The Transition of Ting and His Role in the Hero's Journey

     In many forms of media today, the hero's journey is a prevalent influence in society. An example of this is the film Ong Bak, the Thai Warrior. When we are first introduced to the story of Ong Bak, the Thai Warrior, the character of Ting is portrayed as one of agility and strength, skilled in the deadly art of Muay Thai. Perhaps more important than the skills exhibited by Ting would be his exemplary character of honour and dignity. His role as the typical archetype of a hero in this movie is solidified when he is tasked with catching the thieves that stole Ong Bak's head, as the only hope for the village. It can be implied that Ting takes this role very seriously, as he realizes that the village is ultimately depending on them for their survival, and his actions will have serious repercussions as they will dictate the future for the ones he cares about the most. Ting is characterized as one to accept the responsibilities given to him and rise to the challenge This is prevalent in most films in which the hero must first prove himself and his skills and worthy of the title "hero" before he can proceed with the actual journey. His motive for success is to save his village from disaster, one of the typical reasons for the hero's journey.
    The Initiation for Ting of him travelling to the big city, reveals his inexperience with the outside world. His lack of contact with others and real-world experiences raises the question if this will be a recurring topic later in the film. Ting later recognizes how different this life is, because of the actions of his "friend" Hunlae. Hunlae; a former member of Ting's village, immediately separates himself from Ting when he asks for help in locating Don's whereabouts.  Once Hunlae realizes the money Ting has, he deceives Ting and steals the money in an effort to pay off his debts by gambling. The actions of Hunlae shows how the community can affect the individual because of his past experiences in the city. The character of Hunlae follows the typical archetype of a campion that changes as a result of contact with the hero. The transition of their freindship from apprenhension towards acceptance is noticed when the two characters are shown eating together, signifying the bond that their experiences have created. The simple aspect of eating shows how the two parties now accept each other and willing will work together and help each other to achieve their goal.
     Ting is shocked by this move, because he believed he could trust a person who he had history with at the village. Ting is unaccustomed to these types of actions and neglects to realize the effect of change on past experiences. This situation represents how Ting is naive too how other individuals act, and will have to overcome this personal obstacle in order to succeed. This scenario also signals the beginning of the initial road of Trials that the hero must overcome. The fatal weakness of the hero could also be hinted at here through foreshadowing, and would be Ting's over trust in people to exhibit the values he beleives in.
     Ting manages to catch Hunlae at a fighting ring, in which he accidentally enters. Upon defeating the challenger with ease, Ting chooses to decline the vast amount of prize money in exchange for the village's money bet by Hunlae. The values of these two characters are contrasted here, as it is shown what is truly important to them. Hunlae is only concerned with gaining profit, whereas Ting sticks to his original values and beliefs and lives very modestly as his mind is set on his goal of helping the village. Ting is shown to care about the journey towards success as much as the actual accomplishment of success itself. Ting also gains perspective due to his experiences in the city which leads to internal reflections and growth of character. This is reminiscent of how the hero must grow throughout the Trials, before he reaches the Innermost Cave. The hero often gains perspective and endures many hardships during these trials, one of which ultimatley prepares the hero for the final battle to come.
     It is yet to be seen what events will be caused due to his alliances and actions. The weakness of Ting, prevalent in the typical "hero's journey" has also yet to be revealed directly; although his naivety and his inexperience may end up leading to his demise. It is also yet to be determined which party has been affected more by contact: Ting or his allies, and how this will alter the course of the journey. The Innermost Cave as well as the Reintegration with Society also remain unknown,leaving out a critical part in the hero's journey. The future of Ting is still uncertain, and poses many unanswered questions integral to the overall theme of this film. Will Ting's disobedience of not to use the art of Muay Thai unless necessary, deemed by his master result in further complications in his journey?  How will the allies of Ting aid him in his quest?  How does this film relate to other texts or real life examples through archetypes? Despite the road that lies ahead, Ting seems prepared for the challenges to come.