Movie Review- Ong Bak 2

Just finished watching Ong Bak 2 today and it makes me wonder why we cannot make such movie? Come to think of it, our country also have their own bloody , heroic and tragic history.We also have our own martial art... silat (much more effective in defending oneself ).
What about the stories of Mat Kilau , Dato Bahaman , Tuk Janggut , Hang Tuah and many more warrior which I personally think in the hand of a good writer , director and producer can be turn into an explosive movie.
I leave that question to our emerging young and creative talent in the film industry...
Until then , let us admire this movie ...

Title: Ong Bak 2

Starring: Tony Jaa , Nirut Sirichanya , Sorapong Chatree and lots of other talented asian martial artist

Directed by : Tony Jaa and Panna Rikkitirai

Produced by: Tony Jaa and Panna Rikkitirai ( more money for this two !!)

Duration : Less than 2 hours

Synopsis:

This story set place in ancient Thailand during the Ayuthya period ( so I suppose it is not related the first Ong Bak then..).
It started with a young boy named Teann captured by slave traders after his parents were brutally murdered by Ratchasena (who happens to end the reign of King Sri Rama 2 of Ayuthya) .Teann's father was one of the 4 advisors to the King.
Teann was saved by Chernang and his band of Pha Peek Krut Pirate who immediately recognize Teann's fighting talent after he manage to kill a crocodile when he was in the slave trader's custody.Chernang soon adopted Teann .Then , he and his general taught Teann all of their fighting skill.
Teann , now a grown up (Tony Jaa) become the leader of the pirates and seek revenge .........
what follows are the action-packed martial art feast that will make you awe in excitement and go Ga!Ga! asking for more ..
I personally think the best bits of the movie are the Pha Peek Krut pirate themselves. Chernang looks like an Arabs with the arabs sword fighting skills , one of the general is a Japanese Samurai with Samurai katana skills , another general is a chinese guy with Shaolin Kung Fu style , one is a KraBi Krabong warriors (just imagine muay thai with long sword if you never heard about it) and the last one (correct me if i'm wrong) looks like a malay warrior with kerambit skill .
Tony Jaa manage to demonstrate each of this different fighting skill and origin with a perfection.
But the story-line needs some improvement. I think he is too occupied with the fighting choreography and neglected to explore the strength of the story ( a little bit of drama wouldn't kill )

Would I watch it again? :

maybe !! but more to admire all the fighting scene and the real fight is back yeah!!!...Brilliant!!!

Movie Review- Taken

It has been a while since I watch my last movies...but the opportunity came last month after I fell down and tore the ligament of my left knees.
With nothing much to do because of the limited movement cause by the injury , i've decided to catch-up with all the latest movies. It seems that i've already bought Taken dvd couple of month ago but totally forgot about it (tossed it somewhere) until i stumbled upon its preview on you tube. Released in US and UK on 26.09.08 but only managed to reach our shore last month (as usual) and please don't ask me where did I purchased the DVD ( not at liberty to disclose ha!ha!)
OK! back to the serious business , my review of the movie:

Title: Taken

Starring: Liam Neesom , Famke Jansen , Xander Berkeley , Maggie Grace , Katie Cassidy and a few thugs from France

Directed by: Pierre Morel

Produced by: Luc Besson (among other film credited to this dude are the fifth element , La Femme Nikita and the infamous Taxi series)

Duration: about 2 hours (I guess so!!)

Synopsis:

It all starts with Bryan(Liam Neeson) who try to jump-start his life and to rekindle the relationship with her daughter Kim(Maggie Grace) whom he neglected all this years because of his duties to the country. Kim is living with her re-married mother(Famke Jansen) and her super-rich step father (Xander Berkeley).
The plot thickens when Kim decided to follow her friends to U2 europe concert in Paris. Kim being under-18 needs Bryan written permission for the trip . Bryan reluctantly gave the nod but must follow his strict guidelines and always remain in contact with him.
Unfortunately , shortly after arriving in Paris Kim and Amanda are abducted by the Albanian mob (their main specialty are extortion and human trafficking).It is one of the most realistic kidnap scene i've ever seen for years.
What follows are Bryan determination to find her beloved and only daughter with a window of 96 hours .More than that , Kim for sure are gone forever. This is where , Bryan show his through color with his skill that he acquire while serving US as a secret agent(which agency? remains a mystery to me).
Liam Neeson gave a brilliant performance and manage to portray a father struggle's to race against time to save her daughter.
The action sequence are the best and fight scene have been choreograph to perfection . Trust me! It is as real as it can get....

Would I see the film again?? :
Most definitely..i recommend it to all my readers .

enjoy the trailer: