R E V I E W :   Once Upon a Time in China II  

Reviewed 12/9/00 | Background | Movie Review | DVD Review | Recommendation

    

Background 

Mega Star / 1992 / 108 minutes
Directed by Tsui Hark
Written by Tsui Hark, Cheung Taan, Chan Tin Suen

1991's Once Upon a Time in China was successful both artistically and financially, so naturally a sequel was called for.

Released in late April 1992 (about six months from the conclusion of OUATIC's theatrical run), OUATIC II was equally successful financially and some prefer it to the first film.

Director Tsui Hark produced and/or directed four more films in the OUATIC series and most recently completed Time and Tide. This was the first film for which Yuen Wo-ping received credit as an action director for another filmmaker, a role he has increasingly taken on both in Hong Kong (Fist of Legend, Black Mask) and in Hollywood (The Matrix, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon).

Movie: plot, performances, production, rating

The opening sequence beautifully encapsulates the threat of the White Locus Cult, who are violently anti-foreigner and determined to rid 1895 Canton of their evil influence. Master Wong Fei Hung (Jet Li), his student Foon, and his "Aunt 13" (Rosamund Kwan) are introduced on a train ride to Canton, one of many references to the modern way of life intruding upon China. Master Wong is on his way to participate in a medical conference. He and his friends are immediately drawn into the conflict. Soon, Sun Yat Sen and his plans for a people's revolution are also drawn into the story. The script is well-constructed and packed full of political intrigue. Despite the historical background, the characters are never reduced to mere stereotypes. Dashes of romance, comedy, and tragedy flow naturally.

The performances (including Donnie Yen as a chief adversary, Max Mok Siu Chung, and David Chiang) are heartfelt and of uniformly good quality. Tsui Hark's direction is original -- nervy and sentimental without a trace of artificiality. The martial arts and other action direction by Yuen Wo-ping is stunning to watch, but it's also integrated well into the story. The set designs (by Eddie Ma) and costumes, not to mention the cinematography (by Arthur Wong), are beautiful. The stirring musical score (by Richard Yuen and Johnny Njo) never intrudes, although the famous "Wong Fei Hung" theme is probably used once too often.

The film is rated as Category II. There are some scenes of explicit violence (arrows entering bodies, blood spraying, a body being impaled on a stake, and similar) along with the usual kicking and punching.

DVD: look, sound, subtitles, and features

This is a well-photographed film that, unfortunately, features less than vibrant colors on this DVD. The widescreen (2.35 to 1) print used has few noticeable imperfections.

Columbia is releasing a remastered version of OUATIC to Region 1 soon, so perhaps a remastered version of OUATIC II is on the schedule as well. But that's not necessarily reason enough to hold off on getting this version.

The remixed Dolby 5.1 sound is fine, but the surrounds are used sparingly (if at all). Cantonese and Mandarin audio tracks are provided. A full set of removable subtitles (traditional and simplified Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, Bahasa - Malaysia, Spanish) are included. The English subtitles are easy to read.

The original trailer is included, as well as trailers for OUATIC and OUATIC III.

Nine chapter markings get the full-motion treatment in the menu. Cast and crew credits are provided (with filmographies for Tsui Hark, Jet Li, Rosamund Kwan, and Donnie Yen). Click on "Martial Arts Master" and some text screens are provided regarding Wong Fei-Hung, as well as "Classic Footage" from three different movies made about this character: Wong Fei Hung: The Eight Bandits (1968), The Magnificent Butcher (1979), and Wong Fei Hung's Combat With the Five Wolves (1969).

The copy I viewed is a rental, but Asian DVD Guide reports that a booklet about Wong Fei-Hung, written by Bey Logan, is also included in the package.

Buy, rent, or pass?

Truly spectacular in concept and execution, but always keeping the human touch in view. There are many scenes that make you want to hit the replay button immediately. A definite buy.

 

---

corrections? broken links? criticism? praise? please e-mail webmaster

this site is a non-commercial resource for region 1
original content copyright 2001 peter a. martin all rights reserved