Jaa was totally unbelievable and his impact was easliy on course to match Bruce Lee (and he had next level athleticism in comparision!) . Shame that his home country's dodgy film biz / politics over money messed all that up. Also unbelievable!!
Pretty sure most of us into the fighting genre from MMA/WWE/Movies/Anime, We know Tony Jass is legit AF, We still love ya Modern day Bruce, Jackie with own flavor.
Tony Jaa instantly became a martial arts movie star when Onk Bak came out. No-one has ever achieved that level in fighting sequences back then and ever since. Of course, he had the best director to enable this breakthrough, but that doesn't change anything. The guy's a specimen of an athlete and a legend. Period.
Bro, The Protector goes hard af. That long one-shot scene where he's going up the stairs, doing the craziest shit imaginable for like 5 minutes, thats easily one of the most impressive martial arts scenes ever filmed.
What about the scene where he's in a big room surrounded by a bunch of guys in suits and he fucks up everyone's anatomy with some brutal attacks and limb breaks in all kinds of directions
@mattnobrega6621 that shit is so awesome, it legitimately blew my mind when I saw that for the first time, my dad and I were watching it when it came out in theaters and we were just losing our shit 😂 the last fight scene where he fights those big ass dudes and there are shots of their tendons getting sliced by the elephant bones on jaa's arms is so sweet too lol
@@wallydee That's true but I noticed there were a LOT more cuts to pivotal moments that don't explain how people got there or even knew about certain events. Like how did the Policeman get captured when we last saw him escape? Or how did Ping end up outside getting saved by that girl when he passed out inside the Warehouse? Or how did Ping find out where Johnny was the first time in that huge city? I still love that movie but there were just little things about the plot that bugged me.
I first saw Ong Bak as a kid around 2008/2009 and I can tell you that Ong bak was a film that lived its moments in everything and everyone all around. I really wish I could go back in time and relive that fresh sensation. A really outstanding martial arts/action film in modern times... a great deal of admiration for Mr. Tony Jaa
The language barrier was a big reason. A lot of his English-language roles had little dialogue. I think the most that he spoke in English was in Skin Trade with Dolph Lundgren. Even in Triple Threat, his English dialogue was sporadic at the most. Compare that to Donnie Yen. Before he started winning the west over with Ip Man, he was doing fight choreography for movies like Blade II and Highlander Endgame, and for the German show, Das Puma. By the time Hollywood started calling again for Donnie Yen, not only was he given dialogue-rich roles for franchises like Star Wars, XXX, and John Wick, but he was able to voice crucial creative decisions for the characters he played. Donnie Yen as a native English speaker (he was born and raised in Boston) was able to gradually voice his stake in Hollywood more than Tony Jaa could.
Sorry... you got it wrong. He was Born in Guangzhu China. With eleven years he moved with his mother to bosten and spent only his teenage years there. He was then sent back to china to learn better martial arts and was actually classmate with Jet Li.
Donnie Yen had a RICH history of starring in fighting movies prior to making it big in Hollywood. He was considered one of the top five martial artists in cinema for MANY years.
Donnie had way better English that Jackie and Jet Li. Donnie ;s earlier Hollywood endeavors never helped him one bit. Its only after the semi-retirement of Jet Li and the sporadic work of Jackie that people finally recognized those 2 great's shadow, Donnie, Also during the Jackie/Jet slump Donnie;s stock grew heavily in China with consistent quality roles(Ipman, SPL,,,), that helped. Jaa's problem is himself and his management. He co-stars opposite Hollywood relics and discards( Lundgren, Jai White) and Hong Kong journeymen sans Wu Jin. Those 60 second appearances in major titles havent helped either. They didnt help Donnie then. Jaa also took a long sabbatical after his great debut run, he was forgotten by 2010. His peers Wu Jin and Iko Uwais are now huge and recognizable faces respectively. Wu Jin is the Tom Cruise of China now, Iko is slowly etching towards a major blow up role.
What we all saw in Ong Bak and The Protector was something really powerful, like when Bruce Lee did Enter The Dragon, maybe even bigger. Tony could be biggest action star ever. His skill is unmatched. Too bad things didnt work out that way
@@mage1086actors don't need to be good looking so stop being racist 😊 all that matters is hard work, luck and choice of good scripts , nowadays most movies are getting crashed because of weak story line
@@gamermixy.t3664 It depends on the genre of the movie and the role of the character. A drama genre based on a family story need not need a very good looking or fit actor. An action hero needs a certain look and physique. Superman cannot be some out of shape regular looking guy.
@@gamermixy.t3664 dunno if that's racist lol some Asians are hot some are not, same as anywhere. For the western audiences I think it's the lack of character charisma, stunts and fights were incredible but the characters played were meh
Brooo i went through a massive Tony Jaa phase . . i grew up on JCVD and all the action stars but i leaned all the way into martial arts and this guy is the king in my eyes.
@@darylobey8867 had to learn cheat 720s after seeing Ong Bak and the Protector. Couldn't believe someone was really doing that stuff. Maybe I'll get those butterfly twists one day lol.
I was won over with Ong Bak and haven't lost sight of him since. We need a Magnificent Seven type movie with Tony, Iko, Joe Taslim, Andrew Koji, MJW, Scott Adkins, Donnie Yen. Let's get it going
This right here!! I'm reading so many comments of people only talking about Statham, Jackie Chan and Jet Li (all of whom I love) but Iko and Taslim are dope as $h!t. Donnie Yen might be my favorite. He doesn't have a lot of western releases and hasn't been the main star of the one's he has done but he embodies professionalism, composure and has real presence on screen. He's been around for nearly 40yrs but the three things I saw from him first were Iron Monkey and 2 cheesy tv series Kung-Fu Master and Jing Wu Men (Sworn Revenge). I loved those even though the camera was sped up I just really dug the story. I actually get mad when I bring up the Raid 1 and 2 and people don't know what I'm talking about. 1 was awesome but the story in 2 and the kitchen fight scene Iko had with Cecp Arif Rahman (who is a silat master) was epic. I really wanted a 3rd movie but I guess it's not going to happen.
I’ll never forget seeing Tony Jaa live. I was doing Muay Thai at the time and there was screening of Ong-Bak at the San Francisco Japantown movie theater. I had already watched it but I had to watch it on the big screen and went with a coworker/training buddy. When Tony Jaa and his crew showed up on stage the theater went wild. When he performed the stunts he did in Ong-Bak live, I lost it. I had no idea he did all that without wires. I can’t remember if I knew he was going to be before hand, but I’ll always remember him jumping on and running across the shoulders of his stuntmen like it was hopscotch.
Love that you touched on JCVDs acting in Lionheart. He really stepped it up a level by this time, and it shows. He deserves credit for that. Great film.
Every martial art action star has his decade just like Tony Jaa. Unfortunately, Hollywood and the audience don't want any more action stars. But mainstream Hollywood stars perform the martial art choreography themselves. When Scott Adkins and Jackie Chan say he's fit, he has to be extremely fit.
This actually relates to the big problem with action movies as a whole these days.They're missing the heart and charisma of the 80's. No matter how much stunt talent you bring to the set, you need that charisma and ability to reach the heart of the audience. Even Tony's level of talent can't trump good writing and a screen presence. Statham makes his movies work with his personality. The guy is just fucking cool and badass. He's funny on top of that. And think back to Rocky, that movie could have been a complete flop if it wasn't for the level of heart and relatability Stallone put into it. On a side note: Scott could have been a great Batman.
@jokerfleckcast3196 Indeed. Charisma tied in with solid writing and directing. So many action flicks these days are soulless and the producers are left trying to figure out why. They pump the action with shaky-cam, explosions, CGI blood, and ridiculous wire bullshit - all the while they're forgetting that it was a realism, the grit, heart, and the inspirational spirit of the 80's that made the difference. Another big help for the writers was having the Vietnam war not too long before these movies. A number of classic 80's heroes were men who'd come home from that war with haunted pasts. Men trying to integrate back into a society that didn't need them anymore. (Kinda like today for us 80's guys) Part of the thrill was seeing the beast they kept inside uncaged. How the current generation of pussies couldn't handle them.
Spot on! I remember loving watching Tony fight bad guys, but I hated watching him outside of that context for some odd reason I couldn't put my finger on. It was like...okay...now get to the good parts (fighting scenes). Whereas, with Jet Li or Jackie Chan, I enjoyed the pure acting moments, drama and their presence alone, rather they fought or not. They were able to incorporate convincing acting ability within their action, and both have great acting chops. Danny The Dog (Jet Li) is still, to this day, one of my favorite films of his, along with Hero and other period pieces. Tony simply never had "it". He mastered a specific skillset (unbelievable fighting talent), maximized it, and ignored all the other aspects of what makes a movie star a "star" (charisma, actual acting chops), both of which Tony didn't have, which is so sad, because had he done so PRIOR TO his debut...he would have overcame the MMA saturation the same way Keanu Reeves did with John Wick, or Statham, or Chan. Plus, it's interesting how he treats the people who helped him reach the pinnacle of his success. Sacking the person who knew and understood you as a actor, weaknesses and strengths, the original director, just so he can have more control and, imho, became greedy and alienating? Yeah. He rubbed a LOT of people the wrong way in that business, and if you're going to do it, you better succeed and come out with a hit movie to justify it. If not, you get Ong Bak 2 and 3 and blacklisted when your success doesn't match or exceed the previous films. See, charisma is the ability to express it ON screen, but also BEHIND the scenes. He made a very bad career move in the beginning of his major releases.
