This movie is a spectacular departure from the "wire-fu" that's all the rage these days. This is real people doing amazing things. Ong Bak takes up the mantle of early 80's Hong Kong cinema, and adds quite a bit of style. Also refreshing is the lack of "dark room, cameraman is on speed" camera-work in the fight scenes. The fight choreography is fluid and fast, and the aerials are stunning. The camera doesn't try to hide anything, it exposes the actors in their full glory.
The acting is, well, better than most martial arts movies, but that isn't saying much. The plot is fairly disposable. Personally, I found the voice of the female lead rather grating. Overall, though, worth watching, if you like the genre.
The acting is, well, better than most martial arts movies, but that isn't saying much. The plot is fairly disposable. Personally, I found the voice of the female lead rather grating. Overall, though, worth watching, if you like the genre.