'Ong Bak 2: The Beginning' is a 2008 Thai martial arts film co-directed by and starring Tony Jaa. It is a follow-up to Jaa's 2003 breakout film 'Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior'. Initially claimed to be its sequel, Ong Bak 2 was then announced to be a prequel to its predecessor. Unlike its predecessor however, which had a contemporary and realistic setting, 'Ong Bak 2' is actually set in ancient Thailand and as such, could be described as a historical epic with elements of fantasy combined, and has nothing to do with 'Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior'. 'Ong Bak 2' also has nothing to do with Jaa's 2005 film Tom-Yum-Goong, which was sometimes incorrectly labelled 'Ong Bak 2' in the West, as well as 'The Protector' and 'The Warrior King'. Jaa's films have yet to tie into each other, although Jaa has claimed they will do so with the release of 'Ong Bak 3' in late 2009. As well as the different historical setting to Jaa's previous films, 'Ong Bak 2' has taken a notably grittier and bloodier direction.
