“Ong-Bak 3” Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Tony Jaa
Co-director: Panna Rittikrai
Cast: Tony Jaa, Primrata Det-Udom, Dan Chupong, Sarunyu Wongkrajang, Nirutti Sirijanya, Petchtai Wongkamlao, Chumphorn Thepphithak, Supakorn Kitsuwon, Sorapong Chatree, Santisuk Promsiri
Running Time: 95 min.

By JJ Hatfield

Before viewing “Ong Bak” 3 it is essential to have watched “Ong Bak” 2, or as some people refer to it as the first half of the film. It was written and planned as being one film, perhaps a cliff hanger, but the studio thought they would make more money if they were treated as two different films. They were wrong.

The film opens with fighting scenes from OB2. Everything has a gray-green cast to it, post shooting color grading but it serves well to remind the viewer of some of the wild action that has come before as the credits roll. The story begins at the point the last one ended. Lord Rajeesna (Sarunyoo Wongkrachang) practically rubs his hands in glee as he orders the beginning of Tien’s punishment.

We first see Tien’s battered face, unconscious in a head and hand stock. He is awakened by the soldiers dousing him with water. They release him from the stock but he is still chained. Thus begins some of the most brutal, bloody beating scenes ever in a movie with Tony Jaa! I will not even get into the crushing bones part. In between however we get to watch Tien as he beats hell out of the soldiers. He’s in great shape and does incredibly amazing moves that manage to look fresh and different. Not even Tien can hold out forever and is recaptured by the soldiers. The time Tien is being beaten and brutalized is a bit of sadistic desires fulfilled by Lord Rajeesna. He repeatedly stated he wants Tien to die slowly and painfully, as a lesson to others, but in truth he has hated Tien’s entire family for many years and is really enjoying himself and the the crowning glory to his little party.

To Tony’s credit watching the horrible violence looks uncomfortably very, very real. He really can act when he puts forth the effort. His face shows emotions ranging from defiance to the realization he wasn’t going to get out of the horrible situation to fear in his face as the next hammer is about to strike a temple shattering blow.

During his time as a prisoner Tien’s hatred and thirst for revenge grows. While the viewer’s focus may be on Tien, the Crow Demon becomes more powerful, and perhaps a bit more human in appearance as the curse spreads. Master Bua makes a pilgrimage to the temple near the Kona Khone village. He secludes himself in the temple to meditate.As Master Bua meditates the dark presence tries to influence him. The Master is able to cast off the evil but he realizes he needs to purify himself if he is to help Tien or the people falling victim to the curse. For the first time the Master feels the cold sickness and seems to understand more of what Tony is feeling. He is able to help Tien later through his fear after experiencing it for only a few moments. Master Bua purifies himself and goes through the ritual ceremonies to become a Buddhist Monk.

“Ong Bak 3“ is a very spiritual movie. I realize that sounds like an odd description of a story with so much fighting and killing but it’s true. The viewer will sometimes not understand what the hell is going on or why at times but be patient. However do not think all your questions will be answered because they won’t. And I don’t necessarily think that is a bad thing. Sometimes it makes a better film to allow the audience to think and find their own answers.

Because of the spiritual aspect, meditation and Buddhism, differences in culture and time period it is easy as a non Thai to miss certain phrases or objects of relevance. Some events take place in real time, others in deep meditation. Visions or spiritual messages don’t necessarily seem related to time.

Kana Khone was a real village in 1421 although relatively small. It is found in reference to the specific village in the 1600‘s by the common name “Khone Chook”, although the Royals used the term “Soh-Khan”. Life is a daily struggle for residents of the village, known for it’s healing arts. Living in the middle of the jungle-forest in a state of poverty the villagers try to survive a war torn existence. Buddhism is not something they believe in, it’s an important part of their daily lives. Following Buddha has allowed the villagers to not retaliate when the village is raided and yet have peace in their hearts.

Under the guidance of Master Bua the villagers unite their minds and hearts to make a symbol showing their spiritual belief was strong in the hopes it will help Tien heal. Mhen (Petchtai Wongkamlao) has more on screen time and in his own way also helps Tien. Is this group attempt to help Tien supernatural? A miracle? Buddha? Or in the context of the film Tien is in superb shape, he has a lot of adrenaline flowing through his veins already and getting pounded might have added a bit. He receives the best medicine for the time and he is very, very lucky? This is the kind of story behind the story many people miss. It’s easy to get caught up with the fighting and training. But there really is more to this half of the film than it has received credit for – yet.

Some day it will.

There is a superb fight scene, tied for the best in the movie when Lord Rajaseena takes his troops to the Crow Demon’s Castle. Everything is dark and foreboding with crows swooping and flying close to the soldiers. Only the Lord is allowed in the castle. The Crow’s castle is creepy and the Demon Crow even more so. (Dan Chupong really out-does himself in a great performance!) Full of skeletons, skulls, draped in big cobwebs, menacing looking statues, signs of sacrifices, decay everywhere, you can smell it. Everything reeks of slaughter and death. The Lord is angry and more than a little afraid but he must end the curse upon him and attacks the Demon Crow. (Again Chupong does an almost over the top performance but stops just short of losing any demonic qualities) Lord Rajaseena is furious and sends his men into the castle to kill the Crow Demon. Bad idea for the soldiers but it brings about a fantastic fight! The amazing powerful fights are all pretty much one sided. The Crow Demon is a master of fighting, or as Lord Rajaseena said “A fighter like no other.” Chupong pulls off moves that look new and specific to a character called the Crow Demon.

