Ong-Bak (2003)
A raw, electrifying Thai martial arts film that introduced Tony Jaa to the world and redefined what action cinema could achieve without digital trickery.
Ong-Bak - Movie Information
- Original Title: องค์บาก
- Release Year: 2003
- Directed by: Prachya Pinkaew
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Crime
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 45m
- Original Language: Thai
- Spoken Languages: English, Thai
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 31, 2003 (Thailand), October 17, 2004 (United States - R), February 10, 2005 (Canada - 14A), May 13, 2005 (United Kingdom - 18), December 16, 2004 (Germany - 16), April 7, 2004 (France - 12), March 10, 2005 (Australia - MA15+), December 29, 2004 (Spain - 12), May 26, 2004 (South Korea - 15)
- Alternative Titles: Ong-Bak (FR), Ong-bak - A thai boksz harcosa (HU), Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior (US), Ong Bak (DE), 盗佛线 (CN), Ong Bak 1 Muay Thai Warrior (AU), Ong-Bak:Le guerrier (CA), Ong-Bak: El guerrero Muay Thai (ES)
- Production Companies: Baa-Ram-Ewe, Sahamongkolfilm, EuropaCorp, Golden Network Asia
- Production Countries: Thailand
Ong-Bak - Plot
When the head of a statue sacred to a village is stolen, a young martial artist goes to the big city and finds himself taking on the underworld to retrieve it.
Ong-Bak - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see Tony Jaa's breathtaking Muay Thai skills in action:
No computer graphics. No stunt doubles. No wires.
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Ong-Bak - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Prachya Pinkaew
Main Cast
- Tony Jaa
- Petchtai Wongkamlao
- Patrarin Punyanutatam
- Suchao Pongwilai
- Choomporn Theppitak
- Cheathavuth Watcharakhun
- Wannakit Siriput
- Rungrawee Barijindakul
- Chatthapong Phantana-Angkul
- Nudhapol Asavabhakhin
Writers
- Suphachai Sittiaumponpan
- Prachya Pinkaew
- Panna Rittikrai
Producers
- Prachya Pinkaew
- Sukanya Vongsthapat
- Akarapol Techaratanaprasert
Ong-Bak - FAQs
Where can you watch Ong-Bak online?
Ong-Bak is available to stream for free on Kanopy, Hoopla, and Plex Channel. It is also available on fuboTV and Philo with a subscription. Rental and purchase options are available on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.
Are all the stunts in Ong-Bak real?
Yes. The film's tagline — "No computer graphics. No stunt doubles. No wires." — is a genuine claim. Tony Jaa performed every stunt himself, showcasing authentic Muay Thai techniques and acrobatic feats. Multiple camera angles were used to highlight the raw physicality of each sequence.
Who plays the lead role in Ong-Bak?
Tony Jaa plays Ting, the film's protagonist — a disciplined young Muay Thai fighter from a rural Thai village. Ong-Bak served as Jaa's international breakthrough, earning him global recognition as one of the most electrifying martial arts performers of his generation.
What is Ong-Bak about?
Ong-Bak follows Ting, a young fighter from a Thai village, who travels to Bangkok after thieves steal the head of the village's sacred statue. To recover it, he must navigate the city's criminal underworld, relying solely on his extraordinary Muay Thai skills.
Is Ong-Bak based on a true story?
No, Ong-Bak is not based on a true story. It is an original screenplay by Suphachai Sittiaumponpan, Prachya Pinkaew, and Panna Rittikrai. The story was conceived primarily as a vehicle to showcase Tony Jaa's extraordinary Muay Thai abilities and Thailand's martial arts heritage.
What is the age rating for Ong-Bak?
Ong-Bak is rated R in the United States. In other territories it carries an 18 certificate in the United Kingdom, MA15+ in Australia, and a 16 rating in Germany, reflecting its intense, hard-hitting martial arts combat sequences throughout.
How long is Ong-Bak?
Ong-Bak has a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes (105 minutes). The film moves at a brisk pace, balancing a straightforward crime-rescue narrative with a series of increasingly spectacular Muay Thai action sequences that dominate the second and third acts.
What movies are similar to Ong-Bak?
Fans of Ong-Bak often enjoy The Protector (2005), also starring Tony Jaa, The Raid (2012), Ip Man (2008), and Fearless (2006). The direct sequels Ong Bak 2 (2008) and Ong Bak 3 (2010) continue the franchise with Tony Jaa returning in the lead role.
More About Ong-Bak
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