Flying Guillotine 2

Camera spins and zooms and tracks and slo-mos in a frenzy to match the nonstop acrobatic hack, slash, stab, decapitate of what is one of the fastest paced and bloodiest Shaw Bros I've seen culminating in a violent, abrupt ending like a train hitting a wall in a satisfying display of obliteration. I think there was a story in there too.

okay movie

This has a faster tempo than the original; perhaps a bit too fast, as it also has plenty of characters and it's occasionally difficult to keep up. Some of the same characters are the same, but e.g. Ti Lung replaces Chen Kuan-Tai and the character is not as pivotal. Apparently this was a difficult production and it explains some of the issues, but there's still plenty to enjoy; Shih Szu and her female team was cool, the modified guillotines are menacing and the slow motion finale is memorable.

This had a troubled production and it shows in the end product, because much of it is a disjointed mess. Plot lines are abandoned, the movie shifts focus to different characters multiple times, scenes begin and end abruptly. But it’s not a complete disaster. Firstly the fight scenes are up to par, Secondly the movie does recover when it shifts focus to Shi Szu and her all female squad of flying guillotine fighters. A very bleak nihilistic ending makes that it ends with a lasting impression.

Revenge is achieved, but at what cost? What cost?

While it's kind slow in some parts and the Flying Guillotines of the title barely even play a role it's an entertaining patriotic historical revenge film full of fights and intrigue.