@@benjaminjo It's interesting because Bruce Lee had a similar meltdown and thought he could direct better. It took him having to make a really bad action scene and watch it later with the directors to see the error of his ways. Luckily he only went off for a few hours in his trailer to cool down, whereas Tony had to wreck a whole movie and disappear for months. As much as I respect his talent, I actually watched his elephant movie more for the capoeira dude. Tony himself was awesome, but yes, totally lacked the 'it' factor.
@@justinwallace269 so his over-sized ego destroyed his career :( . As for Bruce, I didn't know that story. He was a wise man to see the error of his ways and catch it early before it could ruin him. It takes a lot of hubris to both direct and star in your own movie, because you have to be both the coach and player at the same time. There's a reason almost no actor does it, and when they do, it's one, MAYBE twice, and those films are usually not blockbuster hits. Even when Mel Gibson directs, he doesn't act, and when he acts, he doesn't direct. Wearing both hats at the same time adds a level of stress that's unimaginable, and being a director or actor is stressful enough. So, of course he had a mental breakdown at the worst possible time, blackballed himself from the industry when word got around, add on to that the movies weren't successful, lacking on-screen presence and acting talent, and it's a level of arrogance you can't afford to have to early in your career. I wish he'd been more humble, as in, Keanu Reeve's humble, because lets face it, Keanu is NOT an actors actor. He does just well enough to be convincing with his limited range, but his humble nature, kindness to others on and off the set and charisma carried his career for so long where people with far greater acting talent has fizzled out. Oh well. We always have his debut movies to enjoy at any time. He left a great impact that is still felt. It's just sad to see that it was no other factor that go in the way of his success but himself.
And to he fair with Statham he was kind of a natural right out of the gate, we know him as the transporter but he had those two Guy Ritchie films in the beginning that were not action films at all and was very good in them, very believable actor , so although he doesn’t get his props as a actor he’s actually very well rounded
The Protector is my favorite martial arts movie and Ong Bak is up there as well. I kept waiting for another Tony Jaa movie to grab me the way those two did but it just never happened. I couldn’t believe they used wires and CGI in The Protector 2. The exact opposite of what made the first a success. It’s too bad he has small parts in Hollywood movies now instead of leading roles in Thai movies. They can’t make those kind of movies here. He should go back to his roots before he gets too old and try to make a comeback.
He's already "too old", unfortunately. He's mid-40's. There's no way he can pull off what he did with such intensity at this age now, not without killing himself, someone else or breaking several bones.
In the 80's and 90's, people were passionate about action movies and martial arts. A lot of people have taken up bodybuilding, martial arts or just doing a bit of sport. Not only did it give courage to improve physically but also to develop the mind, to want to fight for your dreams, for your ideas, to fight for yourself and to find self-confidence. Nowadays it's the fake, it's the CGI, it's the virtual world. That's why the world is going badly, that it's going upside down. False ideas, false hopes and less inspiration to improve.
I agree.. I watched extraction 2 lately & there was so much cgi .. some bits were good.. but I found myself bored during a lot of the movie. Times have changed. I spend allot of time watching old movies because these days... I don’t come across many entertaining movies... Scott Adkins is amazing!
@@MisterCritch yes, you are Wright. I do and feel the same thing. Scott Adkins it's really amazing, but in my opinion he is one of the last great guys doing Martial Arts and Action movies very well. Where is the new génération?
Even the CGI is so bad in modern movies only few have the quality to get your appreciation. Its also because the artist are given such small deadlines that they cant give enough time to polish the CG effects.
You are 1000% correct. Tony Jaa was special & the timing of him coming out was perfect, & he had the X Factor. It doesn't matter what team you put around Scott Adkins or how you package him, he doesn't have that thing Van Damme has "The X Factor that thing you can't put your finger on. He has all the skills but not that special thing. Skills & physique don't equal that special thing, it's rare & hasn't been seen since Tony Jaa.
I still watch that tony jaa chase scene time to time from ong bak. Unbelievable. His fighting and moves where different. Its a shame he didnt become a bigger star. Still a legend though
Back in the early 2000’s when video stores was still a thing I stumbled across Ong Bak and rented it. Loved it so much I never returned it and got charged like $50. I was okay with it. One of my favorite martial arts movie of all time.
Accented Media just put out a video essay on Tony today, and your channel shows up as the top result in a UA-cam search he does at one point. Crazy timing! Looking forward to watching.
Back then I thought he was going to be on the very top of the genre for a very long time, it's very sad what happened to his career but we must also take into consideration the competition factor, Jaa is incredibly talented but let's not forget Scott Adkins and Iko Uwais were building strong when Jaa wasn't at the top of his game anymore and also we have Donnie Yen, who's been doing this forever and only keeps getting better at his craft. My point is that the genre doesn't have the same demand and strong status as it had between the 70's and 90's and yet we have at least 3 or 4 very talented and impressive lead stars trying to claim the throne as the next Bruce Lee. Personally I think we are blessed we can enjoy all of them, they all bring something fun, special and unique to the table, having said that, Jean Claude Van Damme will always be the king at the top of the mountain in my opinion!
You act like fans wouldn't watch all their movies. Like we have to Pico and choose. Fans of ong bak would have watched whatever he did if it were the same quality.
Very good summary and analysis. It's a shame that Tony Jaa didn't have the discipline as a director that he has as an actor and certainly as a martial artist. All the best to him, and thanks for the history.
I remember seeing Ong Bak in the cinema. It was crazy to see a film like that in the cinema in Ireland, especially at that time, long after the martial arts heyday in the 80s. Then The Protector came along and Jaa did it again. Two crazy good martial arts films, without which The Raid and others like it wouldn’t have existed, or at least not had the same platform for success. I’m looking forward to seeing him in Expendables 4, though Monster Hunter was horrible.
I interviewed Jaa in 2013. It's worth noting that around this time, Jaa was in the middle of a major falling out with the higher-ups at Sahamongkol. He was directing A Man Will Rise when that film was indefinitely shelved due to his impasse with the studio boss. This likely impacted Jaa's momentum a little more despite his overseas success, in addition to effectively ending the wave of high-flying Thai action cinema as we knew it, post-Ong Bak.
Yeah. What Happend to Thai action cinema after 2010. It faded so fast and yet it was supposed to be the renaissance of Asian martial arts cinema. Ong Bak trilogy, The Protector, Chocolate even Dynamite Warrior are martial arts classics. Thai action had topped Chinese/Hong Kong martial arts cinema on the world stage. Was it the death of Panna Ritikrai? In Africa Thai action was so huge at that time. Tony Jaa became as huge as JJackie, Jet Li and Donnie Yen here
@@mrsam0496 Panna's death was a factor for sure, but Sia Jiang's reported reputation as a bully can't be overlooked. He tried suing Jaa to stop the release of Furious Seven reportedly due to Jaa's contractual obligations. Jaa wanted out of his contract by then and eventually Sahamongkol withdrew the suit. A lot of what shaped the Thai action industry became undone after that. I think Vengeance Of An Assassin with Dan Chupong was the last time a major big scale Thai actioner was released, and it was only a matter of time before we'd see a change of pace take place. There would still be some action films after that, but nowhere near the pedigree that arose when Panna was around.
@@mrsam0496 I would actually talk to a few Thai stunt guys about the state of action cinema in their industry in the wake of all this, and the general response would be "it's dead" or "there's nothing there". Some TV jobs and film jobs here and there but for the most part, nothing nada zip.
@@FilmCombatSyndicate After Ong Bak, i think Indonesia took over with the Raid. It's really sad how Tony Jaa went with his career. I remember buying bootleg VCD's at the time to rewatch Ong Bak and The Protector. Now Thailand is prospering with BL series and love story dramas.
I think he did decently considering the circumstances. His lack of English/acting talent + being kind of old when he finally transitioned to Hollywood + martial arts movies being basically dead means he was never going to be some big Hollywood star. It might have been better if he had struck while the iron was hot and came over after The Protector but he was still in some big projects.
Great video buddy. Always been a fan of his work. I really like the first protector a lot. I thought it was really good. I thought they did a great job with it. Thanks for sharing this video. Keep doing what you do. Let's catch up soon. Be awesome!
Tony Jaa in a thai interview he actually got that question. To simplify the answer, he had some major injuries but never a fracture or a broken bone. Tony is a freak of a man and the dude is almost 50 and still do crazy stunts and acrobatic jumps like he was in his early twenties
Tony jaa is 100% amazing the problem that holds him back is stress and the industry. With the right agent and director for a film made to fit the style he has something could be done. Most things haven't has him as a main part but as a side character. He deserves something that can fit him.
The problem is people aren’t really interested in those types of movies anymore. He’s better off taking a role in a Marvel movie and fighting the Winter Soldier or someone than trying to bring back action movies and real stunt work.
