Critic Rating
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Director
Prachya Pinkaew
Cast
Tony Jaa,
Petchtai Wongkamlao,
Pumwaree Yodkamol,
Suchao Pongwilai,
Chumphorn Thepphithak,
Cheathavuth Watcharakhun
Genre
Action,
Thriller
When the sacred Buddha of a poor village is stolen, Ting volunteers to travel to Bangkok and retrieve the relic in time for their ceremony. Ting, trained in Muay Thai by monks who forbade him to use it in combat, must avoid the temptation to use it as he delves into the seedy underworld of a corrupt city.
Tony Jaa's breakout film, where we got to see the full extent of his stunt work and martial arts capabilities. Like other action films, it's plot is thin and is there to serve the larger set pieces, but the action choreography and craft put into the stunts and fights helps elevate it past a standard martial arts film.
Film Threat by Eric Campos
So just do yourself a favor, get out there and see Ong Bak. You’ll leave the theater bruised and battered, but you'll be happy about it.
Village Voice
The ferocious fighting moves (adapted from ancient Muay Thai manuals by veteran Thai martial arts director Phanna Rithikrai) that constitute Ong-Bak's money shots are often truly astonishing.
Los Angeles Times by Kenneth Turan
It's a display of phenomenal dexterity and nimble grace that's a joy to watch. That, friends, is entertainment.
The New York Times by Dana Stevens
Mr. Jaa, blessed with astonishing muscle definition and a stoical, sensitive face, clearly has the potential to be an international action movie star, and Ong-Bak feels like the start of a scrappy, potent franchise.
The Hollywood Reporter
An effective martial arts film destined to leave mouths agape.
L.A. Weekly by David Chute
However shrewdly he's been packaged, Tony Jaa is the real thing.
Time by Richard Corliss
Pummeling, exhilarating.
Variety by Derek Elley
Strongly recalls Hong Kong kung-fu movies of the late '60s and '70s, with physical grit, over-the-top heroics and inventive fight choreography providing the entertainment.
Dallas Observer by Luke Y. Thompson
Ong-Bak's script, if you can call it that, is nothing but a series of setups for star Tony Jaa to show his stuff.
The A.V. Club by Scott Tobias
Makes up in action what it lacks in storytelling finesse.
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