This holiday season, the action-packed lineup led to the discovery of an action film. While the expectations were set solely for its fight sequences, the final impression left a sense of regret, as the cast's potential was far from fully realized.

The film, Triple Threat, released earlier, failed to make a significant impact. Starring the talented Celina Jade, the movie features three male leads, all martial arts stars.

Tiger Chen, known for training Keanu Reeves in The Matrix, shares the screen with Tony Jaa, the Muay Thai master from Thailand, and Iko Uwais, Indonesia’s rising martial arts star often referred to as the "Indonesian Tony Jaa." The latter two, Tony Jaa and Iko Uwais, are arguably among the most capable martial arts stars in Asia outside of traditional Chinese cinema. Unfortunately, combining such talents did not translate into cinematic success, as the film delivered an uninspired medley of action. Still, these two stars deserve their spotlight.

Tony Jaa, a familiar name for global audiences, has featured in films like Master Z: The Ip Man Legacy and Paradox. In recent years, his frequent appearances in international cinema have solidified his reputation as one of the most prominent martial artists outside of China. Tony Jaa’s fame stems from Muay Thai, a martial art renowned for its raw power and devastating effectiveness. Known as the “most lethal stand-up combat system,” Muay Thai is a striking art that emphasizes hard conditioning and full-contact techniques.

Tony Jaa's breakout moment came with 2003's Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior. His awe-inspiring stunts, including a reverse kick that shattered a streetlight, showcased Muay Thai’s sheer intensity and earned him a prominent place in action cinema. The success of Ong-Bak introduced audiences worldwide to Muay Thai’s raw power, though its sequels largely became showcases for Jaa’s individual skills rather than advancing the genre.

To expand his career, Tony Jaa ventured into Hong Kong’s action film scene. Collaborations in SPL II: A Time for Consequences and Paradox saw him sharing screen time with the likes of Wu Jing and Chris Collins. His role in Master Z: The Ip Man Legacy paired Muay Thai against Wing Chun in a thrilling battle of styles. These performances brought fresh energy to Hong Kong cinema, with Tony Jaa’s Muay Thai providing visceral fight scenes that elevated the action.

Even in Triple Threat, where the choreography occasionally feels rehearsed, Tony Jaa’s Muay Thai sequences stand out, offering glimpses of the dynamic intensity that defined his early career.

Iko Uwais, a rising star in Asian cinema, has earned the moniker "Indonesian Tony Jaa" for his action style, though his martial foundation lies in the Indonesian art of Pencak Silat. Pencak Silat, originating in the Malay Archipelago, blends offensive and defensive techniques with an emphasis on exploiting an opponent’s weaknesses through locks, strikes, and unexpected maneuvers.

While Iko Uwais gained recognition with a small role in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, his acclaim is rooted in the The Raid series, where Pencak Silat takes center stage. The 2011 film The Raid follows a SWAT team trapped in a building filled with criminals, escalating from gunfights to weapon clashes and intense hand-to-hand combat. The film’s relentless action and gritty violence turned it into a cult classic, with Uwais’ precision and physicality elevating Pencak Silat to new cinematic heights.

By The Raid 2 in 2014, everything had escalated. The sequel enhanced both the choreography and the scale, with intricate long takes and stylized brutality. Its combat sequences, blending artistry and lethality, rival the best in action cinema. From expertly wielding weapons like batons and claw knives to transforming ordinary tools like hammers and baseball bats into lethal implements, Uwais displayed unparalleled creativity in action. The film’s inventive use of traditional Indonesian weapons remains a rare treat for martial arts enthusiasts.

The presence of martial artists like Tony Jaa and Iko Uwais poses an exciting challenge for the global action film industry. Their performances demonstrate that exceptional choreography and innovative fight scenes can rival, and sometimes surpass, those of traditional powerhouses.

Though Ong-Bak and The Raid may have their narrative shortcomings, their combat scenes redefine action cinema's benchmarks. Such creativity and technical skill highlight the need for continued innovation in martial arts films. Resting on laurels risks stagnation, and action filmmakers must adapt to maintain their dominance in this competitive genre. True progress lies in learning from others' successes and rethinking approaches to break new ground in action cinema.