- Actors: Chang Chen, Yang Mi, Zhang Yi
- Director: Lu Yang
- Film Format: Color, Dolby, NTSC, Subtitled, Surround Sound, Widescreen
- Language: Mandarin Chinese (Dolby Digital 5.1), Mandarin Chinese (DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1)
- Subtitles: English
- Region: Region A/1
- Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
- Number of discs: 2
- Rated: Not Rated
- Studio: Well Go USA
- Release Date: February 13, 2018
- Run Time: 120 minutes
Imitating the
formula of the popular Infernal Affairs
franchise within the Wuxia genre, the Brotherhood
of Blades sequel is actually a prequel for the three central characters
from the 2014 hit. Although this removes any uncertainty over the fate of these
characters, there is enough depth within the development of the plot to compensate
for the lack of suspense. This paired with a complex plot that often takes full
concentration to follow completely, makes Brotherhood
of Blades II a rich film experience that is able to stand on its own, while
also working as a companion piece for the pre-existing fans.
Continuing the
theme of brotherhood amongst betrayal, Brotherhood
of Blades adds in elements of an ill-fated romance, which often takes
primary focus in the narrative. Although others from the first film are
present, the main protagonist is Shen Lian (Chen Chang), who is a loyal
imperial guard for the Ming dynasty until he becomes entangled in a conspiracy
to frame him and his partners. In an effort to clear their names, Shen hunts
down a wanted woman named Bei Zhai (Mi Yang) in hopes that she can provide the
answers needed to solve the mystery. In finding her, Shen discovers that it is
far more complicated than he could have imagined, and must decide where his
loyalties lay.
I will refrain
from giving away too many more details in the complex storyline of betrayals
and hidden agendas, for two reasons. First, this film is a journey that is all
about the characters and their development through trust that is either kept or
broken. To give away the steps along the journey seems to sacrifice some of the
viewing experience. The second reason is that the complexity of the film was
often too much for me to follow while I was watching it, and I’m not entirely
sure I could recount all of it right now, even if I wanted to. Although it
makes for a film experience that demands your full attention, Brotherhood of Blades II also provides
more density in its narrative than the average martial arts film.
Story may not be
the main reason a majority of martial arts fans watch films such as these, however,
and Brotherhood of Blades II provides
plenty of scenes of action to indulge upon. Tied to realism more than many
Wuxia films, there is no flying or other moves that defy the laws of gravity.
Instead, there is a careful choreography that shows off the precision of these
fighting traditions, and the obvious work ethics of the performers in capturing
this. Every detail from the weapons being used to the posture of the fighters
feels as historically loyal as the costume and set designs. It doesn’t feel
like a movie that needs to throw in modern moves or new ideas in the fight
choreography just to make it more exciting, but that refusal to resort to
flashy tricks is what ends up making Brotherhood
of Blades II such a strong film.
The Blu-ray
release of Brotherhood of Blades II
also comes with a DVD copy, and both discs have a couple of basic bonus
features. There is a trailer and the option for English dubbing if anyone is
too lazy to just read the subtitles, but the only real special feature is a
behind-the-scenes featurette. As successful as these films have been in China, their impact in the United States
has been less noticeable, and the lack of more extras is a solid indicator of
that.
Entertainment Value:
7/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 8/10
Historical
Significance: 6/10
Special Features: 3.5/10
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