A visually stunning film, especially since I watched it in HD, this is a sequel to "The Heroic Trio". My problem with this film is its a little tough to follow. The storyline is muddled and things are somewhat unclear. I am a big fan of the three beautiful ladies who grace this film (especially Maggie Cheung and the late Anita Mui), but this is not near a film I would recommend to anyone wanting to see a film of theirs, unless your sole purpose is eye candy. That is no reason to watch a film like this on its own. If you watched and liked "The Heroic Trio", you'll want to see this, but if you want any indication of the talents of Anita Mui and Maggie Cheung, these films are far superior, if not similar: "Rouge", "Justice, My Foot" (Anita Mui) and "In The Mood For Love", "Irma Vep"-In both of these films, Maggie looks just as sexy-and "Centerstage". Watch those for the talent. This is just for those who watched the first film.
16 Reviews
Not as well executed as The Heroic Trio.
BA_Harrison13 November 2010
Johnny To's action/fantasy classic The Heroic Trio wasn't exactly helped by its convoluted plot and cloying over-sentimentality, but was made watchable thanks to its many bonkers action sequences; the sequel, Executioners, shares the first film's weaknesses, but lacks its exuberance and wackiness, making for a much less enjoyable experience overall.
The film is set in a post-apocalyptic future where evil genius Mr. Kim (Anthony Wong) controls the city's only supply of uncontaminated water. Together with the help of a corrupt general, power hungry Kim leads a coup d'etat against the President, but his plans for total domination of the city are thwarted by The Heroic Trio (Maggie Cheung, Michelle Yeoh and Anita Mui), who come out of retirement to battle the would-be despot.
With much of Executioners' running time dedicated to establishing its politically unstable environment and detailing Kim's scheme to seize power, the film doesn't leave much time for action, meaning that those who enjoyed the first film purely for its energetic lunacy will find themselves less than satisfied with this effort; even when the action does eventually kick off in the final act, it doesn't come anywhere near to the sheer craziness of The Heroic Trio.
The film's leading ladies are still worth watching, of course, with Cheung looking particularly sexy in her fishnet stocking and suspenders, but even with the appeal of three high-kicking Hong Kong hotties, Executioners isn't anywhere near as good as its predecessor.
The film is set in a post-apocalyptic future where evil genius Mr. Kim (Anthony Wong) controls the city's only supply of uncontaminated water. Together with the help of a corrupt general, power hungry Kim leads a coup d'etat against the President, but his plans for total domination of the city are thwarted by The Heroic Trio (Maggie Cheung, Michelle Yeoh and Anita Mui), who come out of retirement to battle the would-be despot.
With much of Executioners' running time dedicated to establishing its politically unstable environment and detailing Kim's scheme to seize power, the film doesn't leave much time for action, meaning that those who enjoyed the first film purely for its energetic lunacy will find themselves less than satisfied with this effort; even when the action does eventually kick off in the final act, it doesn't come anywhere near to the sheer craziness of The Heroic Trio.
The film's leading ladies are still worth watching, of course, with Cheung looking particularly sexy in her fishnet stocking and suspenders, but even with the appeal of three high-kicking Hong Kong hotties, Executioners isn't anywhere near as good as its predecessor.
Violent and bleak sequel to the Heroic Trio
contronatura2 March 2000
The Heroic Trio is a great Hong Kong action film. This is a fact. Executioners isn't quite as good but might be more interesting - set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, filled with crazed corporate owners, assassinations, bandits, and renegade military personel, this is a film that has a lot of ambition. It's also deeply flawed, if only because it's a bit messy and many of the characters' relationships and plot lines are confusing. But it does have some remarkable action scenes, great performances again by Yeoh, Mui, and Cheung, and a surprisingly dark ending that works very well. Anthony Wong also has some fun as the villain, a madman who owns the water company(!). He's completely unrecognisable behind the makeup and iron mask he wears, but he's having a good time. If you like The Heroic Trio, this is well worth checking out. It's not that film's equal, but it is an above-average action film in its own right.
Kung-fu classic.
obelisk_1331 May 2004
As a sequel to Heroic Trio, this movie far surpassed my expectations. I for one only liked Heroic Trio as a novelty, though it was good - it just lacked something...that something was a devastated future where everyone is being oppressed.
Since it is set in the future after an atomic blast, the Heroic Trio has gone their separate ways and is now under the thumb of a cruel mastermind that controls the clean water supply. However, this mastermind wishes for absolute control and seeks to destroy the ruling military government. It is up to the Heroic Trio to unite once more to stop his evil ambitions before he can complete his coup and rule the entire country.
