User reviews

Set in the early twentieth century amidst civil unrest and nationalist demands for independence, _Once Upon a Time in China II_ is enjoyable and very watchable. Much is made of the clash between Oriental and Occidental culture and the lack of understanding between the two. Comparisons between superstitious, reactionary Chinese nationalism and its more educated counterpart are made in passing.

_Once Upon a Time in China II_ is very similar in feel and approach to such adventure films as _Raiders of the Lost Ark_, and is probably best viewed as such. Although fictional and real-life events and characters are interwoven, it is doubtful that the film was ever intended as anything but enjoyable viewing.

Taking up where the first part left off, this is effectively more of the same – which is no bad thing. Li and Rosamund Kwan return, but Yuen Biao elects not to reprise his role of Foon. His replacement Max Mok does a great job in the role.

Most of the wire work action is left for the climax, giving Li a chance to demonstrate just how good he is at stylish (and FAST) kung fu earlier in the movie, when he takes on a mob intent on lynching his beloved 13th aunt armed only with a fan, and faces off against Donnie Yen in a great pole fight.

As for the plot, this time us dopey westerners are the ones in danger, rather than being the outright villains. After a raid on an embassy, Wong Fei Hung decides enough is enough and takes on the White Lotus cult, who are intent on rubbing out all western influences from China. Cue high-flying kicks, punches and leaps, and a crazy fight atop a construction of tables.

The climax, a memorable fight with Donnie Yen, is an absolute classic, with both giving their all. The speed and technique shown during the double-pole fight is staggering, and Yen's moves with his cloth staff are gob-smacking. It's a real treat to see kung-fu cinema of this quality.

This is a sequel to "Once Upon a Time in China," otherwise it probably would be called "Once Upon a Time in China II." This film opens with an under-the-credits reminder of the first film's most fascinating sequence, a ladders-and-lofts battle between the hero and the bad guy that is truly astonishing. You will also see some kick-ass action in this film. We are talking about the Chinese Steve Spielberg when we talk about Hark Tsui.

Forget the story. Of course Master Wong becomes mixed up with corrupt politicians, desperate revolutionaries and uptight Brits. There's even a cult of religious fanatics stirring up trouble. But, you drive yourself crazy trying to figure all that out. Just sit back and enjoy some incredible action.

Two of the finest martial artists still working in action cinema (Jackie Chan in my opinion lost skill in favor of gimmick in the late 1980's) the always incredible Jet Li and the fantastic Donnie Yen (New Big Boss, Iron Monkey, New Dragon Inn) combine with the director who almost single handedly re-invented the genre Tsui Hark and arguably the greatest action choreographer of all time Yuen Woo Ping (crouching tiger, iron monkey, the matrix)to create a powerhouse of a martial arts movie. What it lacks overall in action it more than makes up for in the fight sequences that do take place. Jet and Donnie is a mouth watering prospect and they do not dissapoint. I dont care if wires were used, it takes someone extremely special to perform like these two guys do and you can do little but watch in awe.

The plot is pretty thin so I wont waste time going into it. I will merely say, see this movie, just to experience and appreciate what Jet Li can really do, before hollywood softens him up even more. The fight with the leader of the White Lotus Cult is almost forgotten between the two showdowns with donnie, but wow, just incredible

It's 1895. Some in China are rejecting the Western world. Wong Fei-Hung (Jet Li), 13th Aunt (Rosamund Kwan), and Leung Foon are in Canton to attend a medical conference. The White Lotus Sect is a local Boxer-like group fighting all things western. Commander Lan (Donnie Yen) is the local military leader. At the conference, Wong Fei-Hung is befriended by Dr. Sun Yat-Sen who would be the future father of the Chinese Republic.

This is a good sequel although a bit less than the first movie. Wong Fei-Hung has moments of anger which makes him less appealing. The movie is trying very hard to fit into Chinese history. On the possible side, it does have Donnie Yen in it. There are some very good fights but nothing so cinematic as the ladder fight. I do appreciate the closed-in room of the climatic fight but Lan's weapon is more limited by that space. The room and the weapon don't fit together. I like claustrophobic fights. Maybe if that's Wong Fei-Hung's weapon, he would feel disadvantaged which would make him a bigger underdog which is often a good thing in a sports movie. All in all, this is good, very good in fact, but I do have some issues.

Another excellent entry into the series dealing with China coming to terms with foreign influence and an uncertain future, infused with romance, humour and some outstanding choreography. The well-drawn cast includes Dr Sun Yat-Sen which brings some historical credibility, but adds irony as well, since Dr Sun's idealism may have been misplaced. Oh yeah, its got some great fighting in it too...

