Cast
View All
Ti Lung
as Ma Tang
Shih Szu
as Na Lan
Ku Feng
as Emperor Yung Jing
Lo Lieh
as Lord Bao Ying
Wai Wang
as Lord Gang Jing Feng
Shih Chung-Tien
as Hero Jin Feng Chih
Nancy Yen Nan-See
as Lu Szu-niang
Lau Luk-Wah
as Fastest Sword Jiang Cheung Fung
Wang Chung
as Bai Tai Kuan
Fan Mei-Sheng
as Li Sing Nan
Cheng Kang-Yeh
as Sui Sheng Piu
Ku Kuan-Chung
as 4th Brother
Chen Szu-Chia
as Yu Lan
Ching Miao
as Tibet Lama Koupin
Ku Wen-Chung
as Royal Teacher Yeung
Crew
Director
- Cheng Kang
- Hua Shan
Writer
- Ni Kuang
- Cheng Kang
- Lee Wing-Cheung
Producer
- Mona Fong Yat-Wah
- Run Run Shaw
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Flying Guillotine II distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Cheng Kang brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1978, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Flying Guillotine II took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 88 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 117 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The costume department created over 297 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1978, when this film was released:
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Flying Guillotine II shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Wrath of Vajra, which focuses more on action than character development, Flying Guillotine II offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Fist That Kills and Joe Bullet explore similar territory, Flying Guillotine II stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 19, 1978
- Runtime: 1h 28m
