4
A film containing dozens of outstanding visual and technical elements, its martial arts not the least of them, and yet in the end it can not be relegated in the upper echelons of martial arts film history.
Tony Jaa, following up on his path of revitalizing the martial arts movie genre after the sensational Ong Bak (2003), really dazzles in this film giving a unique and brilliant expose of several high level, authentic martial arts styles and weapons. On top of that, the locale is set once again in scenic Thailand and feels historically accurate.
It can be assumed that ultimately the third movie will bring completeness for this prequel, but until then fans will have to enjoy the action, the scenery, and the intense displays of martial arts styles without the satisfaction of a conclusive plot (if it were a two part movie, ala Kill Bill, it would not a problem, but fans will have to wait another couple years for the sequel).
A film containing dozens of outstanding visual and technical elements, its martial arts not the least of them, and yet in the end it can not be relegated in the upper echelons of martial arts film history.