This cheap but action-packed sequel to the Bruce Lee classic sees impersonator Bruce Li take the leading role, providing himself a worthwhile if uninspired hero in the fight sequences. Although Li is no Lee (despite looking a heck of a lot like him) the film could do a lot worse in a leading man. The movie is simply packed with action. It's one of those films where a fight or battle breaks out every few minutes to further the plot, which is fine with me. The plot isn't very important – something about the Japanese insulting then killing the Chinese, and closing all their martial arts schools in the process. The Chinese take it until Bruce shows up and starts handing the Japanese their backsides on a plate.
The fight sequences are dynamic but poorly-choreographed, and a little choppy here and there. Some of the fighters are slow and portly, others are lightning-quick and pretty impressive. I noticed a nunchuck sequence cut from the UK print; the production company who released the budget DVD release I watched were obviously too cheap to bother resubmitting the film to the BBFC, where it would have got through uncut since the laws changed. Saying that, there is some bone-breaking and bloody violence, so it's not all bad.
The supporting cast is familiar, including that guy with the hooded eyes who appears playing elders in almost every kung fu film of the 1970s. One notable addition is the inimitable Lo Lieh, excelling here as the chief Japanese bad guy, Miyamoto. Lieh is great in the role, really imposing and villainous as always. His death was truly a loss to the world of Hong Kong cinema. The final fight scene between Li and Lieh is a lengthy, brutal, no-holds-barred brawl to the death, complete with blood, torn clothes, gallons of sweat, and even some hari-kari thrown in for good measure. The result? Fun, if corny, chop-socky cinema.
Fist of Fury II
1977 [CHINESE]
Action / Drama
Plot summary
After Japanese warriors execute the Chinese Jingwu kung fu school's headmaster, Chen Zhen, and raid a number of schools in an effort to weed out Jingwu rebels, Zhen's brother, Chen Shen, vows revenge.
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July 01, 2022 at 02:36 AM
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Fun - if corny - chop-socky cinema
Fist of Fury 2
This sequel to the Bruce Lee classic open's shortly after the last film finished; Chen Zhen (Lee's character) is buried and the Japanese are further oppressing Chinese martial arts schools; especially the Ching Wu School. Miyamoto, head of the Japanese school takes the Ching Wu School's premises. A year later a stranger appears at Chen's grave; it turns out he is his brother Shan and he soon crosses paths with the Japanese. After defeating four of them Miyamoto wants Shan captured but attempts to deal with him fail, largely thanks to an honourable police inspector. Ultimately Shan and Miyamoto will face each other.
Anybody expecting a film that is as good as the first is sure to be disappointed. Bruce Li does a decent enough job but he just is not in the same league as Bruce Lee. The story is simple enough and the action is intense if rather obviously choreographed
occasionally it looks more like dance or gymnastics than martial arts. The rest of the cast seem okay
although I admit that since I watched a dubbed version of the film I can't fairly judge them. As well as action there are some laughs; mostly provided by the Chinese translator who works for the Japanese against his own people. Overall this isn't a must see but if you enjoy the genre you might want to check it out.