Swordsman II

Alternate Title: The Legend of The Swordsman
Chinese Title: Xiao Ao Jiang Hu zhi Dong Fang Bu Bai

Cast
Jet Li as Ling
Michelle Reis as Kiddo
Rosamund Kwan as Ying
Brigitte Lin as Asia The Invincible

Despite having the same title and characters from Jin Yong's novel, "The Smiling Proud Wanderer", this movie deviates a lot from the novel. While it is a terrible adaptation, it is still a good movie on its own.

"Swordsman II" is about Linghu and his martial brothers wanting to retire from the martial world. They are soon plunged back into it as the sacred scroll is stolen by a man known as Master Asia or Asia The Invincible. Whoever practices the skills from this scroll will become powerful, but must be castrated and will turn feminine. Things get more complicated when Linghu thinks that Asia is a woman and falls in love with him/her.

Jet Li was okay in his role as Linghu. He was a little weak here. I was quite disappointed that he didn't do as well as Wong Fei Hung in the "Once Upon A Time in China" movies. Also, I felt that he doesn't fit the role. His sword moves are pretty good though. I believe this is the only movie, besides "Hero", where Jet uses a sword instead of kung fu.

Rosamund Kwan was better than average. She did have some chemistry with Jet. Her moves with a whip were also pretty good. The only problem is that Ying is suppose to be 18 or 19 and is as beautiful as an angel while she looks cute and older to me instead.

Michelle Reis was pretty good in her role. She was able to act as a tomboy and show her feelings toward Jet well. The only thing I disliked was her costume and the fact that she dresses like a guy for most of the time.

The person who really steals the show is Brigitte Lin. Even though Master Asia is actually a man, I accept this arrangement as he becomes feminine after practicing the arts in the sacred scroll. Despite her age, she was quite beautiful in red. I enjoyed the parts where she and Jet were together. She does a great job as the male version of the character as well.

The fights are all cool and are well chereographered by Tony Ching Siu Tung. No wonder this movie became popular. I enjoyed all the fight scenes, especially the ones with Master Asia fighting.

I didn't really like the costumes here. It seems that each clan needs a specific uniform. I don't like the hats that most of the characters were wearing either. Michelle Reis should've gotten a woman's dress since she does play a woman.

This movie is quite good compared to other films made back in the early 90s. Jin Yong fans might be disappointed though.