Considering that it took up to five directors to finish filming the first “Swordsman” after King Hu left the project, it was indeed a miracle that it turned out to be a success and a trend setter for the many new wave wuxia movies to follow. This visually arresting sequel, again produced by Tsui Hark but now directed by Ching Siu Tung, it's a different beast all together. However, the theme of swordsmen retiring from the jianghu (martial world) and live a peaceful life is still the main focus. The film went on to win William Cheung Suk Ping and Yu Ka On the Best Costume and Makeup Design award at the 12th Hong Kong Film Awards in 1993.
After roaming the jianghu for about a year, our swordsman hero Ling Hu Chung (played by Jet Li this time), and Yue Ling Shan, “Kiddo” (Michelle Reis) are on their way to meet the remaining disciples of the now scattered Wah Mountain Clan and Chief Ren Ying Ying (Rosamund Kwan replaces Sharla Cheung) of the Sun Moon Holy Sect. Furthermore, they have decided to settle in Ox Mountain for a secluded life of drinking wine, music and women, at least for Ling anyway.
Meanwhile, Wu, the original leader of the Sun Moon Holy Sect is now in prison and his ruthless brother, Dong Fang Bu Pai, which translates as Invincible Asia (Brigitte Lin Ching Hsia) has taken over and with the help from some Japanese Ronin plans to overthrow the Ming Empire. Remarkably, the Sacred Sunflower Manual that everyone is after being now in his possession and he has mastered the martial arts technique and becomes very powerful with supernatural powers. But there is a catch; he had to castrate himself in order to fully learn the skills, now he is slowly turning into a woman and develops a passion for sewing. Upon learning about the disappearance of Chief Wu, Ling decides to help Ying to locate her father.
During a chance encounter and due to their fondness for drinking good wine, Ling mistakes Dong for an attractive woman and falls in love with her without knowing her identity. One night, Ling infiltrates Dong's headquarter to see if Chief Wu is being locked up there and gets himself caught, ending up in the same dungeon as Wu. However, they both manage to escape and later, with the help of Ying and Kiddo, they storm Dong's castle in Black Wood Cliff trying to defeat him and claim Wu's leadership back.
The casting of Brigitte Lin as Invincible Asia is just pure genius and bold and she totally nails it in a powerhouse performance, with her goddess looks. Besides, her range of complex emotional interactions is spot on. That goes for Jet Li too in a role that is a total contrast to his stoic Wong Fei Hung character from the “Once Upon a Time in China” series. Li's Ling is a bit clumsy at times but charismatic, wild and more physical; overall this is a confident and believable role from him.
Another Hong Kong screen beauty, Rosamund Kwan is a welcome addition as Chief Ying of the Sun Moon Sect; unfortunately her character is a bit underwritten. Still, Kwan is solid especially with her big expressive eyes. Replacing Cecilia Yip as Kiddo is Michele Reis (Miss Hong Kong 1988), Ling's travelling companion, who is both funny and convincing with a sword. The only returning cast member is Fennie Yuen who reprises her role as Blue Phoenix, the outspoken deputy to Chief Ying who uses snakes as deadly weapons. Likewise, Yuen's character is both a tragic and a heroic one.
The most outstanding support role comes from Yen Shi Kwan who is exceptional and unforgettable as Chief Wu, a man with a dark side who lights up the screen every time he appears and his sarcastic exchanges with Dong are priceless. Memorable as Hattori, Waise Lee is the evil Japanese Ronin who can split a horse in half with his powerful sword energy.
Tsui Hark and Ching Siu Tung created move magic before in the ”Chinese Ghost Story” series and here they have taken “Swordsman II” to another level. The hyper active and amazing fight sequences come fast and thick thanks to the brilliant choreography of Ma Yuk Sing, Yuen Bun, Cheung Yin Sing ad Ching Siu Tung. Looking very much at home, the combatants fly; spin in midair, bounce off trees and shoot deadly energy through their swords and palms. It all looks exciting, jaw dropping and magical on screen.
The first “Swordsman” movie was a delightful experience which ironed out all the loose ends to make the second installment easy to follow. Like the relationship between Ling and the Sun Moon Sect and the significance of the lute and above all, Ling and his appreciation for good wine. “Swordsman II” is a highly recommended wuxia movie populated with interesting colorful characters, beautiful costume, breakneck action and a catchy theme song.
