User reviews

The question is one sentence: If you can't get into the police department you want, will u turn to the dark side, becoming a terrorist? Emotional logic skips so far. The rest is fine!

Director Herman Yau presented one heck of an outstanding production with excellent directing and cinematography. The writing had a few plot and technical issues, and for the most part was predictable. I feel some filler scenes could've been cut down or out to make the 120 min runtime closer to 100, based on the amount of substance in the storyline. The performances were all on point and convincing, and the fights scenes were perfectly choreographed. The V/SFX were actually quite impressive for the most part, with just a few sloppy CGI scenes. I found the score to be a little cheesy and overbearing, especially in the beginning. Otherwise, it was a fun thrill ride, worth seeing if you're into this type of action films. A well deserved 8/10 from me.

The good thing about a lot of Herman Yau's movies is good or bad, they don't drag. He understands action is his strength and he doesn't waste much time in character development or melodrama setup. And I believe for the most part the movie delivers on the.fast paced action. Andy Lau's character is much deeper than his usual HK action hero setup and surprisingly, I think he did a good job with it too. Sean Lau OTOH, has very little to work with for his character and when the movie ends you can barely remember much about his character other than it just keep the plot going.

But assuming most audience are in the theatre for the action I think a few of the bomb defusing scenes do keep you on the edge of your seats. Now there are things that make no sense logically in the movie (for starter, just because you jump into a swimming pool it doesn't mean you can survive a jump from 10 stories high), and the plot twists also makes no sense if you come to think of it - the police chiefs who you told the audience just 10 minutes ago are too chicken to take the risk and do the right things, all of a sudden buys into a super risky proposal which they have nothing to gain from. But just forget logic and fine, you can at least enjoy the twists and the action ... and the action scenes don't disappoint ...

... with the exception of 1 major problem : the subway train scenes (it is not a spoiler, you see that in the first min of the movie). That is, by far, the WORST CG I have seen in a movie since maybe the late 90's. What the heck was that? The movie seems to have overachieve with a limited budget and the result was pretty disastrous visually. I don't think that is acceptable even for a TV series in 2021, never mind a blockbuster movie. I tried to overlook but it was a pretty glaring letdown.

All in all, good action flick with a weak plot that makes little sense, a few misses here and there but it's still a solid 7/10 to me.

This film completely blew me away. Right from the start, I was captivated by the intensity of the story. It does not slow down at all, and keeps me entranced every second right until the end. I am quite amazed by the quality of the production of this film. The only thing I could complain about is that the female lead's Putonghua mouth movements does not match her spoken Cantonese words. Otherwise, I truly lived very second of this film!

Bigger and better - this is the general motto when it comes to sequels, it seems. But is it always better to go this route?

Sometimes sticking to a formula that worked, is better. The first 'Shock Wave' had a simple premise and it was high profile entertainment. It was realistic and therefore more suspenseful. With 'Shock Wave 2' they attempted Hollywood style action sequences with lots of CGI. Although the action sequences are fast paced and well done, they are not necessarily better than its predecessor. Having said that, it is also not bad. It is thrilling and exciting and the stunts are incredible. There is no suspense here, though, and the film is not as intense as 'Shock Wave' was, and doesn't have the same emotional impact of the first film.

Andy Lau is back, but as a different character. His character, Poon Shing Fung, reminds us of Bourne in the original Bourne film, where he can't remember much and trying to unravel his past - trying to determine whether he is a good guy, or the bad guy. For most parts, it works well. Andy Lau is a great actor and the action sequences more than compensated where the plot lacked credibility. There's also an exciting 20-minute finale.

Would I watch it again? Maybe, but I do prefer 'Shock Wave'.

Done like only the eastern film makers do with lots of emotional scenes, overly sentimental music, overblown special effects, totally implauseable bomb making and some chop suey kung fooey thrown in...but I love it; as well as the ending it makes a refreshing change to the endless Marvel hollywood remakes.

