This cheap but action-packed sequel to the Bruce Lee classic sees impersonator Bruce Li take the leading role, providing himself a worthwhile if uninspired hero in the fight sequences. Although Li is no Lee (despite looking a heck of a lot like him) the film could do a lot worse in a leading man. The movie is simply packed with action. It's one of those films where a fight or battle breaks out every few minutes to further the plot, which is fine with me. The plot isn't very important – something about the Japanese insulting then killing the Chinese, and closing all their martial arts schools in the process. The Chinese take it until Bruce shows up and starts handing the Japanese their backsides on a plate.
The fight sequences are dynamic but poorly-choreographed, and a little choppy here and there. Some of the fighters are slow and portly, others are lightning-quick and pretty impressive. I noticed a nunchuck sequence cut from the UK print; the production company who released the budget DVD release I watched were obviously too cheap to bother resubmitting the film to the BBFC, where it would have got through uncut since the laws changed. Saying that, there is some bone-breaking and bloody violence, so it's not all bad.
The supporting cast is familiar, including that guy with the hooded eyes who appears playing elders in almost every kung fu film of the 1970s. One notable addition is the inimitable Lo Lieh, excelling here as the chief Japanese bad guy, Miyamoto. Lieh is great in the role, really imposing and villainous as always. His death was truly a loss to the world of Hong Kong cinema. The final fight scene between Li and Lieh is a lengthy, brutal, no-holds-barred brawl to the death, complete with blood, torn clothes, gallons of sweat, and even some hari-kari thrown in for good measure. The result? Fun, if corny, chop-socky cinema.
The fight sequences are dynamic but poorly-choreographed, and a little choppy here and there. Some of the fighters are slow and portly, others are lightning-quick and pretty impressive. I noticed a nunchuck sequence cut from the UK print; the production company who released the budget DVD release I watched were obviously too cheap to bother resubmitting the film to the BBFC, where it would have got through uncut since the laws changed. Saying that, there is some bone-breaking and bloody violence, so it's not all bad.
The supporting cast is familiar, including that guy with the hooded eyes who appears playing elders in almost every kung fu film of the 1970s. One notable addition is the inimitable Lo Lieh, excelling here as the chief Japanese bad guy, Miyamoto. Lieh is great in the role, really imposing and villainous as always. His death was truly a loss to the world of Hong Kong cinema. The final fight scene between Li and Lieh is a lengthy, brutal, no-holds-barred brawl to the death, complete with blood, torn clothes, gallons of sweat, and even some hari-kari thrown in for good measure. The result? Fun, if corny, chop-socky cinema.