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Starring
:
Jet
Li
Brigitte
Lin
Rosamund
Kwan
Michelle
Reis
Yen
Shi Kwan
Waise
Lee
Action
:
Ching
Siu Tung
Yuen
Bun
Cheung
Yiu Sing
Producer
:
Tsui
Hark
Director
:
Ching
Siu Tung
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SWORDSMAN
II (1992)
A.K.A.
- Swordman 2
Reviewed
by Andrew Saroch
When
'Swordsman'
proved to a surprise hit throughout global art-house cinemas,
a sequel was quickly put into the initial planning stage.
Remembering the all-too-obvious conflict in styles that was
inherent in the first film - a result of multiple directors -
Tsui Hark decided to take a back seat as producer and assign
the task of helming the project to Ching Siu Tung. Such a
partnership had worked so well in the 1987 masterpiece 'A
Chinese Ghost Story' and its subsequent follow-ups that few
had any doubts that something artistically grand could be the
order of the day. It therefore came as little out of the
ordinary when 'Swordsman II' opened to rave reviews and
stunning box-office success throughout Asia. It remains a
highly regarded film to this very day.
Following
on soon after the conclusion of the original 'Swordsman', the
film centres on the further adventures of Ling and his trusty
sidekick Kiddo. Having been betrayed by the master of their
clan, the duo choose to follow their own route in life and
avoid the conflicts of the martial world. Before retreating to
the solitude of Ox mountain and retiring from the life of a
swordsman altogether, Ling decides to reacquaint himself with
the beautiful Ming Ming - a member of the Sun Moon sect who
saved his life in the previous escapade. On finding Ming Ming,
the young hero discovers that all is not well in the sect and
the despotic Asia has imprisoned their leader. Ling agrees to
help the remaining Sun Moon members out and take on the
supposedly invincible Asia. Little does he realise that his
actions of bravery will not only put him into conflict with
Asia, but will also suck him once more into the martial
turmoil he had been keen to avoid. Added to this is the
realisation that the freed leader of the Sun Moon sect is as megalomaniacal
as his rivals and equally ruthless.
The
decision to put Jet Li into the lead role - one of many cast
changes - proves to be a canny one as the Mainland superstar
rises to the challenge of his part. Although reliant on wires
to an obvious degree (as is expected of the new-wave martial
arts/fantasy film), director Ching Siu Tung gives his lead
every opportunity to show off his immense prowess. Li is
certainly a better martial artist than Samuel Hui in much the
same way that Hui is the better actor, but here the
choreography is well-developed to exploit these strengths.
Dramatically Li also scores highly with his absorbing blend of
charm and martial arts devotion. Aside from his merits though,
this production is also blessed with a stellar cast of Hong
Kong's cream, most notably the ever-popular Brigitte Lin in
the unusual role of Asia.
With
a more comprehensible plot than its predecessor, this
recommended fantasy flick makes the running time fly by. The
viewer is treated to a visual feast that fully sketches out
this almost mythical setting - kudos once more to director and
cinematographer. Coupled with the superb design of the film is
the exciting action that runs throughout and means that there
is certainly never a dull moment. The combination of these
aforementioned qualities means that this is a substantial
piece of entertainment that lives up to its hefty reputation.
The style may alienate some, but the substance is there for
all to see. A further illustration of Hong Kong cinema's
unique ability to entertain and dazzle.
Rating:
 
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