Acting is well above average and the CGI for the most part is actually not bad at all and it does not follow many what we in the West would call the standard movie making rules which is a good thing and makes it the more enjoyable. It is a real popcorn out and just switch brain off type of movie and is well above par - Solid 6.5 out of ten!

Finally got to see this. The sequel to 2017's fun action thriller again stars Andy Lau, but the two films' stories are unrelated. That doesn't mean you're not gonna see Lau defusing bombs again, because that's exactly what's up in the first portion of the film. He and Sean Lau are both bomb squad experts and personal friends, as we get to know very early on. But events happen that force them to be separated and Andy becomes a wanted man.

What transpires from this basic setup is an entertaining action film that's fast paced and almost gripping at times. There is a quick succession of shootouts and chases that doesn't let up until the film's 50 minute mark. It's somewhere in those minutes that the film's flaws become more apparent and the film less involving. You realize that the plot is as generic as they come, with some barely believable twists and turns taking place. And the action grows a bit stale with little inspiration from more successful Asian action thrillers, especially in regard to distracting special effects (so much CGI blood).

Still, there are individual moments here that make up for the film's shortcomings. The ever present threat of nuclear doom hangs over the proceedings, lending SW2 a darker feel than its predecessor. Pulse-quickening bomb defusing sequences offer some of the film's highlights, but that doesn't mean there aren't enough spectacular explosions here to satisfy everyone's destructive spirit.

Having said that, you still remain kind of underwhelmed after it's over. Just a sense that more could have been done with the plot and the film's intensity should have been more frequently on a higher level, given that the runtime sometimes feels stretched out. However, it's a good way to spend 2 hours of undemanding fun if you're up for it, just don't expect a great HK action thriller like we used to get until a few years ago.

Visually this is as stunning as it can be. Story wise you may have some issues. And your moral compass might also be in the way - from you enjoying this. Because after all is said and done, this is supposed to be entertaining.

Andy Lau is always worth watching and in this sequel he is phenomenal. His character does take some turns here that you just have to go along with. I actually thought of some cliches that would explain things ... but no, this does not take any prisoners in that regard. Can you dig that? If so, you are in for quite the excitement.

Finally come a great Hongkong action movie since its glory moment in the 90s.action, editing, camera angle all done in world class standard.Should focus more time in Andy Lau turning good again, but overall still great.

I love it! You will not regret watching this movie. Just one thing, I do wish to see the alternate ending though, that scene will be bomb! Just imagine the CG effect, it may even be comparable to 2012.

Another 'switch you brain off' kind of HK action film from Herman Yau. Some decisions by its characters might be questionable but cast did great job to keep the shooting and explosion going at a fast pace. Andy Lau got darker role to deliver emotional payoff.

Shock Wave 2 is a Hong Kong movie dubbed in Mandarin with plenty of exciting action scenes dragged down by an overly complicated storyline told out of sequence and the worst CGI train crash I've ever seen.

Has become one of the best Chinese actors from H.K. He matured perfectly and finally evolved into a completely believable and convincing actor who likes all the great famous actors with house known faces, but the characters he or she played, their images would evolve into those roles they played, no matter their faces so familiar to us, the characters they played became the virtually believable persons on the screen. Andy Lau finally became such actor, he aged well and matured perfectly.

This movie is perhaps one of the very best suspenseful cop thrillers I've ever seen so far. Screenplay, directing, cast, editing, CGI effects, stunt, choreography, montage...and best of all, the voices in Mandarin are so good, almost in impeccable level. The romance between the two main characters was so well performed and profound. No unnecessary sexual scenes, only embraces and one last kiss.

The female leading actor, a truly talented natural performer I rarely found in Chinese movies, a great future star ensured.

