Swordsman II

The second part of the Swordsman trilogy, this collaboration between the director–screenwriter team Ching Siu-tung and Tsui Hark is even more deeply entrenched in the ‘1997 (handover) complex’ and the theatrics of violence. From the carnage in the Eastern Factory, a secret state agency in the opening sequence, to the battles and intrigues laced with witchcrafty jutsu of snake-wielding and concealed weapons, which culminates in the climactic three-sided battle in which Asia the Invincible launches her deadly embroidery needles, scenes in Swordsman II are designed to stun and overwhelm as action scenes become progressively exaggerated. Ling Wu-chung (Jet Li) and his fellow members of the Mount Hua Sect are planning to retire from the jianghu (martial world) only to find themselves thrust to the forefront of unrest, resulting in the slaughter of the clan and the eradication of Asia. In many ways the film is stolen by the enigmatic Brigitte Lin for her brilliant turn as the androgynous Asia the Invincible – a memorable, iconic role with a bewitching blend of charm and cruelty.