@@noahknight4039 wrong, I love martial art movies, and will watch anything that comes with great choreography. Today's film are just bad low quality, its now about who got the bigger firepower, with bad fighting choreography.
I was surprised how this video started out about Tony and then went off on tangents like it did with Scott. I hate that people think of him as a glorified stunt man, he deserves so much more.
This guy is one of the best action stars of my childhood and still stands at the top of the list. I still love him even though he doesn't work much in movies but Ong Bak is my all time favourite. His dedication towards Muay Thai is beyond words not only that he trained his body and mind at the same time which is very inspirational for all the young people there. He's in a totally different league. I respect him the most after Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee.
One thing that seems to work is being the secondary star or not the main star in big budget American movies where you get to showcase your skills where you steal the show even though you're not the main star. Jet Li in Lethal Weapon 4, Jackie Chan in Rush hour. Those guys got huge boosts after making those movies but the films weren't centered around them but people were so impressed that it opened the door for them to star as the main star in future big budget films. The role Scott Atkins is playing in John Wick 4 is another example, his great performance though not the main star in the movie may give him the opportunity to star in big budget films as the main actor.
I heard he got plenty of offers from Hollywood but they didn't offer him the proper amount of payment based on his skills and popularity, if you see the newer movies that he agreed to do, it doesn't include many fighting scene because when he agreed to do the movie with the ridiculous payment, he comes to an agreement to do an action scene equal to his payment.
Ong Bak was the first time a Thai/SEA actor really hit the big screens and presented not only themselves, but Muay thai to the world again.(On the big screen)
I feel that Tony showcase did what the real Thai arts look like. Before Tony we saw Muaythai through the eyes of people like Jean-Claude Van Damme and other American stars. They did the elbows they did the leg kicks but that was all that we saw. Tony showed us just how lethal Muaythai was
He needs better promoter, manager. They're giving him shit role side jobs in films. Did you know that Donnie Yen was once in the Highlander movie, he had no script, no lines, and he was just there to swing his staff for a few seconds. America didn't know who he was back then. Before he became popular in America, he was already big in China. I watch his series in the early 90s.
Well, Tony Jaa started with a bang with his Ong Bak movie. And then the Protector was a cool movie, but I never liked the Ong Bak 2 and 3. Like, first Ong Bak was in modern days about this guy from the village, who know martial arts, who later travel to a big land to deal with some stuff, and ended up been a hero, who stops some gang from doing bad stuff. And it was cool and funny, and it gave this wow effect every single minute. But, in Ong Bak 2 and 3 for some reason, they show some ancient times of some unknown fighter who fights for what? Like, first of all, why are we in the second movie ended up in the ancient times? What just happened? Is it a prequel to the first movie, or is it a different story from the past, what is it? And then the plot of the movie was kinda all over the place. Sure, the action scenes was kinda good, but the plot is what was also giving a boost to the movie. And so that is why I think that second and third Ong Bak movies are flopped because, it was all over the place. Like, here is example. Imagine of John Wick did the same. Like, the first movie starts in modern days and ends like it ended, but in the second movie we, all of the sudden, jumping in time back to ancient times for no reason. Do you think people would love it? Do you think that people would love watching like John Wick shoots everyone with a bow and killing knights, freeing some kingdom in the process? I think that it would be a mess. It would not even be a John Wick movie. So again, that is why Ong Bak 2 and 3, in my opinion are flopped. Cause people wanted a sequel to the first movie but better. But they got something else in the end.
I grew up with Tony Jaa movies. I love him in all movies. He is one of the greatest martial artists. I listened to many of his interviews. He talked about his determination to become a top martial artist star since he was a kid. I admire him so much for his strong determination and his talent in martial arts. He represents Muay Thai very beautifully, but he also masters other kind of martial arts. He is such a pure genius in martial arts
Tony Jaa in Onk bak inspired me to become a martial artist. I became a brown belt k1 after a year plus Trained in Muay Thai alongside. Been at it for 15 years. The guy is a true warrior legend! ❤🔥💪💯🇬🇧
Tony Jaa deserves a much better career path, career growth, and career opportunities! He is one of the rarer martial-artists, an actor, a creative artist of his own right, and someone who has the inner beauty to be able to give 110%! Can't wait to watch Tony in action again in Striking Rescue to be released this December 2024 and in other production in the future!!! All the best wishes for Tony!!!
Hey, so, good news, Tony Jaa is going to be in The Expendables 4. That will be awesome! Looks like his career might just be on the upswing! The cycle of life. You take the ups with the downs and get used to the way the energy moves as you age.
Tony Jaa.....bcz of my cousin ,was forced to watch Ong-Bak 1 back in 2007,was blown away....and since then almost watched every Tony Jaa movies so far.
I thought he was gonna be the next Jet Li or Jackie Chan in Hollywood as far as Asian martial arts action stars were concerned. It was sad to see him get beat by the likes of Paul Walker on film 😂 I imagined that was the kind of role he settled for, not desired. Then I assumed he never became a bigger star cause he never improved his English. Where as Jet Li and Jackie Chan grew as stars as their English and acting skills increased. Jet Li’s _Fearless_ was a masterpiece.
It really is too bad that Tony Jaa isn't used better by Hollywood. The reason I first found out about Tony Jaa, was because I watched the Thai movie "Chocolate" (a.k.a. Zen, Warrior Within) , which is about a female martial artist with autism. It's an amazing movie really. It is made by the director of Ong-Bak. He wanted the main actress to be kinda like a female version of Tony Jaa in a way. It was actually the main actress' (JeeJa Yanin) first film, she sadly hasn't been in much since. She honestly is a very underrated actress.
Yup, That is the same thing I said when I first saw Tony Jaa, I was like: How long can he last being able to be like THAT! The super high performance he can put out is just god like, then I also got to realize this other MA stunt man Tim Mann also like Tony accept shorter 😆 I still say the movies they do aren't cheesy enough but I only watch to see him perform, it's like watching a man fly for real. Bring back more gimmick... I think they are all aging... I do appreciate them continue to do MA movies.
Watched Ong Bak in Thailand, but my Thai wasn't good enough to follow it very well, but the action scenes kept me glued to the screen. Thought he'd become mainstream, but he faded away.
I think when his teacher Panna Rikkati died it really hurt him personally he took time off became a monk. Also he did not want to leave his Thai movies his style don't blame him plus the success of the matrix and bourne movies that hurt him he was gone for so long when he came back it was different he still is great he still can wow you. What could have been he is still respected world wide I still am a fan.
@@pdanokia2524 Yes your right I have panna movies he was great a bad MF amazing. I have his movies even tony debu first film with panna spirit killer. Panna could never break internationally he was huge in Thailand. He could get the distribution deals etc. He was just as skilled as Jackie or jet that hongkong era the 80s panna was doing this thing in Thailand just could not break out. When tony became international i think panna was so happy for him and it was a win for him to being his teacher/master.
Thank you so much for making this video, I'm from South Africa, I fell in love with Jaa since 2013, I really prayed and expected him to grow to be one of the greats like Jackie Chan. When I saw his Fast& Furious debut, I knew his fall was coming. He is supposed to be the main character in all his movies.
Tony Jaa will be back - " Don't call it a comeback, I been here for years I'm rockin' my peers, puttin' suckers in fear Makin' the tears rain down like a monsoon Listen to the bass go boom Explosions, overpowerin' Over the competition, I'm towerin' Wrecking shop, when I drop These lyrics that'll make you call the cops Don't you dare stare You better move, don't ever compare Me to the rest that'll all get sliced and diced Competition's payin' the price I'm gonna knock you out (Huuh) Mama said knock you out (Huuh) I'm gonna knock you out (Huuh) Mama said knock you out (Huuh) I'm gonna knock you out (Huuh) Mama said knock you out (Huuh) I'm gonna knock you out (Huuh) Mama said knock you out (Huuh) Don't you call this a regular jam I'm gonna rock this land I'm gonna take this itty-bitty world by storm And I'm just getting warm Just like Muhammad Ali, they called him Cassius Watch me bash this beat like a skull Don'tcha know I had beef wit' Why do you riff with me, a maniac psycho And when I pull out my jammy, get ready 'cause it might go Blauh! How ya like me now? The ripper will not allow You to get wit' Mr. Smith don't riff Listen to my gear shift I'm blastin', outlastin' Kinda like shaft, so you could say I'm shaftin' Olde English filled my mind And I came up with a funky rhyme I'm gonna knock you out (Huuh) Mama said knock you out (Huuh) I'm gonna knock you out (Huuh) Mama said knock you out (Huuh) I'm gonna knock you out (Huuh) Mama said knock you out (Huuh) I'm gonna knock you out (Huuh) Mama said knock you out (Huuh) Breakdown Gangsta boogie, gangsta boogie Gangsta boogie, gangsta boogie Gangsta boogie, gangsta boogie Gangsta boogie, gangsta boogie Gangsta boogie, gangsta boogie Gangsta boogie, gangsta boogie Gangsta boogie, gangsta boogie Gangsta boogie, gangsta boogie Shadow boxin' when I heard you on the radio Uuh, I just don't know What made you forget that I was raw? But now I gotta new tour I'm going insane startin' a hurricane, releasin' pain Lettin' you know, you can't gain or maintain Unless you say my name Rippin', killin', diggin' and drillin' a hole Pass the Ol' Gold I'm gonna knock you out (Huuh) Mama said knock you out (Huuh) I'm gonna knock you out (Huuh) Mama said knock you out (Huuh) I'm gonna knock you out (Huuh) Mama said knock you out (Huuh) I'm gonna knock you out (Huuh) Mama said knock you out (Huuh) Shotgun blasts are heard When I rip and kill, at will The man of the hour, tower of power, I'll devour I'm gonna tie you up and let you understand That I'm not your average man When I gotta jammy in my hand Damn, ooh Listen to the way I slay, your crew Damage (Uhh), damage (Uhh), damage (Uhh), damage Destruction, terror and mayhem Pass me a sissy, so suckas I'll slay him Farmers (What), farmers (What?) I'm ready! (We're ready) I think I'm gonna bomb a town (Get down) Don't you never, ever, pull my lever 'Cause I explode And my nine is easy to load I gotta thank God 'Cause he gave me the strength to rock, hard Knock you out, mama said knock you out (Huuh) I'm gonna knock you out (Huuh) Mama said knock you out (Huuh) I'm gonna knock you out (Huuh) Mama said knock you out (Huuh) I'm gonna knock you out (Huuh) Mama said knock you out (Huuh) Like LL COOL J SAID .
