Ong-Bak's creators reveal secrets

By Nilay Shah Published
Thetriangle.org
Friday, February 25, 2005

'Tony Jaa and writer/director Prachya Pinkaew were recently in Philadelphia to promote their new action movie Ong-Bak. It\'s a film that originated in Thailand and is now being distributed here in the U.S. Jaa has already achieved fame back home and hopes to increase his appeal with this movie. The stunts in the film are all real and are quite possibly the best I\'ve ever seen.

Media Credit: OngBak-LeFilm.com Thailand tried to reduce vehicle mortality rates by building smaller cars. Instead, all they got was this sort of tomfoolery.

The 29 year old Thai star has already drawn comparisons to Bruce Lee, Jet Li, and Jackie Chan; however, he isn't as flamboyant as the latter. The Rza from the Wu-Tang clan has already been pimpin' this movie harder than Bobby Digital.

Tony Jaa gave a brilliant demonstration before the interview, which was not much different than the first interview of his that I read. A photographer from Penn was there and I politely asked if I could borrow some pictures to run in this week's issue.

He demanded 30 dollars for each picture and a blow job. I made payment on his request; however, he still wanted the 30 dollars. So to make a long story short I didn't get the pictures from Jaa's martial arts showcase. But, I did get to interview the photogenic action star and director of Ong-Bak.


Triangle:What are some films that inspired you to make a martial arts movie like Ong-Bak?

PP: The films of Bruce Lee, Jet Li, and Jackie Chan. Along with the fact that we already have the sport of Muay Thai as the national Thai sport so we thought we would try to make a film about that.

TJ: Same. Bruce Lee, Jet Li, and Jackie Chan. Bruce Lee's Way of the Dragon and Fist of Fury and Jackie Chan's Police Story.


Triangle: What defines Muay Thai and what sets it apart from other martial arts?

TJ: Muay Thai like any other martial art has its same roots in nature. It's just that they may have different names adapted to it that goes along with traditions and cultures that changed the art. In Muay Thai you'll see a lot more elbows and knees.

Media Credit: Pictures: OngBak-LeFilm.com

Triangle: How did you (Prachya Pinkaew) come across the screenplay and how did both of you meet?

PP: I had a chance to meet Tony through Tony's master, Panna Rittikrai, who introduced me to him and we made the movie with the concept of Muay Thai. The script was changed many times. We ended up with a script that would enable people outside of Thailand to understand Thai culture and see that things that they may have misperceived.


Triangle: Do you want to eventually cross over into American films or do you want continue making Thai films with a universal appeal?

PP: We want to keep the essence of Thai when making films. We want to make films in Thailand, but have foreign investors so we can have a bigger production.

TJ: I feel the same way. I want viewers to be able to watch movies that are of quality.


Triangle: Who discovered Ong-Bak and decided to release it in the U.S.?


PP: Luc Besson's (The Fifth Element) company actually has the rights to Europe, America, and Australia and the distribution has been done by Magnolia Pictures (Mark Cuban's company).


Triangle: Religion plays a central role in the movie and I was wondering if you are spiritual in your own life?

TJ: It's the heart and essence of Muay Thai boxers. So if you learn Muay Thai you have to have that essence of Buddhism in you. It comes from dedication and belief and the power from within.


Triangle: Could you tell us a little about your upcoming collaboration "Tom Yum Goong"?

PP: Well it's our second film with the same crew. We're almost done filming and it might be out by the end of this year. Of course you'll see Muay Thai again, but in a different light.