tony Yaa choreographs these fight scene and must leave a trail of bruised stunt man in the path.
I liked this movie. It was some times amateurish, but better than the film about the lost elephant, since ONK BAT is 100% Thai instead of 50/50 like Tony Yaa’s second feature.
Also helping the effort is the comic acting of Petchai Wongkamlao. This veteran funnyman balances out the wooden Chuck Norris tendency of Tony Yaa and I hope some Hollywood director recognizes his talents.