The Crow Demon is an excellent fighter and dispatches the soldiers easily, at times by pushing them through the castle walls. It is a long and enjoyable fight scene! Chupong is an excellent martial artist as well as superb stunt master. And it shows. I was quite impressed with the high quality choreography and the number of punches and kicks he would do at the same time. In order to achieve the “beyond human” status’ there are a couple of scenes where Chupong is on wires. It does add to the character especially the first time he fights, however he really doesn’t need wires too impress.

While the Crow Demon works to increase his powers Tien has been training and trying to recover from his severe injuries. He works to create a new fighting form that include elements of dance and beauty, and not as lethal as other forms. He tries to follow Master Bua’s teachings but the rage in his heart only feeds his demons. He continues to train and meditate to cleanse his spirit. His return to the village presents a severe test of his beliefs and behavior. People lie dead, the village on fire and in ruins. His friend Pim and other villagers are no where to be found. He is in despair… and soldiers are coming. Can Tien fight those who attacked the village without being enraged? How could anyone?

The production values were good with great attention to detail in the sets and costumes, whether in the grimy muddy village road or the grand palatial castle. The ongoing village life was obvious with what background characters were doing and demonstrates why it is known as a healing place. From jewelry to dishes to medicines everything was literally designed to feel and look authentic.

There were definitely problems that hampered the production on OB 2-3. The schedule was tight to begin with but it quickly was behind and over-budget for the point they were at already. Tony is known for shooting much more fighting than will be used in the film. This created a situation where some scenes had to be edited out or not filmed. Additionally there were some fairly serious discussions between Tony and company with the people in charge of the area of the Vihear Temple. Being so close to the Cambodian border tensions were very high and several scenes were necessary to leave out for all around safety purposes. Unfortunately the viewers want to see all of the movie but we in the U.S., U.K, Canada etc. need to remember this is Thailand. We do not always see issues the same way. It would have been ridiculous to risk anyone being hurt for real for a few extra movie scenes.

Speaking of being hurt there had to be a lot of stunt guys in pain, and Tony as well. The majority of fights are brutal beyond compare. Sure these guys are used to do doing crazy ass stunts but I doubt if that makes the pain go away. Reports of Tony and/or Dan Chupong being injured were a weekly event.

Plenty of rumors made the rounds with stories becoming more unbelievable as time grew closer to the release. Panna and Tony worked well together most of the time. And then the rumors about Triad involvement? Well we know it’s not uncommon. Jackie, Jet – Tony would not be the first to have such problems but no one really knows the truth.

While “OB” 2 seemed to be about nothing but nothing more than vengeance there is far more there than just a dark story of revenge. Some viewers may want to watch it again. Both 2 and 3 are complex despite the complaints of nothing happening, no fighting, etc. Tony is training, beating and fighting most of the film.

I can’t say much more without major spoilers. However I can guarantee you have never seen fighting like this before from Tony! The two part climax is absolutely incredible! Tien becomes a rabid enraged animal, consumed by hatred and revenge. Blood flies in every direction as Tien pummels soldiers, snaps necks, spears people stabbing them again and again. Tien literally rips people apart. The elephants are there in force and help Tien take out some bad guys. Some people complain elephants are used too often but you haven’t seen them like this before. There really are quite a few things the audience has not watched previously. No one can watch this film and claim there is not enough fighting. This is a movie, with a plot, a message and a hell of a lot of realistic fighting and buckets of blood. It’s damn good entertainment! It is also a trilogy, with all three “Ong Bak” movies having connections, the most obvious being the statue of Ong Bak.

At the core all the “Ong Bak” films have presented the same message, and one of the most important aspects of Buddhism is to not hate or hold revenge in your heart or mind, nor pursue vengeance. To truly forgive and let go is the path to peace for not just Tien but it also shows howholding on to revenge can grow to bring about suffering to all. Buddism is a very peaceful way of life but also includes Karma. What you do in this life affects what will happen in the next reincarnation and so forth.

A couple of notes about time:

* Although some people have insisted the punishment lasted for ten minutes, they are wrong. Tien is beaten by the guards for over one minute. Then he starts to fight back and beats hell out of the soldiers for two minutes real time, then back to Tien being bashed for another minute. There is also a period when Master Bua sees Tien and the beatings he is suffering. Even if you include that minute plus Tien fighting in between you still end up with approximately five minutes. However it can definitely feel far longer.

* The “coma” time has also been wildly exaggerated by people. Some reviewers apparently can’t count because of remarks like, “Tony is in a coma for half the movie” If you count from the time a rescue attempt is made, through the villagers extraordinary efforts to heal him is less than ten minutes….hardly half the film. On the other hand it could be said that Tien is training and meditating and healing almost up to the point the Crow Demon turned King fights him.

* Pim’s healing dance with Tien from when they see each other runs about five minutes.

These notes are examples of how time can be distorted. Times listed are not to be considered accurate to the second. Some day when I have the opportunity I may go back and time exactly certain scenes but the viewer will either accept certain scenes feel longer than they are or believe what they want.

*I have viewed two versions of “Ong Bak” with different actual running times. The only real differences are length of fight scenes and the editing of the Vihear Temple.

As with the other “Ong Bak” reviews please forgive incorrect spellings of names and locations.

The Ong Bak films will be debated for many years to come. As I stated when Tony “retired” he is not through with movies. He still shows that drive to be in front of the camera but he is a good director in the making. However we have not seen the last of Tony’s movies!

If anyone would like to offer comments or feedback I look forward to it. I’m expecting a number of persons are anticipating my posting with a number or reasons why I’m wrong. In fact the violence may be worse after this review than in the movie. I do not mind a bit. In fact I welcome the opportunity to help misguided folk understand why they are wrong.

Bring it on guys. To borrow from the “Weird”… Let’s Roll!

JJ Hatfield’s Rating: 9.5/10 (11/10 for the Trilogy)