That is where the fun really starts and never lets up. This one has much more action and plot than the first one could have ever hoped to achieve. The Heroic Trio is no longer a one dimensional force of fighting women, but they all have new lives...they have roles to fill other than fighting crime now...and most of all, they all have better things to do than play super hero. When one of them finally decides to step up, she is soon imprisoned for her efforts. Though this spawns her former comrades into action, it is not without heavy loss. That too was lacking in the original, nobody cool seemed to die. This one has death galore, everyone from new supporting cast to one of the heroes eventually meets a violent and untimely end. When you factor in the harsh reality of a world affected by military rule and radiation, it just boils over into a delightful affair.
This movie is a great kung-fu epic, and a worthy successor to the beloved Heroic Trio. I could not ask for anything more...if you like high flying mayhem, conspiracy, and a generally fun story then I would get this movie at any cost.
Since it is set in the future after an atomic blast, the Heroic Trio has gone their separate ways and is now under the thumb of a cruel mastermind that controls the clean water supply. However, this mastermind wishes for absolute control and seeks to destroy the ruling military government. It is up to the Heroic Trio to unite once more to stop his evil ambitions before he can complete his coup and rule the entire country.
That is where the fun really starts and never lets up. This one has much more action and plot than the first one could have ever hoped to achieve. The Heroic Trio is no longer a one dimensional force of fighting women, but they all have new lives...they have roles to fill other than fighting crime now...and most of all, they all have better things to do than play super hero. When one of them finally decides to step up, she is soon imprisoned for her efforts. Though this spawns her former comrades into action, it is not without heavy loss. That too was lacking in the original, nobody cool seemed to die. This one has death galore, everyone from new supporting cast to one of the heroes eventually meets a violent and untimely end. When you factor in the harsh reality of a world affected by military rule and radiation, it just boils over into a delightful affair.
This movie is a great kung-fu epic, and a worthy successor to the beloved Heroic Trio. I could not ask for anything more...if you like high flying mayhem, conspiracy, and a generally fun story then I would get this movie at any cost.
Awesome!
BandSAboutMovies8 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Honestly, they could have made hundreds of movies in the Heroic Trio series and I would have watched every single one of them. The Wonder Woman (Anita Mui), The Invisible Girl (Michelle Yeoh) and The Thief Catcher (Maggie Cheung) have returned, but the city around them has been decimated from a nuclear attack.
Unlike most superhero films, each of the characters has made major growth in their lives. Wonder Woman is now a mother, hiding her powers to become a better provider. Invisible Girl works to atone for being evil and even trains her former master's hunchbacked henchman Kau to be a hero. And Thief Catcher may try to steal everything, but she now realizes that she is part of something bigger than herself.
Director Siu-Tung Ching also made the A Chinese Ghost Story series and he directed this with original Heroic Trio maker Johnnie To.
I often obsess about how sequels never change up the game. This movie decided to take a colorful comic book romp and make it a violent and bleak post-apocalyptic movie about the lack of water at the end of the world and the changing roles of women. Hong Kong, you always have so many surprises.
Unlike most superhero films, each of the characters has made major growth in their lives. Wonder Woman is now a mother, hiding her powers to become a better provider. Invisible Girl works to atone for being evil and even trains her former master's hunchbacked henchman Kau to be a hero. And Thief Catcher may try to steal everything, but she now realizes that she is part of something bigger than herself.
Director Siu-Tung Ching also made the A Chinese Ghost Story series and he directed this with original Heroic Trio maker Johnnie To.
I often obsess about how sequels never change up the game. This movie decided to take a colorful comic book romp and make it a violent and bleak post-apocalyptic movie about the lack of water at the end of the world and the changing roles of women. Hong Kong, you always have so many surprises.
Starts slow
ajehrman1 April 2022
Awfully Lame, Melodramatic and Messy
claudio_carvalho5 January 2013
In a world devastated by nuclear war, the powerful Mr. Kim (Anthony Wong) owns the supply of water to a city. He plots a coup d' etat with the Colonel (Paul Chun) to overthrow The President (Shan Kwan) and they use Inspector Lau (Damian Lau) and the religious leader Chong Hon (Takeshi Kaneshiro) to set in motion an uprising.
Tung-Tung (Anita Mui) is imprisoned, but Ching-Ching (Michelle Yeoh) decides to protect The President and the Bounty Hunter Chat (Maggie Cheung) seeks potable water with her nephew Cindy and the agent Tak (Lau Ching Wen) that is loyal to the President.