You mentioned that Tony Jaa became a monk. Most people do not know the significance of this in Thai culture. Many male members become monks in Thailand, some for one day, a week a month and sometimes longer. It brings honor to the family for doing so and also honors Buddha. The men who do so choose to do so for different reasons.
What Tony can do on screen he could do it in real life. He disappeared from lead roles because he was Asian and was not Matt Damon saving China from monsters. What a shame...
he didnt want to leave his thai movies, contract disputes (which lead to him becoming a monk to try to get out of said contract) and other factors contributed to him missing the boat. He is one of those "could have been" cases.
@@azwanblues3391 Facts!!! I'm telling you when I first saw Ong Bak 2 on DVD I watched it everyday for like a month. I loved it so much that I would try and mimick some of his moves. I was obsessed lol
I can't wait to watch this one, because this question has always been in my mind. I was SO hype for him and his future after Ong Bak! I told everyone for years about him, his movies and to keep an eye on him..........but damn 😅what the hell Edit after watching: great analysis and breakdown gentlemen. Not just for Jaa, but for every action star mentioned. Keep up the great work 🔥✊🏿💯
I loved tony jaaa but Scott Adkins is my favorite hollywood martial artist. Dude is soo good an such a bad ass. I'd love to see him play a marvel or DC character to be honest
He still kills it to this day! He just doesn't put out a lot of movies! Funny I actually have the same Birthday 🎂 as Tony !! Can't wait for his next 🍿 🎥
It's because after he went away, The Raid came out and there was an Indonesian action boom and every one in the movie industry followed suit. He got replaced by Iko Uwais and now they are both in the mediocre hollywood films as backups or villains.
I left the following on Accented Cinema's video and I stand by my analysis. Sadly his career quickly lost momentum. He rose to prominence after the demise of the Holy Ground of Martial Arts Action Cinema and that together with the fact he appeared in a ton of Hollywood bilge did his career no favours. The passing of the legendary Panna Rittikrai really affected him and then there's a whole debacle around the production of Ong Bak 2 (a film which, despite it's complete lack of narrative, I enjoy due to the fact we get to see Jaa perform Animal Fu). I always wonder what would've happened if the project which was set to star himself, Brad Allan (RIP) and Fan Siu Wong had ever come to fruition - it entered pre-production but sadly that's where it abruptly hit the wall If Jaa had broken through 15 years earlier, he would've inevitably succeeded in HOng Kong and could've dominated the market as come the turn of the 90's Kung Fu Action Cinema was really on the downturn (we had those awful double-infested, Wire Fu flicks from Jet Li....sigh). I reckon Sammo would've adopted him as a protege (just as he did Ngai Sing)
brad allen, 🫢... bruhman pulled of neo's "multiple air-kicks" he did on morpheus, WITHOUT ------- no strings attached pimpin'...😬 dats sum stick a** sh*ts playa, it really is!!! his performance in jackie's movie "gorgeous" was one of the most prominent displays of skill SINCE ------ the introduction of the arts the way bruce displayed it, to the time he passed over, to --------- the revitalization of hollywoods perception and usage of how its incorporated into the action genre! Like; brad though!, was DEF A SIGHT to behold man! "nujabes" passed around my son's b-day, while brad was born the year bruce died, but 13 days after brandon lee's 8th..... a b-day! Finally, that same kid I had with the b-day around nujabes passing, was born also, 8 days AFTER, Brad's b-day.... small world man, small world!
Looking forward in seeing Jaa in Exp 4 as the main villian !! Great martial artist !! Arnie and JCVD also had language barriers but both succeeded with great early movies thru the 80’s and 90’s !!!
@@persada5913 Read the cast and role. It was confirmed Uwais will be portraying the main antagonist of the film. He was smiling because he is enjoying the fight.
Ong Bak was a masterpiece.
Hell yeah it was. I would just play the chase scene for people and they would be hooked.
Not was IS A MASTERPIECE
💯
All 3
One Bak got me into Muay Thai back in 04’. Haven’t looked back since 🙏🏼
Tony jaa is an amazing actor. It is a shame he isn't present as much but I'm glad that he didn't get sucked in and corrupted by Hollywood
Yeah, I agree. But I guess it's because Hollywood gives him not so good role just like the "Monster Hunter" movie.
Jaa was totally unbelievable and his impact was easliy on course to match Bruce Lee (and he had next level athleticism in comparision!) . Shame that his home country's dodgy film biz / politics over money messed all that up. Also unbelievable!!
@@benyaminobedsigarlaki2316
Agreed 👍
@@beejj6190
Agreed 👍
Pretty sure most of us into the fighting genre from MMA/WWE/Movies/Anime, We know Tony Jass is legit AF, We still love ya Modern day Bruce, Jackie with own flavor.
First time I watched Ong Bak I was in awe. I watched it over and over then I saw The Protector and I was blown away.
Tony Jaa instantly became a martial arts movie star when Onk Bak came out. No-one has ever achieved that level in fighting sequences back then and ever since. Of course, he had the best director to enable this breakthrough, but that doesn't change anything. The guy's a specimen of an athlete and a legend. Period.
Jackie Chan and Jet Li did it before him and a good or great director knows howntonbring the best work out of you.
He was not that good looking or charismatic. He was like a good stuntman who got a lead role.
@@mage1086 I couldn't put my finger on it but you're right. He isn't a looker. Jackie was kinda cute funny. Jet Li is cool.
And 99 percent of us haven't seen a single one of his movies
@@michaeldawson6565 🤦
Bro, The Protector goes hard af. That long one-shot scene where he's going up the stairs, doing the craziest shit imaginable for like 5 minutes, thats easily one of the most impressive martial arts scenes ever filmed.
THE BEST.
Supposedly he broke bones differently for each opponent on the staircase scene
What about the scene where he's in a big room surrounded by a bunch of guys in suits and he fucks up everyone's anatomy with some brutal attacks and limb breaks in all kinds of directions
@mattnobrega6621 that shit is so awesome, it legitimately blew my mind when I saw that for the first time, my dad and I were watching it when it came out in theaters and we were just losing our shit 😂 the last fight scene where he fights those big ass dudes and there are shots of their tendons getting sliced by the elephant bones on jaa's arms is so sweet too lol
Heck yeah that was cool. Hella sad his elephant was nothing but a skeleton though
Tony Jaa is still #1 for me. Nothing will top The Protector.
I think Ong Bak was slightly better with the story but The Protector definitely had better action scenes!
@@demonwolf570 practically the same story. Retrieve Stolen Buddha head and retrieve stolen elephant.
@@wallydee That's true but I noticed there were a LOT more cuts to pivotal moments that don't explain how people got there or even knew about certain events. Like how did the Policeman get captured when we last saw him escape? Or how did Ping end up outside getting saved by that girl when he passed out inside the Warehouse? Or how did Ping find out where Johnny was the first time in that huge city? I still love that movie but there were just little things about the plot that bugged me.
@@demonwolf570 I get it yeah
The channel ”Goldenbell Training” covers this topic much better and is opposed to the word “fell” in terms of Tony Jaa’s career.
I first saw Ong Bak as a kid around 2008/2009 and I can tell you that Ong bak was a film that lived its moments in everything and everyone all around. I really wish I could go back in time and relive that fresh sensation. A really outstanding martial arts/action film in modern times...
a great deal of admiration for Mr. Tony Jaa
I'm not a fan of Tony Jaa and that type of movie style in the Jungle, wherever they fighting but maybe I'll watch this movie. 😐
The language barrier was a big reason. A lot of his English-language roles had little dialogue. I think the most that he spoke in English was in Skin Trade with Dolph Lundgren. Even in Triple Threat, his English dialogue was sporadic at the most.
