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Cast: Tony Jaa, Petchthai Wongkamlao, Chupong Changprung, Sorapong Chatree, Primrata Dej-Udom, Suparkorn Kijsuwan, Pattama Panthong, Santisuk Promsiri, Nirut Sirijunya, Sarunyu Wongkrachang
Tien (Tony Jaa), the son of Lord Sihadecho -- a tragically murdered nobleman -- goes under the wing of Chernang (Sorapong Chatree), a renowned warrior and leader of the Pha Beek Krut who teaches Tien a variety of deadly fighting styles. Now a master of weapons and combat, Tien seeks out those who slayed his family.
Tony Jaa first grabbed the world's attention in 2003 when he starred in 'Ong Bak', a martial arts film from Thailand. With all the action stars from the genre getting older he was considered to be the saving grace of sorts and he did not disappoint doing his own stunts and without the use of wires or effects. In 2008 he came back in Ong Bak 2: The Beginning and now the film is finally available in the U.S. on DVD and BLU-ray. Instead of moving forward from where the first film left off this one is a prequel but has nothing to do with the first film at all as far as story goes. This one takes place in the 1400's instead of the present day like the original. The story itself is pretty good for the most part but the ending kinda fell apart, never really wrapping the story up. Jaa not only did all his own fights but also co-directed this one as well. I read Jaa at some point during the filming cracked under the pressure of having to do so much and left the set for almost an entire month which in turn forced the studio to call in another director to help finish the film which is why I think the ending doesn't match the quality story wise as the rest of the film. Now I know you are not going to watch this for the story, you came for the action and on that side of things all I can say is you are in for treat. The martial arts action in this movie is some of the best I have ever seen and this time around Jaa uses many forms of the art and even weapons as well. The fights are plenty so you are always being mesmerized and wildly entertained. Besides the ending the film looks much better than the original as far as production goes. Now what Jaa and the world needs is a solid film in terms of story to back his tremendous skills but until that time this like the first film offers fantastic action with a bit better story to back it all up. If your a fan of the genre or Jaa I highly recommend not missing out on this. The film is released on Blu-ray Collectors Edition, Two-Disc DVD Collectors Edition and Single DVD. The Collectors Edition comes packed with Bonus Features that include:
HDNet: A Look at Ong Bak 2
Behind-the-Scenes: Capturing a Warrior
Ong Bak 3 Exclusive Footage
Bonus Alternate Cut of Ong Bak 2
Making of Ong Bak 2: The Story and Character of an Epic
Making of Ong Bak 2: Revealing the Majesty
Making of Ong Bak 2: The Art of War
Behind-the-Scenes: The Kingdom
Behind-the-Scenes: The Community
Interviews with Cast and Crew including Co-Director/Actor Tony Jaa
International Trailer
Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo - English, Thai Dolby Digital 5.1 - English, Thai Subtitles - English, Spanish
Released by Magnolia Home Entertainment
**** Out Of *****