"Jin doi hou haap cyun", a.k.a. "Executioners", is an awfully lame, melodramatic and messy sequel of "Heroic Trio" that I have not seen. The screenplay and situations are muddled and stupid, like for example Tung- Tung drinking rat blood in a moment and removing the door of her cell later. Another example, Inspector Lau brings his annoying daughter Cindy to the bus station to leave the child alone in a crowd. Or Tak, who does not swim, but dives in an unknown water spring. I could number lots of nonsense plot holes in the story.
The choreography is dreadful and the fights and action scenes are terribly edited. But maybe the worst is the unpleasant character Chat, who is the stereotype of a stupid woman. My vote is two.
Title (Brazil): "Heroic Trio 2"
Tung-Tung (Anita Mui) is imprisoned, but Ching-Ching (Michelle Yeoh) decides to protect The President and the Bounty Hunter Chat (Maggie Cheung) seeks potable water with her nephew Cindy and the agent Tak (Lau Ching Wen) that is loyal to the President.
"Jin doi hou haap cyun", a.k.a. "Executioners", is an awfully lame, melodramatic and messy sequel of "Heroic Trio" that I have not seen. The screenplay and situations are muddled and stupid, like for example Tung- Tung drinking rat blood in a moment and removing the door of her cell later. Another example, Inspector Lau brings his annoying daughter Cindy to the bus station to leave the child alone in a crowd. Or Tak, who does not swim, but dives in an unknown water spring. I could number lots of nonsense plot holes in the story.
The choreography is dreadful and the fights and action scenes are terribly edited. But maybe the worst is the unpleasant character Chat, who is the stereotype of a stupid woman. My vote is two.
Title (Brazil): "Heroic Trio 2"
Stellar cast, mediocre story
gbill-7487719 August 2023
Watchable for Michelle Yeoh, Maggie Cheung, and Anita Mui, but a big step down from the first film, The Heroic Trio. The post-apocalyptic plot is a muddled mess, the action too often centers around big shootouts instead of martial arts, and the three leads aren't together enough on-screen, an early scene in the tub and a few battle moments notwithstanding. There is also a dark, dingy aspect to the cheap sets that makes it visually unappealing, which is pretty tough to do given the cast.
The story progression for Mui's character is less than satisfying, as it uses the device of her being separated from her screaming child several times, we get syrupy scenes after disagreements with her husband the mayor, and then she ends up in prison for too long. Meanwhile, Cheung's character goes off searching for water in the dystopian hellscape, but it's with a rival (Ching Wan Lau) and (inexplicably) the child, leading to further overwrought moments. The little girl was adorable and all, but her character was a liability, all the way up through the final battle.
As in the first film, there are some bonkers bits, like the gunning down of some nuns who've administered medical aid, or the squeezing of a rat to drink its blood in prison. Yeoh's character also uses a whistle to control a man who's turned into half-animal, presumably from the radiation, though his fate set to swelling music was overly melodramatic. It wasn't that I wanted more of these over-the-top moments, but at least when they were on the screen the film had a little edge.
Still, despite all my complaints, the three leads have such screen presence that the film held my interest. I just wish it had been a better vehicle for them.
The story progression for Mui's character is less than satisfying, as it uses the device of her being separated from her screaming child several times, we get syrupy scenes after disagreements with her husband the mayor, and then she ends up in prison for too long. Meanwhile, Cheung's character goes off searching for water in the dystopian hellscape, but it's with a rival (Ching Wan Lau) and (inexplicably) the child, leading to further overwrought moments. The little girl was adorable and all, but her character was a liability, all the way up through the final battle.
As in the first film, there are some bonkers bits, like the gunning down of some nuns who've administered medical aid, or the squeezing of a rat to drink its blood in prison. Yeoh's character also uses a whistle to control a man who's turned into half-animal, presumably from the radiation, though his fate set to swelling music was overly melodramatic. It wasn't that I wanted more of these over-the-top moments, but at least when they were on the screen the film had a little edge.
Still, despite all my complaints, the three leads have such screen presence that the film held my interest. I just wish it had been a better vehicle for them.
Wow, I wish I had only watched a little bit of this one rather than the Heroic Trio.
Aaron13754 November 2009
I have caught the first film of this two movie series always near the end, but from what I see it is totally cool and engaging. This one came on after one of those times I caught the end of the first movie and I was so going to watch this movie because it just had to be super cool and have a lot of awesome kung fu. It does not, in fact it is a bit of a bore and a very serious letdown in every way. The plot at times was incomprehensible, the action for the most part was absent from the film, and the final villain a far cry from what ever the heck it was they fought at the end of the first movie. That thing was a demon are something so it made sense that it was super strong, here I have no idea why dude in a mask was so powerful. The movie also does not have enough energy compared to the last one. The ending credits alone were more full of energy than this nearly lifeless movie. It did have some nice action here and there and the ending fight while no where near as good as the first movie is still entertaining enough, but the overall impression this movie leaves you with is that of a rather bleak and bland movie.