Compare that to Donnie Yen. Before he started winning the west over with Ip Man, he was doing fight choreography for movies like Blade II and Highlander Endgame, and for the German show, Das Puma. By the time Hollywood started calling again for Donnie Yen, not only was he given dialogue-rich roles for franchises like Star Wars, XXX, and John Wick, but he was able to voice crucial creative decisions for the characters he played. Donnie Yen as a native English speaker (he was born and raised in Boston) was able to gradually voice his stake in Hollywood more than Tony Jaa could.
Sorry... you got it wrong. He was Born in Guangzhu China. With eleven years he moved with his mother to bosten and spent only his teenage years there. He was then sent back to china to learn better martial arts and was actually classmate with Jet Li.
No, the problem with TONY JAA, is that he wasted most of his time Promoting Tom yung Goong and Ong Bak, instead of making more quality movies.
Jaa Phanom can speak good English, sorry you're misinformed
Donnie Yen had a RICH history of starring in fighting movies prior to making it big in Hollywood. He was considered one of the top five martial artists in cinema for MANY years.
Donnie had way better English that Jackie and Jet Li. Donnie ;s earlier Hollywood endeavors never helped him one bit. Its only after the semi-retirement of Jet Li and the sporadic work of Jackie that people finally recognized those 2 great's shadow, Donnie, Also during the Jackie/Jet slump Donnie;s stock grew heavily in China with consistent quality roles(Ipman, SPL,,,), that helped.
Jaa's problem is himself and his management. He co-stars opposite Hollywood relics and discards( Lundgren, Jai White) and Hong Kong journeymen sans Wu Jin. Those 60 second appearances in major titles havent helped either. They didnt help Donnie then. Jaa also took a long sabbatical after his great debut run, he was forgotten by 2010. His peers Wu Jin and Iko Uwais are now huge and recognizable faces respectively. Wu Jin is the Tom Cruise of China now, Iko is slowly etching towards a major blow up role.
Jaa's skills and style in Ong Bak were exceptional. He was the next big thing hands down.
He also did it for real , don't know how
The channel ”Goldenbell Training” covers this topic much better and is opposed to the word “fell” in terms of Tony Jaa’s career.
What we all saw in Ong Bak and The Protector was something really powerful, like when Bruce Lee did Enter The Dragon, maybe even bigger. Tony could be biggest action star ever. His skill is unmatched. Too bad things didnt work out that way
He was not that good looking or charismatic. He was like a good stuntman who got a lead role.
@@mage1086actors don't need to be good looking so stop being racist 😊 all that matters is hard work, luck and choice of good scripts , nowadays most movies are getting crashed because of weak story line
@theartofaphorism3886 no it's all about story and acting and good reputation in public,, it's not about looks and family name ,
@@gamermixy.t3664 It depends on the genre of the movie and the role of the character. A drama genre based on a family story need not need a very good looking or fit actor. An action hero needs a certain look and physique. Superman cannot be some out of shape regular looking guy.
@@gamermixy.t3664 dunno if that's racist lol some Asians are hot some are not, same as anywhere. For the western audiences I think it's the lack of character charisma, stunts and fights were incredible but the characters played were meh
Brooo i went through a massive Tony Jaa phase . . i grew up on JCVD and all the action stars but i leaned all the way into martial arts and this guy is the king in my eyes.
Brother I couldn't agree more! Same way with me
I learned how to do the splits sliding backwards like he did in ong bak 😊❤
@@darylobey8867 had to learn cheat 720s after seeing Ong Bak and the Protector. Couldn't believe someone was really doing that stuff. Maybe I'll get those butterfly twists one day lol.
What do you all think of uwais
@@treadstoned9915 Yup had me and my bro outside doing spins for sure.
I was won over with Ong Bak and haven't lost sight of him since. We need a Magnificent Seven type movie with Tony, Iko, Joe Taslim, Andrew Koji, MJW, Scott Adkins, Donnie Yen. Let's get it going
This right here!! I'm reading so many comments of people only talking about Statham, Jackie Chan and Jet Li (all of whom I love) but Iko and Taslim are dope as $h!t. Donnie Yen might be my favorite. He doesn't have a lot of western releases and hasn't been the main star of the one's he has done but he embodies professionalism, composure and has real presence on screen. He's been around for nearly 40yrs but the three things I saw from him first were Iron Monkey and 2 cheesy tv series Kung-Fu Master and Jing Wu Men (Sworn Revenge). I loved those even though the camera was sped up I just really dug the story.
I actually get mad when I bring up the Raid 1 and 2 and people don't know what I'm talking about. 1 was awesome but the story in 2 and the kitchen fight scene Iko had with Cecp Arif Rahman (who is a silat master) was epic. I really wanted a 3rd movie but I guess it's not going to happen.
God bless him,no matter what happens to him, he is adorable, a Michael Jackson in martial movie. I will never forget him. Long live Tony JAA
I absolutely loved the first Ong Bak. Amazing movie! And Scott Adkins, amazing guy! Wish I could find more movies with him.
I’ll never forget seeing Tony Jaa live. I was doing Muay Thai at the time and there was screening of Ong-Bak at the San Francisco Japantown movie theater. I had already watched it but I had to watch it on the big screen and went with a coworker/training buddy. When Tony Jaa and his crew showed up on stage the theater went wild. When he performed the stunts he did in Ong-Bak live, I lost it. I had no idea he did all that without wires. I can’t remember if I knew he was going to be before hand, but I’ll always remember him jumping on and running across the shoulders of his stuntmen like it was hopscotch.
I remember reading an interview in which Tony Jaa mentioned many action stars as his inspiration like bruce lee, jet li, and Jackie chan
Love that you touched on JCVDs acting in Lionheart. He really stepped it up a level by this time, and it shows. He deserves credit for that. Great film.
Lion heart is literally one of my brother and I favorite movies growing up. Criminally underrated
Every martial art action star has his decade just like Tony Jaa. Unfortunately, Hollywood and the audience don't want any more action stars. But mainstream Hollywood stars perform the martial art choreography themselves. When Scott Adkins and Jackie Chan say he's fit, he has to be extremely fit.
Man I became a Big fan of Muay Thai when I first saw my man Paco from Bloodsport and when Ong Bak came out I watched it like 100x Tony jaa is a Beast
This actually relates to the big problem with action movies as a whole these days.They're missing the heart and charisma of the 80's. No matter how much stunt talent you bring to the set, you need that charisma and ability to reach the heart of the audience. Even Tony's level of talent can't trump good writing and a screen presence. Statham makes his movies work with his personality. The guy is just fucking cool and badass. He's funny on top of that. And think back to Rocky, that movie could have been a complete flop if it wasn't for the level of heart and relatability Stallone put into it.
On a side note: Scott could have been a great Batman.
Yes, charisma goes a long way. Not many have it
@jokerfleckcast3196 Indeed. Charisma tied in with solid writing and directing. So many action flicks these days are soulless and the producers are left trying to figure out why. They pump the action with shaky-cam, explosions, CGI blood, and ridiculous wire bullshit - all the while they're forgetting that it was a realism, the grit, heart, and the inspirational spirit of the 80's that made the difference. Another big help for the writers was having the Vietnam war not too long before these movies. A number of classic 80's heroes were men who'd come home from that war with haunted pasts. Men trying to integrate back into a society that didn't need them anymore. (Kinda like today for us 80's guys) Part of the thrill was seeing the beast they kept inside uncaged. How the current generation of pussies couldn't handle them.
Spot on! I remember loving watching Tony fight bad guys, but I hated watching him outside of that context for some odd reason I couldn't put my finger on. It was like...okay...now get to the good parts (fighting scenes). Whereas, with Jet Li or Jackie Chan, I enjoyed the pure acting moments, drama and their presence alone, rather they fought or not.
They were able to incorporate convincing acting ability within their action, and both have great acting chops. Danny The Dog (Jet Li) is still, to this day, one of my favorite films of his, along with Hero and other period pieces.
Tony simply never had "it". He mastered a specific skillset (unbelievable fighting talent), maximized it, and ignored all the other aspects of what makes a movie star a "star" (charisma, actual acting chops), both of which Tony didn't have, which is so sad, because had he done so PRIOR TO his debut...he would have overcame the MMA saturation the same way Keanu Reeves did with John Wick, or Statham, or Chan.
Plus, it's interesting how he treats the people who helped him reach the pinnacle of his success. Sacking the person who knew and understood you as a actor, weaknesses and strengths, the original director, just so he can have more control and, imho, became greedy and alienating?
Yeah. He rubbed a LOT of people the wrong way in that business, and if you're going to do it, you better succeed and come out with a hit movie to justify it. If not, you get Ong Bak 2 and 3 and blacklisted when your success doesn't match or exceed the previous films. See, charisma is the ability to express it ON screen, but also BEHIND the scenes. He made a very bad career move in the beginning of his major releases.
@@benjaminjo It's interesting because Bruce Lee had a similar meltdown and thought he could direct better. It took him having to make a really bad action scene and watch it later with the directors to see the error of his ways. Luckily he only went off for a few hours in his trailer to cool down, whereas Tony had to wreck a whole movie and disappear for months.
As much as I respect his talent, I actually watched his elephant movie more for the capoeira dude. Tony himself was awesome, but yes, totally lacked the 'it' factor.
@@justinwallace269 so his over-sized ego destroyed his career :( . As for Bruce, I didn't know that story. He was a wise man to see the error of his ways and catch it early before it could ruin him.
