A surprise hit after its release on various streaming platforms, director and writer Yang's short online wuxia film “Eye for an Eye: The Blind Swordsman” (2023) starring Xie Miao as the protagonist went on to generate a fair amount of attention both in Mainland China and overseas. Therefore it is inevitable that a sequel soon follows with both Yang and Xie returning. Though scheduled for a wilder cinema release, the much anticipated and a longer follow-up still ended up streaming on iQIYI.
Watch Eye for An Eye 2 on iQIYI
This second installment kicks off in Youzhou during the Tang Dynasty. Believing that five fugitives are hiding in a gambling den, blind swordsman Cheng Xia Zi shows up to arrest them. Naturally, they try to fight their way out but of course they are no match for the lethal bounty hunter. Apparently, Cheng is trying to make as much money as possible so he can retire in Chang An, his old hometown.
Meanwhile, in another part of town, a pair of homeless orphans, Zhang Xiao Yu and her little brother Xiao Cao, are stealing food and are caught up in a confrontation between ruthless officer Li Jiu Lang and his rebels. The merciless Li kills the defenseless rebels, Zhang manages to escape but her brother is not that lucky. While on the run, she accidentally bumps into the grumpy Cheng who reluctantly shelters her. After a while, they start to bond and eventually work as a team to bring the cold-blooded Li and his little empire down.
Yang's sequel plays like a proper wuxia film probably because of its longer running time which allows him to further develop the main lead characters and the dramatic elements. A subplot that concentrates on the orphan Zhang Xiao Yu, played by Yang En You, a traumatized little girl who is obsessed with revenge after the tragic death of her brother. The bond between her and Blind Cheng which takes on centerstage is engaging and not rushed. However, it seems like director Yang is doing a Zatoichi style adventure with a bit of Lone Wolf and Cub thrown in for good measure at times.
Visually the film looks great, especially the outdoor location of rolling hills, forests and mountain ranges. Besides, the detailed town buildings plus their interiors all look lived in and authentic. The fast and crisp fight sequences designed by action choreographers Qin Peng Fei and Du Xiao Hui are impressive, though quite brutal. Also, the fight which features a thug wielding a pair of flaming sword looks interesting and fun, but it is borrowed from Su Chao Pin and John Woo's “Reign of Assassins” (2010). Though epic, the end fight between Cheng and three hundred guards seems too far fetched and rushed. However, Yang's use of split screens during the film's lighter moments is refreshing.
Actor and martial arts champion Xia Miao, born in Beijing, is no stranger to Asian action films who appears in more than thirty films and TV series. He started his film career as a child actor alongside Jet Li in “The New Legend of Shaolin” (1994) and again in “My Father is a Hero” (1995), these films gained him a reputation both overseas and locally. After that he takes a break to study and then makes a comeback in the TV series “Legend of the Shaolin Temple” (2006) and “The Kung Fu Master” (2010). Xia Miao's portrayal of the blind bounty hunter Cheng is impressive and his moves are equally smooth and convincing during the many fight sequences.
The introduction of a second lead character, the vengeful child, Zhang Xiao Yu (Yang En You) is a nice touch. Child star Yang is impressive and shines as the orphan Zhang, as she effortlessly tackles the emotional and dramatic moments of the film. In addition, her interchange-like bickering and the playful moments with swordsman Cheng are interesting to watch and a nice distraction from the otherwise violent fight scenes, besides adding the much needed emotional connection. Furthermore, Hung Tao is adequately evil and memorable playing the cruel officer Li Jiu Lang.
Even though the storyline of “Eye for an Eye 2” is predictable and familiar, it is still impressive and satisfying production. Besides, the well written lead characters are a plus, and when topped off with the well choregraphed action and engaging visuals, it all makes for a balanced sequel.
