It may well be that Tony Jaa he's the greatest action star you've ever heard of. The 33-year-old Thai martial artist gained worldwide recognition for his starring role in the 2003 film “Ong-Bak”, the gripping story of a village youth who travels to Bangkok to recover a stolen statue. The film arrived in the states only 2 years later, but Jaa’s polished movements and wireless stunts instantly made him a cult personality. Now it's your turn “Ong-Bak 2” and Tony's directorial debut. (He shared his duties with his fight director, Panna Rittikrai.) For the first time behind the camera, Jaa showed that he has a sense of purpose, rejecting the frivolity of the original film for a thoughtful, more emotional story of revenge, romance and Buddhist philosophy. . Filming in Thailand “Ong-Bak 3”, Tony Jaa, with the help of a translator, corresponded via e-mail with a New York magazine.
“Ong-Bak 2” is your first directorial work. Was the transition from actor to actor-director difficult?
When I was an actor (in Ong Bak), all I cared about was my script. But now, since I'm a director, I need to have an idea of the whole picture. I need to study all types of martial arts, Buddhist interpretations of faith and karma, the meaning of happiness and sadness. You need to carefully study all the details. I personally studied all the locations. Making this film was not easy because Ong-Bak was done very well - many people know about it, and many were impressed by it. I understood that I should not disappoint the audience.
“Ong-Bak 2” is not a simple action movie, but also a complex narrative using memories, mysteries, romance and a story of revenge. There are a lot of components.
I wanted to give the audience something more, something different from what they experienced when watching Ong Bak. I wanted to make sure that Ong-Bak 2 had the necessary volume, a good storyline, rich in both emotion and action. It is quite difficult to combine such elements in a film, and the key to this is the balance of the components and control over their sizes.
You told reporters that you wanted the film “to be a philosophical action film, offering viewers both action and Buddhist beliefs.” Why?
I think it's very important for an action movie, regardless of the country, to have its own philosophy driving the story. I believe in the teachings of Buddha - it helped me in making the film. I believe that many people should rely on the concept of faith and karma.
What would you say to action fans who don't need Buddhist philosophy and just want more violence?
I tried to create exciting and impressive fights that are not seen in other films. But the point of the film is to convince the viewer that perfect martial art is not beating everyone, but rather the opposite - not fighting at all.
During filming, you disappeared for several weeks. The reason for your absence was stated to be stress. What happened?
This is my first directorial job and it's normal to have to deal with a lot of difficulties and pressure. I believe that to make a good film, it is very important to have enough time, there is no need to rush, otherwise the quality of the film will not be as good. I gave myself time to think, to see things as clearly as possible, or to simply see things as they really are.
“Ong-Bak” was cheerful and energetic, but “Ong-Bak 2” is much darker and moodier. Does this film convey more of your personality?
I believe that making a film is like painting a picture or creating a work of art. Creative work reflects some of your personality, but not all of it. As a director, it is very important to keep the right distance between yourself and your film. It's like being inside a film and looking at it from the outside at the same time.
Author: Tim Grierson
Source: nymag.com
Translation: EvilDollaR
Thank you for such flattering words. Good luck.
Dear EvilDollaR, thank you very much for the drawings, I will soon give them to the carpenter) I wish there were more kind and open people like you, there are few such people! I think many people need to learn from your kindness, I am studying Wing Chun in the Ip Man style, IF you need something, please contact me, I will Glad to communicate, With deep respect and honor (Master-ip-man@mail.ru)
https://fight-films.info/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/plans_rus.zip
hello, I’ve been studying Wing Chun for a year now, but I don’t know how to do it for the etash, my teacher told me to buy a mannequin, after looking at the prices, I got into trouble, so to speak, and then, rummaging through the neti, I saw how you sent the guy a diagram, I ask you, can I have it too, I would be very pleased grateful thank you very much in advance
Thank you.
Thanks for "thanks. ;)