It takes a lot of hubris to both direct and star in your own movie, because you have to be both the coach and player at the same time. There's a reason almost no actor does it, and when they do, it's one, MAYBE twice, and those films are usually not blockbuster hits.
Even when Mel Gibson directs, he doesn't act, and when he acts, he doesn't direct. Wearing both hats at the same time adds a level of stress that's unimaginable, and being a director or actor is stressful enough. So, of course he had a mental breakdown at the worst possible time, blackballed himself from the industry when word got around, add on to that the movies weren't successful, lacking on-screen presence and acting talent, and it's a level of arrogance you can't afford to have to early in your career.
I wish he'd been more humble, as in, Keanu Reeve's humble, because lets face it, Keanu is NOT an actors actor. He does just well enough to be convincing with his limited range, but his humble nature, kindness to others on and off the set and charisma carried his career for so long where people with far greater acting talent has fizzled out.
Oh well. We always have his debut movies to enjoy at any time. He left a great impact that is still felt. It's just sad to see that it was no other factor that go in the way of his success but himself.
And to he fair with Statham he was kind of a natural right out of the gate, we know him as the transporter but he had those two Guy Ritchie films in the beginning that were not action films at all and was very good in them, very believable actor , so although he doesn’t get his props as a actor he’s actually very well rounded
The transporter blew my mind as a kid. In the theater that stuff was perfect Js is ripped and no nonsense. Perfect victory
My friend showed me onk bak when I was in my early twenties and I was blown away! Have yet to watch the protecter but is on my list to watch now 👊
I had stopped watching Martial art films all together because the classic stars are aging until Tony made it exciting for me again.
Come on, fools.
It is NOT just Tony's skills.
His entire stunt TEAM was outstanding.
They helped make him look good.
Helped. But they didn't do it. Tony Jaa did. He performed.
Don't call people fools. Usually bites you back
The Protector is my favorite martial arts movie and Ong Bak is up there as well. I kept waiting for another Tony Jaa movie to grab me the way those two did but it just never happened. I couldn’t believe they used wires and CGI in The Protector 2. The exact opposite of what made the first a success. It’s too bad he has small parts in Hollywood movies now instead of leading roles in Thai movies. They can’t make those kind of movies here. He should go back to his roots before he gets too old and try to make a comeback.
He's already "too old", unfortunately. He's mid-40's. There's no way he can pull off what he did with such intensity at this age now, not without killing himself, someone else or breaking several bones.
In the 80's and 90's, people were passionate about action movies and martial arts. A lot of people have taken up bodybuilding, martial arts or just doing a bit of sport. Not only did it give courage to improve physically but also to develop the mind, to want to fight for your dreams, for your ideas, to fight for yourself and to find self-confidence. Nowadays it's the fake, it's the CGI, it's the virtual world. That's why the world is going badly, that it's going upside down. False ideas, false hopes and less inspiration to improve.
The golden era of action movies
I agree.. I watched extraction 2 lately & there was so much cgi .. some bits were good.. but I found myself bored during a lot of the movie. Times have changed. I spend allot of time watching old movies because these days... I don’t come across many entertaining movies... Scott Adkins is amazing!
@@MisterCritch yes, you are Wright. I do and feel the same thing. Scott Adkins it's really amazing, but in my opinion he is one of the last great guys doing Martial Arts and Action movies very well. Where is the new génération?
Even the CGI is so bad in modern movies only few have the quality to get your appreciation. Its also because the artist are given such small deadlines that they cant give enough time to polish the CG effects.
You are 1000% correct. Tony Jaa was special & the timing of him coming out was perfect, & he had the X Factor. It doesn't matter what team you put around Scott Adkins or how you package him, he doesn't have that thing Van Damme has "The X Factor that thing you can't put your finger on. He has all the skills but not that special thing. Skills & physique don't equal that special thing, it's rare & hasn't been seen since Tony Jaa.
When Jackie Chan says you're good, you're great.
One of the greatest action fight scenes I’ve ever seen
I still watch that tony jaa chase scene time to time from ong bak. Unbelievable. His fighting and moves where different. Its a shame he didnt become a bigger star. Still a legend though
Great honest insight into Tony,s career Ong Bak was very refreshing for martial arts and the dedication of his co workers taking the hits
Back in the early 2000’s when video stores was still a thing I stumbled across Ong Bak and rented it. Loved it so much I never returned it and got charged like $50. I was okay with it. One of my favorite martial arts movie of all time.
The Protector was my gateway to Jaa. Amazing action
Til this day I still watch Ong Bak 2. Classic imo. Part one was great as well.
Man, that drunken boxing scene in Ong Bak 2 is one of the greatest fight scenes ever filmed.
Legend. That tower climbing scene in The Protector has to be one of the greatest long takes in martial arts cinema history.
Accented Media just put out a video essay on Tony today, and your channel shows up as the top result in a UA-cam search he does at one point. Crazy timing! Looking forward to watching.
Very interesting timing!
Back then I thought he was going to be on the very top of the genre for a very long time, it's very sad what happened to his career but we must also take into consideration the competition factor, Jaa is incredibly talented but let's not forget Scott Adkins and Iko Uwais were building strong when Jaa wasn't at the top of his game anymore and also we have Donnie Yen, who's been doing this forever and only keeps getting better at his craft. My point is that the genre doesn't have the same demand and strong status as it had between the 70's and 90's and yet we have at least 3 or 4 very talented and impressive lead stars trying to claim the throne as the next Bruce Lee. Personally I think we are blessed we can enjoy all of them, they all bring something fun, special and unique to the table, having said that, Jean Claude Van Damme will always be the king at the top of the mountain in my opinion!
You act like fans wouldn't watch all their movies. Like we have to Pico and choose. Fans of ong bak would have watched whatever he did if it were the same quality.
No one can take the throne of Bruce Lee full stop.
Just a few movies and he became a Legend, love is work : D
Very good summary and analysis. It's a shame that Tony Jaa didn't have the discipline as a director that he has as an actor and certainly as a martial artist. All the best to him, and thanks for the history.
A true human highlight reel. Everything he does RULES
Ong Bak was an amazing movie and Tony Jaa deserves a comeback as good as it
He took a break from films nothing wrong with that. He's back in the Expendables 4
I remember seeing Ong Bak in the cinema. It was crazy to see a film like that in the cinema in Ireland, especially at that time, long after the martial arts heyday in the 80s. Then The Protector came along and Jaa did it again. Two crazy good martial arts films, without which The Raid and others like it wouldn’t have existed, or at least not had the same platform for success. I’m looking forward to seeing him in Expendables 4, though Monster Hunter was horrible.
I interviewed Jaa in 2013. It's worth noting that around this time, Jaa was in the middle of a major falling out with the higher-ups at Sahamongkol. He was directing A Man Will Rise when that film was indefinitely shelved due to his impasse with the studio boss. This likely impacted Jaa's momentum a little more despite his overseas success, in addition to effectively ending the wave of high-flying Thai action cinema as we knew it, post-Ong Bak.
I recall in Thai cinemas, comedy horror movies were popular for a while post ong bak 2.
Yeah. What Happend to Thai action cinema after 2010. It faded so fast and yet it was supposed to be the renaissance of Asian martial arts cinema. Ong Bak trilogy, The Protector, Chocolate even Dynamite Warrior are martial arts classics. Thai action had topped Chinese/Hong Kong martial arts cinema on the world stage. Was it the death of Panna Ritikrai? In Africa Thai action was so huge at that time. Tony Jaa became as huge as JJackie, Jet Li and Donnie Yen here
@@mrsam0496 Panna's death was a factor for sure, but Sia Jiang's reported reputation as a bully can't be overlooked. He tried suing Jaa to stop the release of Furious Seven reportedly due to Jaa's contractual obligations. Jaa wanted out of his contract by then and eventually Sahamongkol withdrew the suit. A lot of what shaped the Thai action industry became undone after that. I think Vengeance Of An Assassin with Dan Chupong was the last time a major big scale Thai actioner was released, and it was only a matter of time before we'd see a change of pace take place. There would still be some action films after that, but nowhere near the pedigree that arose when Panna was around.
@@mrsam0496 I would actually talk to a few Thai stunt guys about the state of action cinema in their industry in the wake of all this, and the general response would be "it's dead" or "there's nothing there". Some TV jobs and film jobs here and there but for the most part, nothing nada zip.
@@FilmCombatSyndicate After Ong Bak, i think Indonesia took over with the Raid. It's really sad how Tony Jaa went with his career. I remember buying bootleg VCD's at the time to rewatch Ong Bak and The Protector. Now Thailand is prospering with BL series and love story dramas.
I think he did decently considering the circumstances. His lack of English/acting talent + being kind of old when he finally transitioned to Hollywood + martial arts movies being basically dead means he was never going to be some big Hollywood star. It might have been better if he had struck while the iron was hot and came over after The Protector but he was still in some big projects.
His work in Ong Bak and The Protector has got to be the greatest works of all time ❤
when ong bak came out i remember me and my son were in awe. 😮 we watched it repeatedly for like an entire week 😂
Great video buddy. Always been a fan of his work. I really like the first protector a lot. I thought it was really good. I thought they did a great job with it. Thanks for sharing this video. Keep doing what you do. Let's catch up soon. Be awesome!