If I have to find a flaw, it would be the make-up of the terrorist leader, bleached snow white long hairs, white jacket...Jesus, no terrorists, especially the leader would dress and look so outstandingly and so ridiculously obvious; a very bad cartoon character that you don't find he's evil enough.

This movie is like ride on a roller coaster, not even one moment dull or lax, from the very beginning to the final climax. Absolutely well done! A milestone and the highest standard that might not be easy to transcend in the coming years for movie production.

Highly recommended. So why still scored 9/10? Nothing is perfect, but this one is a near perfect one.

The story line is so enchanting, with lot of twist. Its plot is comparable to that of Infernal affairs. The bombing scene is simply terrific. It must have made with big investment. The movie ends with how Andy Lau first met with the female lead. It is a good ending with a little bit of surprise.

There are some lines that are irrational. But you simply cannot remember that clearly with the fast pace of the story development.

I would say it is another memorable movie since the Infernal Affairs. Only that if I am given the power I will give Infernal Affairs a score of more than ten.

Thanks for Andy Lau, all the cast and the production team for making another yet memorable movie for Hong Kong.

This is a mildly entertaining run-of-the-mill action movie, suffering from all the problems you can find in second rate chinese movies: long running, filled with boring pointless sequences interspersed with action sequences, mushy moments, too many subplots, outrageously childish details and a main story supported by utterly unbelievable situations and actions from all the paper-thin characters.

I am sure you will find better things to occupy 2 hours than watching this.

This time the sequel surpassed the predecessor.

Writers Herman Yau and Erica Li returns with a sequel to the 2017 action thriller "Shock Wave", and they brought in Eric Lee to add to the storyline as well. And believe you me, if you enjoyed the 2017 movie, then you most definitely will enjoy "Chai Dan Zhuan Jia 2" (aka "Shock Wave 2").

The storyline in "Chai Dan Zhuan Jia 2" is every bit as action-packed and adrenaline-filled as the storyline in the first movie and then some. Yeah, the writers went all in here, and it worked, because "Chai Dan Zhuan Jia 2" was a very enjoyable and entertaining movie, not to mention an edge-of-the-seat type of movie as well. And I enjoy how the storyline was constructed and written to keep the audience in the dark and sort of guessing at what was really happening.

It was nice to see some returning cast members from the first movie return to reprise their characters in "Chai Dan Zhuan Jia 2". And with Andy Lau at the helm in the leading role, then you are in for quite a movie. He definitely shows why he is still one of the big names in Hong Kong cinema with this movie. And he is joined by Ching Wan Lau, whom was a welcomed face in the movie.

There is an abundance of action, thrills and suspense in "Chai Dan Zhuan Jia 2", and it was delivered in a very entertaining manner by director Herman Yau.

Visually then "Chai Dan Zhuan Jia 2" is impressive. I liked the special effects, especially since it was made like the audience was right there alongside the actors and actresses in the chaos and mayhem.

If you enjoy action thrillers, then you most certainly should give "Chai Dan Zhuan Jia 2" a chance. I would recommend that you watch the 2017 movie first, just to get some background on the characters, but it is not a requirement, since "Chai Dan Zhuan Jia 2" can be viewed as a stand-alone movie.

My rating of "Chai Dan Zhuan Jia 2" lands on an eight out of ten stars.

I was looking over the reviews for this movie and was impressed by the stars give. LOL I guess they had a lot of friends that were invited to the party, close to the begin of this movie. First scenes: bloody women asking help from what I thought was a dead body. I was asking myself "what the heck". Then the ground splits and the non-dead guy ends up dead. Next come a scene with two women, on the phone who are going to see each other later, talking non stop while a guy sufferes. I'm sorry but ten stars??? If I had to classify this movie, I would rate it as a comedy because I was laughing. A person wrote: excellent directing and convincing, folowed by "would cut down twenty minutes", "slopppy CGI", "score cheesy and over bearing". Etc. LOL Yep, sure 8 stars. Had it been a comedy, I would have give it a few stars.