FONG SAI YUK 2 (1993)

Starring: Jet Li, Josephine Siao, Michelle Reis, Amy Kwok, Adam Cheng, Yuen Kwai, Chi Cheung Wah

After the huge success of the first film, it was inevitable that a sequel would be out, especially as the first film promised more of Fong's adventures. This sequel carries on from where the first part left off: Fong had enlisted into the Red Flower Society and is now under the leadership of Chan Kar Lok (Adam Cheng).

But all is not well at the society as a rival faction led by Master Yu (Chi Cheung Wah) wants to usurp the leadership. Yu takes an instant disliking to Fong, and they become entangled in a number of fights, which would later lead to Yu imprisoning Chan Kar Lok, and exiling the youthful Fong.

The main plot involves a box which tells the true identity of Chan, and he desperately wants it back. He orders Fong to court An-ye (Amy Kwok), the daughter of a Grand Official, to get the box back. However, An-ye has fallen in love with Fong, and her request is that he must wed her before getting the box. Fong reluctantly agrees, much to the chagrin of Fong's fiancee Ting Ting (Michelle Reis).

A lot of people have said that this sequel is not on par with the first film, and I agree, to a certain extent. Certainly, the first film is better as a whole, but I thought the sequel had its moments, and wasn't as bad as people made it out to be. A lot more comedy has been infused into this film, which ultimately ruined the film, but there were some truly funny moments, especially the hilarious relationship between Fong and his mother (played by Josephine Siao), and the scenes between Fong, Ting Ting, and An-ye.

One area which the sequel failed to deliver the goods is in the action department. Although well choreographed, the fight scenes lacked the punch that made the first film so enjoyable to watch. Who could forget Fong fighting Ting Ting's mother atop the heads of scores of people? Or the one on one fight between the Fongster and Chiu Man Cheuk? Here, Fong has to contend with the brutality of Master Yu, played superbly by Jet Li's old friend Chi Cheung Wah. Certainly he has a face to match his evilness. But although very entertaining, the fights doesn't seem to match up to the standards set in the first film.

That is not to say the film is crap, far from it. If you are a fan of Jet Li, you would find a lot to enjoy here, just don't compare it with the first film.

RATING

7 / 10