I'd like to see the list of injuries Tony Jaa has dealt with over the years.
Tony Jaa in a thai interview he actually got that question. To simplify the answer, he had some major injuries but never a fracture or a broken bone. Tony is a freak of a man and the dude is almost 50 and still do crazy stunts and acrobatic jumps like he was in his early twenties
@@ImNoDoctorYet I forgot that he had been in the business so long.
@@ImNoDoctorYetstfu he's that old? He looks young af
Thank you for making a video on Tony Jaa, he's an inspiration to me and inspired me to be an actor and martial artist.
Tony jaa is 100% amazing the problem that holds him back is stress and the industry. With the right agent and director for a film made to fit the style he has something could be done. Most things haven't has him as a main part but as a side character. He deserves something that can fit him.
The problem is people aren’t really interested in those types of movies anymore.
He’s better off taking a role in a Marvel movie and fighting the Winter Soldier or someone than trying to bring back action movies and real stunt work.
@@noahknight4039 wrong, I love martial art movies, and will watch anything that comes with great choreography. Today's film are just bad low quality, its now about who got the bigger firepower, with bad fighting choreography.
Scott Adkins should have been cast as Danny Rand.
He would have made that show watchable...
I was surprised how this video started out about Tony and then went off on tangents like it did with Scott. I hate that people think of him as a glorified stunt man, he deserves so much more.
Tony Jaa is my GOAT for martial arts!!He's incredible!!
Tony Jaa was badass love his movie !
This guy is one of the best action stars of my childhood and still stands at the top of the list. I still love him even though he doesn't work much in movies but Ong Bak is my all time favourite. His dedication towards Muay Thai is beyond words not only that he trained his body and mind at the same time which is very inspirational for all the young people there. He's in a totally different league. I respect him the most after Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee.
This guy would be awesome Kung Lao.Liked the Ong Bak all the real stunts were impressive.
Tony Jaa had incredible agility and explosive power.
One thing that seems to work is being the secondary star or not the main star in big budget American movies where you get to showcase your skills where you steal the show even though you're not the main star. Jet Li in Lethal Weapon 4, Jackie Chan in Rush hour. Those guys got huge boosts after making those movies but the films weren't centered around them but people were so impressed that it opened the door for them to star as the main star in future big budget films. The role Scott Atkins is playing in John Wick 4 is another example, his great performance though not the main star in the movie may give him the opportunity to star in big budget films as the main actor.
Tony Jaa will never be a fall off ! He is today and forever will be a LEGEND!
That long uncut scene in Tom Yum Goong was the greatest thing ever. Just amazing.
The Protector plays out just like a beat em up video game. Hollywood really does drop the ball with martial artists in films.
I heard he got plenty of offers from Hollywood but they didn't offer him the proper amount of payment based on his skills and popularity, if you see the newer movies that he agreed to do, it doesn't include many fighting scene because when he agreed to do the movie with the ridiculous payment, he comes to an agreement to do an action scene equal to his payment.
The Ong Bak movie nearly killed me because I tried to imitate Tony Jaa.
Ong Bak was the first time a Thai/SEA actor really hit the big screens and presented not only themselves, but Muay thai to the world again.(On the big screen)
I feel that Tony showcase did what the real Thai arts look like. Before Tony we saw Muaythai through the eyes of people like Jean-Claude Van Damme and other American stars. They did the elbows they did the leg kicks but that was all that we saw. Tony showed us just how lethal Muaythai was
He's still working, making films. Dude really hasn't fallen. Just gotta go after what he's making.
He needs better promoter, manager. They're giving him shit role side jobs in films. Did you know that Donnie Yen was once in the Highlander movie, he had no script, no lines, and he was just there to swing his staff for a few seconds. America didn't know who he was back then. Before he became popular in America, he was already big in China. I watch his series in the early 90s.
But most of the stuff he’s in sucks.
Toni Jaa is the definition of talent, his skill level is almost unreal
The Protector was one of my favorite martial arts movies, growing up. It has a special place in my heart. Tony Jaa is so sick.
Well, Tony Jaa started with a bang with his Ong Bak movie. And then the Protector was a cool movie, but I never liked the Ong Bak 2 and 3. Like, first Ong Bak was in modern days about this guy from the village, who know martial arts, who later travel to a big land to deal with some stuff, and ended up been a hero, who stops some gang from doing bad stuff. And it was cool and funny, and it gave this wow effect every single minute. But, in Ong Bak 2 and 3 for some reason, they show some ancient times of some unknown fighter who fights for what? Like, first of all, why are we in the second movie ended up in the ancient times? What just happened? Is it a prequel to the first movie, or is it a different story from the past, what is it? And then the plot of the movie was kinda all over the place. Sure, the action scenes was kinda good, but the plot is what was also giving a boost to the movie. And so that is why I think that second and third Ong Bak movies are flopped because, it was all over the place.
Like, here is example. Imagine of John Wick did the same. Like, the first movie starts in modern days and ends like it ended, but in the second movie we, all of the sudden, jumping in time back to ancient times for no reason. Do you think people would love it? Do you think that people would love watching like John Wick shoots everyone with a bow and killing knights, freeing some kingdom in the process? I think that it would be a mess. It would not even be a John Wick movie. So again, that is why Ong Bak 2 and 3, in my opinion are flopped. Cause people wanted a sequel to the first movie but better. But they got something else in the end.
I grew up with Tony Jaa movies. I love him in all movies. He is one of the greatest martial artists. I listened to many of his interviews. He talked about his determination to become a top martial artist star since he was a kid. I admire him so much for his strong determination and his talent in martial arts. He represents Muay Thai very beautifully, but he also masters other kind of martial arts. He is such a pure genius in martial arts
Tony Jaa in Onk bak inspired me to become a martial artist. I became a brown belt k1 after a year plus Trained in Muay Thai alongside. Been at it for 15 years. The guy is a true warrior legend! ❤🔥💪💯🇬🇧
Tony Jaa deserves a much better career path, career growth, and career opportunities! He is one of the rarer martial-artists, an actor, a creative artist of his own right, and someone who has the inner beauty to be able to give 110%! Can't wait to watch Tony in action again in Striking Rescue to be released this December 2024 and in other production in the future!!! All the best wishes for Tony!!!
Hey, so, good news, Tony Jaa is going to be in The Expendables 4. That will be awesome! Looks like his career might just be on the upswing! The cycle of life. You take the ups with the downs and get used to the way the energy moves as you age.
Tony Jaa.....bcz of my cousin ,was forced to watch Ong-Bak 1 back in 2007,was blown away....and since then almost watched every Tony Jaa movies so far.
I thought he was gonna be the next Jet Li or Jackie Chan in Hollywood as far as Asian martial arts action stars were concerned.
It was sad to see him get beat by the likes of Paul Walker on film 😂 I imagined that was the kind of role he settled for, not desired.
Then I assumed he never became a bigger star cause he never improved his English. Where as Jet Li and Jackie Chan grew as stars as their English and acting skills increased.
Jet Li’s _Fearless_ was a masterpiece.
Ong Bak 2 is one of the best action martial arts films ever!! Loved it.
It really is too bad that Tony Jaa isn't used better by Hollywood.
The reason I first found out about Tony Jaa, was because I watched the Thai movie "Chocolate" (a.k.a. Zen, Warrior Within) , which is about a female martial artist with autism. It's an amazing movie really.
It is made by the director of Ong-Bak. He wanted the main actress to be kinda like a female version of Tony Jaa in a way. It was actually the main actress' (JeeJa Yanin) first film, she sadly hasn't been in much since. She honestly is a very underrated actress.
Nobody ever talks about Chocolate. Watched it on netflix back in 2009 and loved it. She def deserves to be in more mainstream movies.
Yup chocolate was dope
Tony Jaa was what got me interested in the marital arts again since I was a kid taking Tae Kwon Do.
The man is a legend.
Yup, That is the same thing I said when I first saw Tony Jaa, I was like: How long can he last being able to be like THAT! The super high performance he can put out is just god like, then I also got to realize this other MA stunt man Tim Mann also like Tony accept shorter 😆
I still say the movies they do aren't cheesy enough but I only watch to see him perform, it's like watching a man fly for real. Bring back more gimmick... I think they are all aging... I do appreciate them continue to do MA movies.
Watched Ong Bak in Thailand, but my Thai wasn't good enough to follow it very well, but the action scenes kept me glued to the screen.
Thought he'd become mainstream, but he faded away.
I think when his teacher Panna Rikkati died it really hurt him personally he took time off became a monk. Also he did not want to leave his Thai movies his style don't blame him plus the success of the matrix and bourne movies that hurt him he was gone for so long when he came back it was different he still is great he still can wow you. What could have been he is still respected world wide I still am a fan.
Panna Rittikrai in Thai action cinema was like Sammo Hung in Hong Kong. Cheap low-budget movies with great martial art component.
@@pdanokia2524 Yes your right I have panna movies he was great a bad MF amazing. I have his movies even tony debu first film with panna spirit killer. Panna could never break internationally he was huge in Thailand. He could get the distribution deals etc. He was just as skilled as Jackie or jet that hongkong era the 80s panna was doing this thing in Thailand just could not break out. When tony became international i think panna was so happy for him and it was a win for him to being his teacher/master.
