For the most part I have always been a fan of this genre about old school martial arts. When Ang Lee directed the first film it brought about a new way at looking to new angles during a fight scene. Now since Chow Yun Fat did not star in this second sequel he probably thought of this as nothing more than a reach with the script. It was very loose with primal dialogue, and very monotone actors. Though I am a big fan of both Michelle Yeoh, and Donny Yen. Each are extremely versatile actors when it comes to action. This brought me to the sudden conclusion that Yuen Wo Ping must look at the first film, and deduce what went wrong in this second part of the series. There was hardly any wide angles like Ang used. Too much close contact, which split off of what we saw in the first movie with beautiful ballet fight sequences on or off the ground. There was a lot of acrobatics to be sure but nothing close enough to the original. The story itself was also loose.
Not enough interaction with the supporting actors or enough flash backs. Still using the two younger actors was much like this first film except in plot for them. I found it to be closely resembling the first with added pizazz, and it didn't do anything for me. High flying acrobatics was not bad, but pushed to the limits. There was also too much focus on foot work during a fight, which said overcompensation to an action scene. Nobody is interested in foot work, just the impact of two people fighting with grace, and style. As for the music it was stationary. Some drum work mixed in with the orchestra, but it could have used more old world style in a fight scene or rather during a scene switch. With Ang Lee he went everywhere. Deep into the jungles, top of mountains, court yard fights, or river scenes. And he used wide angles to get that just right picture which combined with the rest of the natural elements.
All in all, this wasn't a bad film but locations could have been better. I did not like the outside tavern scene. It was too obvious, loosely set up without added decoration to make it look more rustic. To me it looked like someone rented a bunch of plywood, and slapped it together. Not a bad summer filler, for those who like fights this is it. Donnie is at his best when it comes to martial arts. As well as Michelle Yeoh, and Jason Scott Lee. Yet I would have preferred it in authentic Chinese Language from every actor like the first film.
Not enough interaction with the supporting actors or enough flash backs. Still using the two younger actors was much like this first film except in plot for them. I found it to be closely resembling the first with added pizazz, and it didn't do anything for me. High flying acrobatics was not bad, but pushed to the limits. There was also too much focus on foot work during a fight, which said overcompensation to an action scene. Nobody is interested in foot work, just the impact of two people fighting with grace, and style. As for the music it was stationary. Some drum work mixed in with the orchestra, but it could have used more old world style in a fight scene or rather during a scene switch. With Ang Lee he went everywhere. Deep into the jungles, top of mountains, court yard fights, or river scenes. And he used wide angles to get that just right picture which combined with the rest of the natural elements.
All in all, this wasn't a bad film but locations could have been better. I did not like the outside tavern scene. It was too obvious, loosely set up without added decoration to make it look more rustic. To me it looked like someone rented a bunch of plywood, and slapped it together. Not a bad summer filler, for those who like fights this is it. Donnie is at his best when it comes to martial arts. As well as Michelle Yeoh, and Jason Scott Lee. Yet I would have preferred it in authentic Chinese Language from every actor like the first film.