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Starring
:
Jacky
Wu
Christy
Chung
Mark
Cheng
Sibelle
Hu
Billy
Chow
Darren
Shahlavi
Action
:
Yuen
Woo Ping
Producer
:
Wong
Wai Him
Director
:
Yuen
Woo Ping
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TAI
CHI 2 (1996)
A.K.A.
- Tai Chi II; Tai Chi Boxer; Tai Chi Fist
Reviewed
by Andrew Saroch
Although
apparently a sequel, it soon becomes evident that this is very
much a stand alone film. Some have tried to link it to the
Yuen Woo Ping film 'Tai
Chi Master', but this has little in common with that
classic (apart from the obvious Tai Chi scenes). Instead, this
gives the limelight to young newcomer Jacky Wu who stars as
the typical carefree youngster who enjoys the respect of his
local townsfolk. While enjoying his day-to-day routine, the
young Tai Chi exponent meets and falls in love with a
beautiful newcomer to the town (Chung). After spending a lot
of time together, the potential suitor discovers a jealous
rival in the shape of the local general who was betrothed to
her long before. This love triangle is pushed to one side when
all become embroiled in an opium smuggling plot that is
plaguing the town. With these western villains using
their might to dispose of anyone who obstructs their plans, it
quickly becomes apparent that it is down to the youthful Tai
Chi hero to save the day.
As
was said previously, 'Tai Chi 2' bares little resemblance to
the superb 'Tai Chi Master'. In fact the film has more in
common with 'Fong
Sai Yuk' than anything else; the mother/son dynamic is
very similar as is the very stern father figure who presides
over the household. Jackie Wu's hero also displays some of the
same characteristics as Jet Li did in 'Fong Sai Yuk' i.e. the
fun-loving, superfighting protagonist who has one eye on love
and one on heroism. Again though, this is a new-wave film that
simply doesn't figure in the same league as 'Fong Sai Yuk'
either. Nonetheless this is a very entertaining and worthwhile
watch for all fight fans. Yuen Woo Ping's choreography may not
be as good as in 'Iron
Monkey', but there are still enough reasons to recommend
the combat scenes in this production. Jackie Wu proves to be a
very capable performer who performs his moves with real style.
Although his physicality naturally overshadows his acting
skills, he still gives a good account of himself.
'Tai
Chi 2' features an average plot and some unnecessary
over-the-top moments, but is a decent effort that usually
earns little attention from Hong Kong film fans. It lacks the
polish of Yuen Woo Ping's numerous other classics, however it
acquires a charm of its own. A very strong three and a half
star rating, verging very close to a four.
Rating:
  
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