Thank you so much for making this video, I'm from South Africa, I fell in love with Jaa since 2013, I really prayed and expected him to grow to be one of the greats like Jackie Chan. When I saw his Fast& Furious debut, I knew his fall was coming. He is supposed to be the main character in all his movies.
Tony Jaa will be back -
" Don't call it a comeback, I been here for years
I'm rockin' my peers, puttin' suckers in fear
Makin' the tears rain down like a monsoon
Listen to the bass go boom
Explosions, overpowerin'
Over the competition, I'm towerin'
Wrecking shop, when I drop
These lyrics that'll make you call the cops
Don't you dare stare
You better move, don't ever compare
Me to the rest that'll all get sliced and diced
Competition's payin' the price
I'm gonna knock you out (Huuh)
Mama said knock you out (Huuh)
I'm gonna knock you out (Huuh)
Mama said knock you out (Huuh)
I'm gonna knock you out (Huuh)
Mama said knock you out (Huuh)
I'm gonna knock you out (Huuh)
Mama said knock you out (Huuh)
Don't you call this a regular jam
I'm gonna rock this land
I'm gonna take this itty-bitty world by storm
And I'm just getting warm
Just like Muhammad Ali, they called him Cassius
Watch me bash this beat like a skull
Don'tcha know I had beef wit'
Why do you riff with me, a maniac psycho
And when I pull out my jammy, get ready 'cause it might go
Blauh! How ya like me now?
The ripper will not allow
You to get wit' Mr. Smith don't riff
Listen to my gear shift
I'm blastin', outlastin'
Kinda like shaft, so you could say I'm shaftin'
Olde English filled my mind
And I came up with a funky rhyme
I'm gonna knock you out (Huuh)
Mama said knock you out (Huuh)
I'm gonna knock you out (Huuh)
Mama said knock you out (Huuh)
I'm gonna knock you out (Huuh)
Mama said knock you out (Huuh)
I'm gonna knock you out (Huuh)
Mama said knock you out (Huuh)
Breakdown
Gangsta boogie, gangsta boogie
Gangsta boogie, gangsta boogie
Gangsta boogie, gangsta boogie
Gangsta boogie, gangsta boogie
Gangsta boogie, gangsta boogie
Gangsta boogie, gangsta boogie
Gangsta boogie, gangsta boogie
Gangsta boogie, gangsta boogie
Shadow boxin' when I heard you on the radio
Uuh, I just don't know
What made you forget that I was raw?
But now I gotta new tour
I'm going insane startin' a hurricane, releasin' pain
Lettin' you know, you can't gain or maintain
Unless you say my name
Rippin', killin', diggin' and drillin' a hole
Pass the Ol' Gold
I'm gonna knock you out (Huuh)
Mama said knock you out (Huuh)
I'm gonna knock you out (Huuh)
Mama said knock you out (Huuh)
I'm gonna knock you out (Huuh)
Mama said knock you out (Huuh)
I'm gonna knock you out (Huuh)
Mama said knock you out (Huuh)
Shotgun blasts are heard
When I rip and kill, at will
The man of the hour, tower of power, I'll devour
I'm gonna tie you up and let you understand
That I'm not your average man
When I gotta jammy in my hand
Damn, ooh
Listen to the way I slay, your crew
Damage (Uhh), damage (Uhh), damage (Uhh), damage
Destruction, terror and mayhem
Pass me a sissy, so suckas I'll slay him
Farmers (What), farmers (What?)
I'm ready! (We're ready)
I think I'm gonna bomb a town (Get down)
Don't you never, ever, pull my lever
'Cause I explode
And my nine is easy to load
I gotta thank God
'Cause he gave me the strength to rock, hard
Knock you out, mama said knock you out (Huuh)
I'm gonna knock you out (Huuh)
Mama said knock you out (Huuh)
I'm gonna knock you out (Huuh)
Mama said knock you out (Huuh)
I'm gonna knock you out (Huuh)
Mama said knock you out (Huuh)
Like LL COOL J SAID .
Uh...OK?
Thank you, lyric writer. Lol
Tony Jaa still got it
2 vids on Tony on the same day. Just saw the accented cinema video released about him a few hours ago.
You mentioned that Tony Jaa became a monk. Most people do not know the significance of this in Thai culture. Many male members become monks in Thailand, some for one day, a week a month and sometimes longer. It brings honor to the family for doing so and also honors Buddha. The men who do so choose to do so for different reasons.
What Tony can do on screen he could do it in real life. He disappeared from lead roles because he was Asian and was not Matt Damon saving China from monsters. What a shame...
he didnt want to leave his thai movies, contract disputes (which lead to him becoming a monk to try to get out of said contract) and other factors contributed to him missing the boat. He is one of those "could have been" cases.
Revenge of the Warrior is one of my favorite fight movies. Crazy fight scenes.
Ong Bak 2 is a classic martial arts movie in my opinion. I like 1 and 3 but number 2 has the best fight choreography I have ever seen.
absolutely right, ong bak 2 has best choreography ever,, not only bare hand ,he also using sword,spear,etc..
@@azwanblues3391 Facts!!! I'm telling you when I first saw Ong Bak 2 on DVD I watched it everyday for like a month. I loved it so much that I would try and mimick some of his moves. I was obsessed lol
Dude moves like a superhero. They need him in the dcu or mcu asap while he can still do it.
I don't think Tony Jaa fell, it was just his time to exit stage. The whole world loves him.
I can't wait to watch this one, because this question has always been in my mind. I was SO hype for him and his future after Ong Bak! I told everyone for years about him, his movies and to keep an eye on him..........but damn 😅what the hell
Edit after watching: great analysis and breakdown gentlemen. Not just for Jaa, but for every action star mentioned. Keep up the great work 🔥✊🏿💯
Thanks man, glad you enjoyed the video!
I loved tony jaaa but Scott Adkins is my favorite hollywood martial artist. Dude is soo good an such a bad ass. I'd love to see him play a marvel or DC character to be honest
He still kills it to this day! He just doesn't put out a lot of movies! Funny I actually have the same Birthday 🎂 as Tony !! Can't wait for his next 🍿 🎥
He was in fast and furious 7 but not many people knew that and he played a fantastic role
It's because after he went away, The Raid came out and there was an Indonesian action boom and every one in the movie industry followed suit. He got replaced by Iko Uwais and now they are both in the mediocre hollywood films as backups or villains.
I left the following on Accented Cinema's video and I stand by my analysis.
Sadly his career quickly lost momentum. He rose to prominence after the demise of the Holy Ground of Martial Arts Action Cinema and that together with the fact he appeared in a ton of Hollywood bilge did his career no favours. The passing of the legendary Panna Rittikrai really affected him and then there's a whole debacle around the production of Ong Bak 2 (a film which, despite it's complete lack of narrative, I enjoy due to the fact we get to see Jaa perform Animal Fu). I always wonder what would've happened if the project which was set to star himself, Brad Allan (RIP) and Fan Siu Wong had ever come to fruition - it entered pre-production but sadly that's where it abruptly hit the wall If Jaa had broken through 15 years earlier, he would've inevitably succeeded in HOng Kong and could've dominated the market as come the turn of the 90's Kung Fu Action Cinema was really on the downturn (we had those awful double-infested, Wire Fu flicks from Jet Li....sigh). I reckon Sammo would've adopted him as a protege (just as he did Ngai Sing)
brad allen, 🫢...
bruhman pulled of neo's "multiple air-kicks" he did on morpheus, WITHOUT ------- no strings attached pimpin'...😬 dats sum stick a** sh*ts playa, it really is!!! his performance in jackie's movie "gorgeous" was one of the most prominent displays of skill SINCE ------ the introduction of the arts the way bruce displayed it, to the time he passed over, to --------- the revitalization of hollywoods perception and usage of how its incorporated into the action genre!
Like; brad though!, was DEF A SIGHT to behold man! "nujabes" passed around my son's b-day, while brad was born the year bruce died, but 13 days after brandon lee's 8th..... a
b-day! Finally, that same kid I had with the b-day around nujabes passing, was born also, 8 days AFTER, Brad's b-day....
small world man, small world!
I loved Ong Bak. I remember one of my teachers played a part of the movie to demonstrate something when I was in middle school.
Looking forward in seeing Jaa in Exp 4 as the main villian !! Great martial artist !!
Arnie and JCVD also had language barriers but both succeeded with great early movies thru the 80’s and 90’s !!!
Actually, Imo Uwais from the Raid is the main villain while Tony Jaa's role is unknown. Idk if he is with the good guys or bad guys.
@@JoKa1013 he's with the good guys watch again the trailer he's smiling with statham in a scene
@@persada5913 Read the cast and role. It was confirmed Uwais will be portraying the main antagonist of the film. He was smiling because he is enjoying the fight.
Ong Bak will FOREVER be my favorite thanks to this handsome man!!! 🥰🥰
Jaa is a total bad ass. Glad Sly got him for Ex4
Ong bak 2 n 3 were masterpieces.
Ive always wanted to see a film of that kind ….finally .