Warriors Two-Zan Xian Sheng Yu Zhao Qian Hua (1978)

Directed by: Sammo Hung | 91 minutes | action, drama | Actors: Sammo Hung, Leung Ka Yan, Casanova Wong, Fung Hak On, Yeung Sing Ng, Lau Ka Wing, Lee Hoi Sun, Yeung Wai, Shek Tin

Everyone who has ever seen one of his films knows that Sammo Hung’s fighting skills are almost unparalleled. And all those also know that his sense of humor is second to none but in the negative sense of the word. What a lame joke this man makes! Anyway, when Sammo’s obligatory bit of nonsense is over, the film can really start and we find ourselves in a meeting of a group of criminals led by Mr. mo. To the great surprise of his cronies, the latter has become the local banker. Fortunately for them, the bank turns out to be just a cover for Mr. Mo has in store for himself and the city. Unfortunately, there is no room in the plan for the mayor and he will have to be eliminated.

The coincidentally passing cashier Hua overhears the conversation and decides to warn the mayor. He only gets to speak to an assistant from the mayor and he asks him to come to the river house the next day to discuss this matter further. Naive as he is, the cashier follows this order without question. Once arrived at the river house, it turns out that the helper has framed him and he has to take on a force majeure. The young cashier fights back bravely, but lacks the skills to really resist. There is nothing left for him but to flee.

Badly battered, he is captured by Fei Chun (Sammo Hung), who takes him to his master, Mr. Tsang, brings. However, the criminals, who have since seized power in the city, have no intention of letting the cashier settle down. To lure him, they decide to kill his mother. This brings up the first classic theme: revenge. This certainly does not mean that such a murder and a possible mourning process are further explored. On the contrary, it is no more than a given. Moreover, in a film like this there is no time at all for such drama Hua has to get revenge with it and fast too! To do that, however, he must take his skills to the next level, and he asks Mr. Tsang if he may become his apprentice. He initially has his reservations, but gives in anyway. And there you see the second classical theme: the master and his pupil. The lessons in the ancient art of the Wing Chung by Mr. Tsang are beautifully displayed. Hua has to go to great lengths to reach the level of concentration necessary to become a good fighter. During the training, Hua and Fei Chun have to fight each other blindfolded, which, in addition to beautiful images, also results in the few weak jokes of the secretly looking Fei Chun.

The theme of revenge is deepened even further when Mr. Tsang is taken very low by the criminals. He fights to the limit, but even his sublime fighting skills are no match for foul play. Fei Chung, Hua and Mr. Tsang decides to get back at the criminals. It may come as no surprise that this is going to end in a massive brawl, but all the more surprising are the different techniques on display. In particular mr. Mo turns out to have more up his sleeve than expected.

‘Warriors Two’ is a fantastic film, which is certainly one of the classics of its kind. The beautiful images and brilliant techniques simply can not get bored. Movies like this are not so much about the story, although the classic themes of revenge and the master-apprentice relationship are never lacking, it’s about the scenes. And those scenes are already very successful. Nevertheless, a half point deduction for the weak jokes.