I find previous accusations implying racism in this film to be misguided and deeply ignorant. The Wong Fei-Hung series highlights the historical turmoil felt in China from external trade interest and internal political pressure. Foreign characters are shown as both villainous and sympathetic (just like the Chinese characters). OUATIC II portrays the xenophobia of the White Lotus Cult as a Very Bad Thing, and the confusion at western objects and inventions varies from the hilarious train sequence to the superstitious fear of the camera. It's self-mockery, but it's bittersweet. If anything, Tsui Hark is implying a loss of innocence.

If the foreign powers are portrayed in a negative light, it's because our presence in China was motivated by greed and imperialism. Hardly the most noble of motives. But then nobody's perfect, and China's human rights record is less than great before and after the revolution.

I'm staggered that anyone could be so utterly stupid as to ascribe Nazi overtones to a film which goes so far to portray nobility, humanism and honour. Anyway, great film.

This is arguably the best of the 'Once Upon a Time in China' series (which now runs to 6). It stars Jet Li as martial arts master & doctor Wong Fei-Hong, a historical figure/legend popular in Hong Kong period pieces, much like Robin Hood or King Arthur in Western culture. It features some of the most exquisitely choreographed and executed fight scenes in any movie I've ever seen, utilizing two truly excellent martial artists/actors, Jet Li and Donnie Yen. And, almost as importantly, the level of absurdness and ridiculousness, so high in many HK movies, in the fights, humor, and story are kept to a reasonable level so western viewers won't be totally put off. In general, production quality is high, story is good/tolerable, and the fights are truly incredible showcases of the actors' abilities. It would be an excellent choice for the western movie-watcher trying to find more Jet Li films after seeing Lethal Weapon 4. It is also an excellent example of how in 20 years the 70's kung-fu chop-socky has evolved after it and Bruce Lee disappeared from the west.

--ken

What this movie lacks in volume it makes up for in weight. The fights scenes aren't as plenty as Tai Chi Master or Iron Monkey, but they rank with and above them. This movie tell the story of Wong Fei Hung dealing with the racist White Lotus cult who wish to drive the foreigners from China. Things are complicating by the arrival of Commander Lan (Donnie Yen) who is trying to crush a rebellion led by Dr. Sun Yat Sen. The movie drags in the middle but picks up with 3 fights that are among Jet Li's best. Donnie proves a worthy opponent in his two duels with Jet. A must see.

With a shorter running time and a more coherently constructed storyline "Once Upon a Time in China 2" (aka "Wong Fei Hung II: Nam yee tung chi keung") was a better movie than the first movie from 1991.

Jet Li returns to play legendary Wong Fei Hung and continues fairly much where part one left the audience. However, the stakes are upped in part two as there is a grand show off between Jet Li and Donnie Yen. And if you get the Hong Kong Legends version, the interview with Donnie Yen is quite worth watching - despite his cocky attitude. It was a nice detail to find out that they were given free hands to go at each other with the bamboo poles.

The action and martial arts were amazingly well-choreographed and executed. But of course everything that Yuen Woo-Ping is involved with is fantastic.

The story in "Once Upon a Time in China 2" is good and well-paced, right from the very beginning.

As in the previous movie, the dialogue and characters of the Western foreigners in China were campy, ridiculous and downright awful. I didn't think anyone ever spoke the same way as they did.

If you enjoy Asian martial arts movies then "Once Upon a Time in China 2" is definitely a movie well-worth sitting down to watch.

This is as good as a sequel can get, fantastic stuff and almost as good as the 1st, if that's possible!. All the characters were fantastic again, and the fight choreography was simply incredible, plus i really dug the awesome character development again. The Story is is really awesome, and the fight scenes really blew me out of my seat, and the setting was really awesome, plus the finale is simply amazing!. It started off pretty slowly,but it was never boring, and The opening was very funny, plus Jet Li was simply amazing in this!. i really loved the added humor in this, as it had me chuckling, and while the story is not quite as powerful, it still packs quite a wallop and there are lots of great emotional moments, plus Jet and Rosamund Kwan had great chemistry once again!. This is as good as a sequel can get, fantastic stuff and almost as good as the 1st, and i say it's a must see at all costs!. The Direction is fantastic!. Hark Tsui does a fantastic job here, with some incredible camera work, amazing shots during the fight scenes, great angles, and lots of other amazing shots, plus he kept the film at an incredibly fast pace!. There is a bit of blood and violence. We get gory arrow hits,bloody corpses,knife in the leg, impaling in the neck, and lots of other gory impaling's. The Acting is excellent!. jet Li is AMAZING as always, and is amazing here, he is extremely likable, excellent in the acting department, had very good chemistry with Rosamund Kwan, kicked that ass, and added some great humor as well! (Jet Rules!). Rosamund Kwan is great here as the Aunt once again, although she has a lot less to do, she still was great. Xin Xin Xiongis great here and was pretty menacing. Siu Chung Mok is great as Foon and was very funny.Donnie Yen is AMAZING as General Lan, he was extremely menacing, is a brilliant martial artist, and had one of the best fight scenes ever with Jet! (Donnie Rules!). Ka-Kui Ho is good as Mak and added class Rest of the cast, are great. Overall a must see at all costs!. ***** out of 5

