‘Ong Bak 2’ opens in Thailand

Despite all of the problems that were publicized about the production of ‘Ong Bak 2’, the movie has opened in Thailand and apparently is doing very, very well. Cinematical found a site that has a review of the movie, which is probably all we will get until a DVD gets released. Here is a snippit of the review:

None of it is wasted. The end result is a surprisingly coherent film, even with its labyrinthine path that encompasses Suriyothai-style palace intrigue (as well as period-costumed opulence). The narrative doubles back on itself through childhood flashbacks and, ultimately, betrayal, in a story about a young man who is all too easily swayed by the power of the dark side as he sets about to exact revenge for the deaths of his parents.

The framework allows Jaa explore many styles of martial arts. To pass his test to become bandit leader, he shows he’s the best with a Japanese sword, in kung fu and muay Thai. He singlehandedly conquers a bull elephant with his fists and makes an entire herd of pachyderms bow down to him. He gurgles a jug of wine and lays waste to the slave traders with some drunken boxing a la Jackie Chan in Drunken Master. Shirtless and bleeding, he does his best Bruce Lee impression while wielding a three-sectional staff.

If you want to read the rest of the review, head over to ThaiFilmJournal. I am pretty damn stoked to see this, and hope that someone picks up distribution to the US.