Well it's much better than Ong Bak 1 and that elephant assault that was the previous film by these guys, though Ong Bak 2 still suffers from Asian Blockbuster syndrome with its over the top direction with jarring mis-use of slo-mo, pans and zooms. But the cinematography is good, as is the simple story and of course...the crazy hardcore action.
It's even got crazy ninja, what more do you want? Elephant as a prop? You got that too.
The biggest WTF though was the ending. I was sure the film would go the 'he finds enlightenment through Buddha but still uses violence to get revenge anyway' route, but Tony Jaa throws me for a loop with the completely downbeat yet logical ending.
Kudos, even though it lacks resolution for the audience, though I suppose it provides a little food for thought for casual cinema goers at the pub later (not that this movie will open worldwide for casual movie goers, but for Thai casual viewers?)
Actually, while writing this post I did a quick Wiki and learned a direct sequel is coming this year which I suppose robs this movie of its WTF-ery somewhat.
It's even got crazy ninja, what more do you want? Elephant as a prop? You got that too.
The biggest WTF though was the ending. I was sure the film would go the 'he finds enlightenment through Buddha but still uses violence to get revenge anyway' route, but Tony Jaa throws me for a loop with the completely downbeat yet logical ending.
Kudos, even though it lacks resolution for the audience, though I suppose it provides a little food for thought for casual cinema goers at the pub later (not that this movie will open worldwide for casual movie goers, but for Thai casual viewers?)
Actually, while writing this post I did a quick Wiki and learned a direct sequel is coming this year which I suppose robs this movie of its WTF-ery somewhat.