From all of the comments (here and on other sites) I had expected this to be on par with Fist of Legend for the fight scenes. It is not. While very well photographed and directed, and the story is very good, the fight scenes seemed to be few and far between and short-lived (except for the final scene which was unnecessarily reliant on wires). I have the DVD version and may go back to look at the actual of minutes to verify my impressions. One thing that becomes clear - Donny Yen is every bit as good as Jet Li, in wu shu and acting, and deserves a wider audience.

I am a fan of the original OATIC. The fantastic martial arts scenes and the interwoven storylines contained in the original really impressed me. Having liked the first so much I rushed out and bought my copy of part 2. Being a huge fan of Yuen Wo Ping and Donnie Yen, I figured I couldn't be dissapointed. I was wrong. The direction is poor. No, scratch that. The direction is AWFUL. The character's motivations are left a mystery. What does Fei Hong join the revolutionaries? Is it because Sun Yan Set translated english for him? That's the only reason I can think of. In the first film, Foon is kind of a tragic figure that alot of the dramatic elements were based around. Why is he reduced to being comic relief in this one? Lastly, I'm very dissapointed in the fight scenes. This is probably the worst choreographed Hong Kong film Yuen Woo Ping has ever been a part of. The fight between Wong and Kung is dare I say it, BAD. Also the fights between Donnie Yen and Jet Li (two of my favorite martial arts film stars) leave ALOT to be desired. Overall, it's a bad movie. It won't even satisfy a late-night kung-fu craving. If you need some kung-fu stick with "Iron Monkey", "Fist of Legend" or "Tai Chi Master". All of those show off the tru talents of Yuen Woo Ping and star either Jet Li or Donnie Yen.

I have to disagree with a lot of the comments. This is a great martial arts movie !! The fight scenes are few and far between, and the plot a bit convoluted -- but the quality of fighting is absolutely superb. Tsui Hark has managed to restrain himself and just get some really kick-ass moves out of Jet Li and Donnie Yen (the later movies in this series are just way too fantastical for a classic kungfu movie). I have seen almost all of Jet Li's movies (and several of Donnie Yen's) and I will have to say that the two fight sequences between Li and Yen are the best ever filmed. I found myself skipping over the rest of the movie just to see these two scenes over and over again. Their techniques were simply marvelous...(It was refreshing to see David Chiang, an old favorite of mine back in the 70s, though). How they ever filmed it boggles the mind. "Fist of Legend" and "Tai Chi Master" may have more colorful fighting, and the latter may be a better overall movie, but the true afficionado (and I have been watching these kungfu flicks for about 30 years) will really appreciate the quality of fighting here. Tsui Hark has distilled the essence of HK kungfu movies into these two scenes.

This sequel to the 1991 martial arts epic Once Upon A Time In China starts promisingly enough, with the introduction of the xenophobic White Lotus Cult, a group of over-zealous Chinese nationalists who are out to destroy anyone or anything foreign.

Spurred on by their seemingly indestructible leader (he is impervious to fire and swords and can take a swift kick to the knackers without breaking a sweat), these loonies even attack children, just for learning another language! Fortunately, martial arts expert Wong Fei Hung (Jet Li), along with companions Foon (Siu Chung Mok) and Aunt Yee (Rosamund Kwan), are there to protect the innocent.

After being rather disappointed with the first movie, I was hoping that Part 2 would deliver the goods—particularly as it also stars one of my favourite martial arts actors, Donnie Yen. However, despite the talented cast and promising set-up, director Tsui Hark once again delivers an overlong film which disappoints due to a lack of decent action and far too much chit-chat.

In two hours, there are only a couple of decent fight scenes, both of them between Yen and Li; the remainder of the action is largely forgettable, including some pretty poor use of wire-work courtesy of industry legend Yuen Woo Ping.

This is generally considered to be one of the best in the series. If this is the case, I'm not sure how many more I want to see. I give OUATIC2 5.5/10, rounded up to 6/10 for IMDb.