Hopelessly muddled mess
Matti-Man11 April 2006
It pains me to have to post a negative review of EXECUTIONERS starring, as it does, the three greatest female action stars produced by Hong Kong cinema. But this film is a dark, bleak, muddled and frankly boring mess of a film.
This is probably not helped by the appalling "Engrish" subtitles of the Universe DVD release, which includes gems like:
"When the time comes you'll be retaliated" "The world is belonged to us soon," and the classic "You're immutable"
As I watched film I found myself asking "Who's that?" and "Why did that character do that?" and came away at the end not really understanding what was going on. Was the city everyone lives in the only habitable place on Earth? If the city had no water, why didn't people just leave?
Too many questions and sadly not enough answers.
Unlike other reviewers here, I'll say, "If you enjoyed HEROIC TRIO stay well away from EXECUTIONERS ..." My rating of 4 stars is because Anita Mui elevated anything she appeared in, even this piffle.
This is probably not helped by the appalling "Engrish" subtitles of the Universe DVD release, which includes gems like:
"When the time comes you'll be retaliated" "The world is belonged to us soon," and the classic "You're immutable"
As I watched film I found myself asking "Who's that?" and "Why did that character do that?" and came away at the end not really understanding what was going on. Was the city everyone lives in the only habitable place on Earth? If the city had no water, why didn't people just leave?
Too many questions and sadly not enough answers.
Unlike other reviewers here, I'll say, "If you enjoyed HEROIC TRIO stay well away from EXECUTIONERS ..." My rating of 4 stars is because Anita Mui elevated anything she appeared in, even this piffle.
A more ambitious but fragmented sequel to the masterpiece "the Heroic Trio".
Morpheus-242 February 1999
The story about the sharp-shooting-vigilante-chicks continues in a much more serious context. Set in a post atomic near-future Hong Kong´s fresh water supply has been contaminated by radiation and is on the brink of open rebellion. All available fresh water is controlled by the "Fresh Water Company" owned by the power-mad genius Mr.Kim. He plans to induce a rebellion (by raising prices and cutting water-rations)and with the aid of a corrupt army colonel and a devout religious leader restore order and take over the crumbling Metropolis.
The three friends have separated since the first movie; Wonder Woman is married with a daughter (of course), Thief Catcher is a Water Smuggler and a Rouge (as always) and Invisible Woman works with the allieviating of the peoples suffering. They are brought together in order to find a rumored new source of fresh water, but Wonder W. and Thief C. lacks the motivation to break up with their new lives. Of course momentous events forces the trio together and the villains are in for a major beating.
The settings and moods are much darker and has a strange gothic 1960:s air to it. It focuses on the motivations and fears of the main characters, their hopes to rebuild the future, hopes of escaping to a safer place, their hopes to rescue loved ones etc. Worries of the Chinese takeover are quite everpresent.
When the first one was whacky rough-and-tumble this movie is more slow paced and thougtful and beautifully shot. (I just LOVE the train-station scene with it´s slo mo cartridges and yellow lighting). It has a more desperate theme where the villains succeed and the heroes fail and despair.
Although the story contains a few glitches (like sudden and unmotivated slapstick in the midst of tragedy or the never seen before or again car-wrecker villain) the fan of the HK-cinema has learned to overlook (and enjoy) such anomalies. I highly recommend this beautiful and action-packed gothic drama.
The three friends have separated since the first movie; Wonder Woman is married with a daughter (of course), Thief Catcher is a Water Smuggler and a Rouge (as always) and Invisible Woman works with the allieviating of the peoples suffering. They are brought together in order to find a rumored new source of fresh water, but Wonder W. and Thief C. lacks the motivation to break up with their new lives. Of course momentous events forces the trio together and the villains are in for a major beating.
The settings and moods are much darker and has a strange gothic 1960:s air to it. It focuses on the motivations and fears of the main characters, their hopes to rebuild the future, hopes of escaping to a safer place, their hopes to rescue loved ones etc. Worries of the Chinese takeover are quite everpresent.
When the first one was whacky rough-and-tumble this movie is more slow paced and thougtful and beautifully shot. (I just LOVE the train-station scene with it´s slo mo cartridges and yellow lighting). It has a more desperate theme where the villains succeed and the heroes fail and despair.
