- Actors: Wu Jing, Frank Grillo, Celina Jade
- Director: Wu Jing
- Disc Format: Color, Dolby, NTSC, Subtitled, THX, Widescreen
- Language: Mandarin Chinese (Dolby Digital 5.1), Mandarin Chinese (DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1)
- Subtitles: English
- Dubbed: English
- Region: Region A/1
- Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
- Rated: Not Rated
- Studio: Well Go USA
- Release Date: December 12, 2017
- Run Time: 124 minutes
Wolf Warrior 2 brings back more of the
same elements that made up the original film, for better or for worse. Our
protagonist returns to fight a new battle, one which calls for a number of
explosive action sequences a message so patriotic that it often borders on
being propaganda. All of the thrills from the first film are recreated with
somewhat diminishing returns, but action fans are likely to be satisfied with
an increased emphasis on spectacle.
Despite
continuing the title referring to an elite group of Chinese Special Forces
operatives, Leng Feng (Jing Wu) is discharged after the events of the first
film. He takes to a peaceful life at sea until coincidentally crossing paths
with a group of mercenaries terrorizing innocent civilians in Africa. In an
effort to save a doctor (Celina Jade) and several Chinese citizens volunteering
in the region, Feng takes up arms against the invaders. If the plot feels
overly simplistic, this is merely to allow for an emphasis on set pieces
instead.
The film at first seems to be
advocating for universal kindness and the fight against tyranny, though there
is a clear theme at the center of the movie which serves as a reminder that
China does not abandon its citizens even when they are out of the country. This
may help tack on a patriotic message to the film, but the strength in the
narrative comes from the more intimate relationships between the characters in
peril. Countless scenes of cutaways to officials making decisions for the Chinese
citizens feels forced and impersonal compared to Feng’s relationship with the
men and women who choose to fight alongside him.
The story may work hard to balance
between the bonds of brotherhood in battle and the patriotism of the Chinese
people, but most fans will be more concerned about the continuation of the
impressive action that made up the first film. While the sub-par CGI used for
explosions and blood splatter continues to be a problem (even more than I
remember being the case in the original), the gunplay and hand-to-handy fight
choreography simultaneously continue to impress. While Wu may not be the most
charismatic of actors, he has a physicality that makes even the over-the-top
action feel somewhat believable. It doesn’t hurt that he has a worthy adversary
in the form of head mercenary, Big Daddy (Frank Grillo).
Returning as both the lead
protagonist from the first film and as the director and co-writer, it is clear
that Wu has a lot to do with the formation of this franchise. And considering
this film was briefly the most successful film in Chinese box office history, I
would not be surprised to see him return for a third outing. If Sylvester
Stallone can continue to make Rambo movies well into his 60s, there is plenty
of time for Wu to continue.
The Blu-ray release of Wolf Warrior 2 comes with a DVD copy of
the film as well. Even though it doesn’t do anything to help the film’s
technical shortcomings, high definition is still the best way to experiences
this high-octane action spectacle. The special features include a couple of
behind-the-scenes featurettes and the trailer.
Entertainment Value:
8/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 6/10
Historical
Significance: 6/10
Special Features: 3.5/10
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