When we last saw Wong Fei Hung (Jet Li), he emerged as a hero to his people in fighting against the invading foreign forces that were wreaking havoc in his hometown. By part 1's conclusion, he has also come to realize that his country is going through inevitable changes and that acceptance to western cultures is the best possible answer to the dilemmas.

Like Wong's change in view, part II shifts from its predecessor's themes of nationalism and self-strengthening to an exploration of cultural and ideological tolerance. With all that said, Once upon a time in China II is one of those rare sequels that manages to cast a shadow over its original and brings the franchise to a new height.

Li once again delivers a towering performance reprising his role as Wong. Although there's very little development to the character since the last time we met him, we are immediately won over the second he raises his first kick to the sound of the beautifully familiar score. Accompanied by Aunt 13 (Rosamund Kwan) and his mischievous student Leung Foon (Max Mok replacing Yuen Biu of the original), the trio travels to Canton only to find a town ravaged by chaos and violence. Instead of foreigners being the chief baddie this time, the White Lotus Sect and its zealous leader priest Kung (played wonderfully by Xiong Xin Xin) takes over as the story's primary antagonists. First introduced by a breathtaking prologue, they are portrayed as a fanatical cult bent on eradicating all foreigners and those that follow foreign ways, even going as far as murdering little children.

One of the film's most refreshing features, however, was the inclusion of a complex villain in the form of Donnie Yen's Charismatic Manchu military commander/imperial guard General Lan. Despite being pitted against our heroes, he is a man that is hard for the audience to despise when he's telling his men not to hurt civilians or having a brief heart to heart with Wong on their country's chaotic state.

Once upon a Time in China II is without a doubt the pinnacle of the series and quite possibly the career peak of everyone involved especially for one Tsui Hark. After this, it is the slow decline for the former new wave auteur who would attempt to dip his hands into mainstream Hollywood (only to stink up his CV with Double Team and Knock Off) before taking a stab at the recent trend of big budget wuxia epic only to come up with the woeful Seven Swords. If any of you were unfortunate enough to have seen those movies I've just mentioned, I can guarantee that Once upon a Time in China 2 is the perfect antidote for you.

Jet Li returns as legendary Chinese patriot Wong Fei-hung. Here Wong finds himself reluctantly forced to switch sides and to hinder pro- Chinese terrorists bent on massacring Europeans, since the result might be revolution for China! Driving the white from China's shores will have to wait...

Like the first in the series, this is an ambitious, historically accurate and very good looking production. Some viewers have complained about the film's complicated plot, finding it distracting and hard to follow. A passing knowledge of Chinese history and politics does help, but really, there is enough exposition as the story plays out to keep the attentive viewer apprised of the various intrigues. Indeed, the complicated plotting is a welcome change from martial arts movies with just enough plot to barely hold themselves together between punch-ups, and it is nice for once to have a REASON for all of the fighting. The movie sprawls all over historic China's rural areas, cityscapes and dockyards, and the period look is quite convincing, thanks to some excellent exterior cinematography.

The script is lively, mixing adventure and intrigue with a little comedy and romance, and is well played by principals Jet Li and Rosamund Kwan as Wong Fei-Hung and his Aunt / girlfriend.

This sequel sees Wong Fei-hung, Aunt Yee and Foon going to Canton to attend a medical conference. They quickly learn that the city is troubled by a group known as the White Lotus Sect; a group determined to eradicate western influences in China. There are also protests against ceding of Taiwan to Japan and elements who want to overthrow the imperial government and establish a republic in China. As anybody who saw the first film will know Wong Fei-hung isn't just a doctor; he is also one of the most skilled practitioner of martial arts and inevitably gets caught up in the troubles... most notably fighting against the White Lotus Sect and an officer in the Imperial army who is using the situation to ferment more trouble.

This sequel was a lot of fun; there are plenty of amusing moments, particularly in the first half of the film and lots of great action sequences. It obviously helps if you have seen the original film, as it introduces our three main characters, but it isn't essential as they are nicely reintroduced in the opening scenes, particularly the rail journey to Canton that provides many laughs. The comedy moments don't detract from the story or feel overly forced and don't take place during the more dramatic scenes. As one would expect the action scenes are top notch; particularly the final fight between Jet Li, as Wong Fei-hung, and Donnie Yen, as Nap-lan Yun-seut. There are also really fun performances from Rosamund Kwan and Max Mok as Aunt Yee and Foon. Overall I'd say this is definitely one to watch if you enjoy martial arts films with an historical setting.

