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Cast:
Ti
Lung
Chow
Yun Fat
Leslie
Cheung
Dean
Shek
Action:
Ching
Siu Tung
Producer:
Tsui
Hark
Director:
John
Woo
Emily
Chu
Score:
 
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A
BETTER TOMORROW 2
AKA:
A Better Tomorrow II
Year:
1987 Reviewer: Phil
Mills
It's
years after the teaming of Mark (Yun Fat), Ho (Ti Lung) and
Kit (Leslie Cheung) ; Ho is still in prison and Kit is a
prominent figure on the force. Unbeknownst to Kit, Ho is
approached by the police to investigate a good friend of his
by the name of Lung (Dean Shek), and is released to perform
this task. In a deal gone wrong, Lung is framed for
murder and must flee to the U.S.A. to escape the authorities.
Whilst he is away, his daughter is murdered causing Lung to go
temporarily insane with grief. Mark's twin brother Ken
(an excuse to bring CYF back) is running a restaurant in the
states and goes to his aid. He helps Lung regain control
of his life and the two return to Hong Kong to team up with Ho
and Kit to take revenge for his loss.
Devising
a sequel for a classic film like 'A Better
Tomorrow' and
producing the goods for a second time is no easy task.
Unsurprisingly, for just that reason Woo was reluctant
to make this follow-up, especially considering that the first
film had such a fitting end. However, despite lacking the heart of the first film and
possessing a slightly
incoherent plot, 'A Better Tomorrow 2' really is the best
effort you could hope for with charming performances from Ti
Lung and Leslie Cheung as well as some interesting character
developments. Chow Yun Fat also pulls off one of his most
charismatic roles to date using his established image from the
original combined with his ability to display different
personality traits within his character.
What
this film lacks in plot, it sure makes up for in action and
the finale of the film is a brutal display of guns, grenades
and swordplay. Woo's usual style of balletic gunplay is
on show to the max here and doesn't disappoint. Well
worth seeing for the action alone but make sure you see the
first film to understand the story.
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