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FONG
SAI YUK 2
AKA:
The Legend Of Fong Sai-Yuk II || Jet Li's The Legend
2
Year:
1993 Reviewer: Andrew
Saroch
For
fans of Jet Li, the original 'Fong
Sai Yuk' remains one of his best loved films and also one
of the most financially lucrative. Having scored such a big
hit with this new-wave martial arts classic in 1993, director
Yuen Kwai immediately gathered together most of the main cast
and started work on a sequel. By the end of the year, 'Fong
Sai Yuk 2' was out in cinemas and again reaping box-office
dollars all over Hong Kong. The big question, though, was
whether it was a rushed production cashing in on the success
of its predecessor or a worthy sequel that puts another notch
of quality on Jet Li's filmography.
Following
on from where the first film ended, Chinese patriot Fong Sai
Yuk and his charming new bride join the remote Red Flower
Society - a community who have cut themselves off from the
harsh Manchu rulers. The young fighter is quickly given an
opportunity to show off his ability when an assassination
attempt is foiled at a town festival. With a reputation
quickly established, Fong joins the Red Flower Society and
finds that some of the other members are seething with
jealousy. This rivalry becomes even more apparent when Fong is
entrusted with the mission of locating and gaining a valuable
scroll that is in the possession of a band of Japanese
warriors. Following a furious fight, he is unsuccessful in
this and is open to ridicule from his cackling nemesis (Ji
Chunhua). Therefore Fong is persuaded to use his charms on the
daughter of the Japanese kingpin who owns the list - much to
the annoyance of Fong's loyal wife. Beyond this period of
deception is the realisation that there is a traitor in the
Red Flower Society and all fingers are pointing at the
newcomers. All loose ends are tied up in the elaborate finale
with Fong Sai Yuk once again saving the day.
The
good news is that, although not ranking alongside the
original, 'Fong Sai Yuk 2' is a welcome slice of new-wave
martial arts that delivers some sizzling action. Certain
scenes within the film stand out as being worthy of constant
repeat play; seeing Jet Li under the control of Yuen Kwai's
choreography always offers something special for the eager
viewer. Jet Li is the obvious star of this film as he gives
the film its physical, dramatic and comical highlights.
However, Josephine Siao makes a welcome return as Li's
eccentric mother with her character again becoming a pivotal
figure in the film.
The
bad news is that 'Fong Sai Yuk 2' simply doesn't run along as
smoothly as it should. The plot in itself is not a terrible
one as it allows some expansion, but as the film continues the
confusion sets in. The sub-plots and farce elements are rushed
and make for an uneasy concoction that takes away some of the
film's overall quality. The sudden switch between
all-out-comedy and dramatic tension doesn't translate into
first-class entertainment in the same way that its predecessor
did. It's also sad to report that the final hero vs. villain
conflict is disappointing and doesn't offer the kind of
thrills that are demanded of a Jet Li film.
In
summary then, this is definitely an entertaining film that is
worth catching. There is, though, the constant nagging feeling
that this film could have been better.
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