Back in 1975, Ho Meng Hua introduced his cool but deadly decapitating flying machine and caused a sensation. But the problematic official sequel didn't really take off till 1978, a very long time for a follow-up. For a start, Ho was too busy with other projects like “Black Magic”, “The Mighty Peking Man” and “Vengeful Beauty”. Conversely, in 1976 both Chen Kuan Tai and Liu Wu Chi were keen to reprise their roles but Liu unexpectedly disappeared from the movie industry altogether but they quickly replaced her with Hsiao Yao.
Then in late 1967, leading man Chen abruptly left Shaw Brothers, and if that was not enough, Hsiao Yao also left the studio. At this point and not wanting to abandon the project, they signed up Ti Lung to take over Chen as Ma Teng and the role of his wife went to Chen Szu Chia. Meanwhile, the original director Cheng Kang (“14 Amazons”) had moved on to other projects and couldn't continue directing so “The Super Inframan” director Hua Shan came aboard to finish the job. Though losing his head over his own invention from the first film, Ku Feng returned as Emperor Yung Cheng and the sequel finally hit the big screen in early 1978.
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This time around, the plot essentially focuses on a bunch of Han rebels including a new female character Na Lan (Shih Szu) who is hell bent on trying to assassin their ruthless tyrant Qing Emperor Yung Cheng (Ku Feng). After charming her way and winning the trust of the Emperor, Na Lan is able to set up her own all-female flying guillotine squad, much to the disapproval of the Emperor's personal advisers Lord Bao Ying (Lo Lieh) and Lord Tai Kuan (Wei Hung). Apparently, there is a second generation of the flying guillotine which has a double layer of blades and Na is there to steal the blue print. On the other hand, main protagonist Ma Teng (Ti Lung) has become a fugitive who appears briefly at the beginning and shows up again during the final assassination of Yung Cheng in his palace by the rebels.
While it is good to see Ti Lung taking over from Chen Kuan Tai, it is still rather disappointing because he has so little screen time. Nonetheless, his final fight with Ku Feng and his guards is well put together and exciting to watch thanks to action choreographer Tang Chia. The encounter here is both brutal and dynamic, with lots of slow motion, zooms and quick cuts thrown in.
Interestingly, besides being a ruthless and evil leader, Emperor Yung Cheng is now a kung fu expert who has no problem fighting off assassins; this is a total contrast from the first film. Of course, Ku Feng is more than adequate at playing such a role. In her meaty and demanding role as a double agent Na Lan, Shih Szu doesn't disappoint, as her exchanges with Lo Lieh and Wei Hung and the way they try to outsmart each other is a delight to behold. Besides, she is just as mean and full of energy with her action sequences.
Wang Chung has a small role as a rebel while Lo and Wei are at their slimy best as court advisers to the Emperor but they don't have a chance to flex their muscles in the action department. In fact, there is a multitude of supporting cast playing the roles of Han rebels but they all have very little to do.
With so many rewrites and actors dropping out during production, it is indeed quite a miracle that the Shaw Brothers are keen to finish making “The Flying Guillotine 2”. Furthermore, though it is a doom and gloom affair, it manages to turn into a fast paced and enjoyable energetic production and besides, the all-female guillotine squad with their colorful pink uniform is an interesting addition.