Wow. I was expecting a good martial flick but what I got was a great film. This is quite simply one of the most entertaining, moving and cinematically brilliant films I've seen in quite awhile. It reminds me slightly of an Asian version of Gangs of NY (I know, I know, this came first) since it's set amidst a sweeping historical backdrop at a point when nations we now know were being built, and because of its strongly patriotic undertones. The choreography by Yuen Ping is awe-inspiring especially since unlike many of his recent films, this film involves actual martial artists. Tsui Harks direction, from the opening shot is spot on, and the acting is great. Unlike a lot of martial arts films (even those I enjoy) this film's plot is superb. The music is terrific as well and really sets the tone. A minor note, the dubbing isn't terrific (though the movie is still immensely watchable) so try and get the subbed version if you can. This movie completely transcends the genre. Highest possible recommendation.

I personally don't see much of a unique plot line between this film and the first one. Ok, i mean it has your martial arts for all those martial arts fans but Jet Li doesn't personify the character Wong Fei Hung. I mean I can think of a lot of other actors who can fit the role of this character much better. I didn't enjoy this movie one bit. It seemed like every 10 minutes, someone was beating someone else up, and over what? Geez even the first couple of fights, my attention span was elsewhere.

Looking coldly and cynically, with one hand resentfully clutching my credit card, and my brain stuck in a Hollywooden formula rut, I might agree with the posters who are down on this movie.

However, as someone who enjoys being entertained, likes a good wire fight, a slapstick rumble or two, some gentle amorous humour, and a hint of historical perspective, I can't find much wrong with this movie.

I learnt to understand the concept of fiction at an early age, I don't expect the kind of anal attention to detail or period authenticity that some on these boards appear to demand. Nor do I see the need to claim some kind of Chinese racist agenda is being enacted to bamboozle feeble western minds. Phooooey!. You wanna see racism and ethnic cleansing? Watch a few 50s westerns. Then pull that beam out of your eye.

Of the three OUATIC movies that actually matter, 2 is by far the most fun. The fights are beautifully filmed, the acting's less hammy than 1 or 3 (even those jolly good chappish Brits), and Donnie Yen is on top form. The wobbly wire fight with the White Lotus guy, which tops off another fine umbrella set piece, is beautifully played for laughs. I enjoy a fight scene more if the participants actually have some technical ability above and beyond fancy CGI tricks and loud grunting noises. Donnie Yen and Jet Li certainly fall into that category. The pole fight is one of the best on film. If only it were five minutes longer.

When Hollywood manages to make a kung fu movie one tenth as interesting or amusing as this, I'll join the moaners and give this the grumpy old man stinkeye. But until that day, I'll just keep enjoying another fine slice of Tsui Hark's escapist entertainment.

Of the three original films by Tsui Hark concerning Wong Fei Hung, this is certainly the best. The construction is tighter than Once Upon a Time in China I, and, although the third film is my personal favorite, this second film does not lapse into martial-arts-film-genre cliché as does the third.

Of course that means that, in order to transcend its genre, paradoxically the fights of the second film have to be razor sharp - and they are. The fight scenes in this film were the best up until its time. The final duel between Jet Li and Donnie Yen is staggering, all the more so for being crafted as to appear utterly realistic. Dam', that wet rope flying at the camera scared the bejeezus out of me! But since the film presents kung fu so convincingly, for that very reason we can take it in stride, as just another element in the film's complex interweaving of traditional culture and modern politics. The film is really about the birth of a new nation, which has yet to be invented - the Republic of China, represented by its highly respected progenitor, Dr. Sun Yet Sen, the only revolutionary figure admired equally by Nationalists and Communists alike. And it should be noted here that Sun Yet Sen strongly believed that the only way the Chinese could rid themselves of Manchurian dictatorship was by adopting the Modernist culture of the West that the Manchurian's utterly loathed and feared.

That, too, is paradoxical. To regain a traditional (pre-Manchurian) Chinese identity meant for Sun Yet sen adoption of a post-Manchurian Modernity - which, unfortunately, as all now know, looks an awful lot like the US. Which is perhaps why the originally intended climax of this series of films was to be Once Upon a Time in China and America (a plan disrupted by personal disagreements between Jet Li and Tsui Hark).

Well, in any event - does the viewer have to know all this to enjoy the film? No; the film is constructed to work on its own as a glance back at an historic moment of decision which could only be completed in another decade. Thus its sense of incompleteness and hanging threads is actually part of the very fabric of the story.

By the way - hopefully you will watch this film a second time - please note how much Tsui Hark accomplishes on what must have been a comparatively small budget! I mean, he's only got a couple back lot sound-stages, but he manages to reconstruct an entire world of 19th century China for us - that's really quite amazing!