This sequel sees Wong Fei-hung, Aunt Yee and Foon going to Canton to attend a medical conference. They quickly learn that the city is troubled by a group known as the White Lotus Sect; a group determined to eradicate western influences in China. There are also protests against ceding of Taiwan to Japan and elements who want to overthrow the imperial government and establish a republic in China. As anybody who saw the first film will know Wong Fei-hung isn't just a doctor; he is also one of the most skilled practitioner of martial arts and inevitably gets caught up in the troubles... most notably fighting against the White Lotus Sect and an officer in the Imperial army who is using the situation to ferment more trouble.
This sequel was a lot of fun; there are plenty of amusing moments, particularly in the first half of the film and lots of great action sequences. It obviously helps if you have seen the original film, as it introduces our three main characters, but it isn't essential as they are nicely reintroduced in the opening scenes, particularly the rail journey to Canton that provides many laughs. The comedy moments don't detract from the story or feel overly forced and don't take place during the more dramatic scenes. As one would expect the action scenes are top notch; particularly the final fight between Jet Li, as Wong Fei-hung, and Donnie Yen, as Nap-lan Yun-seut. There are also really fun performances from Rosamund Kwan and Max Mok as Aunt Yee and Foon. Overall I'd say this is definitely one to watch if you enjoy martial arts films with an historical setting.
This sequel was a lot of fun; there are plenty of amusing moments, particularly in the first half of the film and lots of great action sequences. It obviously helps if you have seen the original film, as it introduces our three main characters, but it isn't essential as they are nicely reintroduced in the opening scenes, particularly the rail journey to Canton that provides many laughs. The comedy moments don't detract from the story or feel overly forced and don't take place during the more dramatic scenes. As one would expect the action scenes are top notch; particularly the final fight between Jet Li, as Wong Fei-hung, and Donnie Yen, as Nap-lan Yun-seut. There are also really fun performances from Rosamund Kwan and Max Mok as Aunt Yee and Foon. Overall I'd say this is definitely one to watch if you enjoy martial arts films with an historical setting.