Although the story contains a few glitches (like sudden and unmotivated slapstick in the midst of tragedy or the never seen before or again car-wrecker villain) the fan of the HK-cinema has learned to overlook (and enjoy) such anomalies. I highly recommend this beautiful and action-packed gothic drama.
one of the weakest films I ever saw
krzysiektom2 December 2009
This film is such a ridiculous stuff, totally undeserving praise. Poor script, laughable direction, ridiculous action and fight sequences, mediocre acting, poor lighting and camera work, phony special effects - mostly it takes place in a studio and u can see that. Mayeb when I was 10 years old I enjoyed a film like that, but heck what did I know anyway. The environmental" elements of the script are heavily handed and boring, the "psychological" parts about heroines's private lives are rubbish and the worst of all are action sequences. At least if they were good and convincing, but far from it! The film looks cheap and should appeal only to hard core fans of Chinese kung fu flying in the air artificial kicking stuff.
dark sequel to Heroic Trio
jbgrelber15 March 2006
This film continues Heroic Trio in a darker and much more hard edged tone.The viewer should really see Heroic Trio first to help get the story line.Michelle Yeoh and Anita Mui stand out in their roles and Maggie Cheung also turns in a fine performance.The opening scene with Michelle Yeoh driving a medical supply through a bleak environment is what sets the tone for the film-downbeat and serious,much more so than Heroic Trio.I think this film is underrated and certainly compares favorably with the Mad Max and Escape From.... films.The ending is very harsh and there is little or no comic relief in this film.I have seen some negative reviews of this film and I have to wonder if the writers saw this film as a stand alone-because if they did,the plot is not easy to comprehend.
forget this movie ever being made
Brucev-323 November 2000
After seeing Heroic Trio, I expected a lot of this movie. But I have to say, this was a bad movie, because it didn't make any sense. Of course being a HK movie this normally doesn't bother me, but even the action was bad. If there was any action. Because at the time you were expecting a fight or two, they didn't fight. They justed talked. I almost fell a sleep during this movie. My advise to you forget this movie ever being made. Only watch the first part.
Cool! Simply cool!
paul_haakonsen30 May 2010
The follow up to the awesome movie "Heroic Trio", picks up the pace where the first one was, and takes it to a new level.
This movie, like the first one, is filled with action from start till end. A good and solid story that will keep you interested and in the chair.
And of course, the cast is phenomenal. Again, Maggie Cheung, Anita Mui and Michelle Yeoh does a good job here. There is something magical about these 3 together.
If you liked the first one, you definitely do not want to miss out on a more mature and somewhat gloomier sequel. Thumbs up to this one!
This movie, like the first one, is filled with action from start till end. A good and solid story that will keep you interested and in the chair.
And of course, the cast is phenomenal. Again, Maggie Cheung, Anita Mui and Michelle Yeoh does a good job here. There is something magical about these 3 together.
If you liked the first one, you definitely do not want to miss out on a more mature and somewhat gloomier sequel. Thumbs up to this one!
Wacky
breadandhammers21 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Directed by: Johnny To, Ching Siu-tung
Written by: Susanne Chan
Starring: Michelle Yeoh, Anita Mui, Maggie Cheung
SUMMARY A wacky action film. In a post-apocalyptic world, society searches for clean water, but the evil dictator has hidden the water source. In the end, the heroes find the water. Michelle Yeoh's character dies.
RATING
B
A wacky action film. Great fight scenes. The plot is a little ridiculous, and the scenarios are equally ridiculous.
===
Directed by: Johnny To, Ching Siu-tung Written by: Susanne Chan Starring: Michelle Yeoh, Anita Mui, Maggie Cheung
SUMMARY A wacky action film. In a post-apocalyptic world, society searches for clean water, but the evil dictator has hidden the water source. In the end, the heroes find the water. Michelle Yeoh's character dies.
RATING
B
A wacky action film. Great fight scenes. The plot is a little ridiculous, and the scenarios are equally ridiculous.
SUMMARY A wacky action film. In a post-apocalyptic world, society searches for clean water, but the evil dictator has hidden the water source. In the end, the heroes find the water. Michelle Yeoh's character dies.
RATING
B
A wacky action film. Great fight scenes. The plot is a little ridiculous, and the scenarios are equally ridiculous.
===
Directed by: Johnny To, Ching Siu-tung Written by: Susanne Chan Starring: Michelle Yeoh, Anita Mui, Maggie Cheung
SUMMARY A wacky action film. In a post-apocalyptic world, society searches for clean water, but the evil dictator has hidden the water source. In the end, the heroes find the water. Michelle Yeoh's character dies.
RATING
B
A wacky action film. Great fight scenes. The plot is a little ridiculous, and the scenarios are equally ridiculous.
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