Once Upon a Time in China II (1992)

In the sequel to the Tsui Hark classic, Wong Fei-Hung faces The White Lotus society, a fanatical cult seeking to drive the Europeans out of China through violence, even attacking Chinese ... See full summary »

Director:

Hark Tsui

Writers:

Tin-suen Chan, Tan Cheung

Stars:

Jet Li, Rosamund Kwan, Siu Chung Mok

2 wins & 11 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jet Li	...	Wong Fei-Hung
Rosamund Kwan	...	13th Aunt
Siu Chung Mok	...	Leung Foon
David Chiang	...	Luke Ho-Dung
Donnie Yen	...	Commander Lan
Tielin Zhang	...	Dr. Sun Yat-Sen
Xin Xin Xiong	...	Priest Gao Kung
Paul Fonoroff	...	British Consul
Shi-Kwan Yen	...	Governor Chung (as Yee Kwan Yan)
Ka-Kui Ho	...	Innkeeper Mak
Michael Miller	...	Dr. Thompson
Dion Lam	...	Governor Chung's Assistant
Shu-Kei Chow	...	Commander Lan's Man
Joseph Chi	...	White Lotus Sect Regiment Commander (as Joe Chu)
Chuen Chiang	...	White Lotus Sect Member

Storyline

In the sequel to the Tsui Hark classic, Wong Fei-Hung faces The White Lotus society, a fanatical cult seeking to drive the Europeans out of China through violence, even attacking Chinese who follow Western ways. Wong must also defend Dr. Sun Yat Sen, a revolutionary, from the military. With his friends, loved ones, and the future of China itself at stake, Wong must once again use his martial arts skills to defend the innocent.

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Plot Keywords:

tough guy | 

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Biography | History | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for violence

Did You Know?

Trivia

Donnie Yen was hit in the eye by a pole in the final sequence, and as a result had to have stitching above his eye - most of his close-ups are only shot from one side.

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Alternate Versions

Taiwanese version opens with 7 minute recap of the original film in series, and has some additional and extended scenes not found on the Hong Kong version.

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Connections

Follows Once Upon a Time in China (1991)

User Reviews

More dreams of China and a few comments of "Sino-centrism"

Another excellent entry into the series dealing with China coming to terms with foreign influence and an uncertain future, infused with romance, humour and some outstanding choreography. The well-drawn cast includes Dr Sun Yat-Sen which brings some historical credibility, but adds irony as well, since Dr Sun's idealism may have been misplaced. Oh yeah, its got some great fighting in it too...

I find previous accusations implying racism in this film to be misguided and deeply ignorant. The Wong Fei-Hung series highlights the historical turmoil felt in China from external trade interest and internal political pressure. Foreign characters are shown as both villainous and sympathetic (just like the Chinese characters). OUATIC II portrays the xenophobia of the White Lotus Cult as a Very Bad Thing, and the confusion at western objects and inventions varies from the hilarious train sequence to the superstitious fear of the camera. It's self-mockery, but it's bittersweet. If anything, Tsui Hark is implying a loss of innocence.

If the foreign powers are portrayed in a negative light, it's because our presence in China was motivated by greed and imperialism. Hardly the most noble of motives. But then nobody's perfect, and China's human rights record is less than great before and after the revolution.

I'm staggered that anyone could be so utterly stupid as to ascribe Nazi overtones to a film which goes so far to portray nobility, humanism and honour. Anyway, great film.

Details

Country:

Hong Kong

Language:

Cantonese English

Release Date:

1 September 1993 (USA)

Also Known As:

Once Upon a Time in China II

Box Office

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$3,924,438

Company Credits

Production Co:

Golden Harvest Company, Film Workshop, Paragon Films Ltd.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

113 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1