Reviewed by: MrBooth Date: 10/04/2012 Summary: Classic showcase of Wing Chun A group of bandits set up a bank in a small town with the proceeds of his crime, and plot to kill the village head in order to take over the town so that they can live like kings. The bank's cashier (Casanova Wong) catches wind of their plans, but the first person he trusts with the information nearly costs him his life. His second confident, Sammo Hung, is a much better choice, and he tries to enlist the aid of his Wing Chun instructor (Leung Kar-Yan) to teach the cashier some skills so he can protect himself and fight the bad guys. Wing Chun has been a popular school of martial arts for Hong Kong filmmakers, despite the fact that it emphasises economical movements which are not well suited to the dramatic exaggeration typical of martial arts cinema, so most films about Wing Chun actually feature little genuine Wing Chun. WARRIORS TWO is an exception to this, intended as a showcase for the principles and techniques of the Wing Chun style. The film has a basic three act structure - the first section introduces the various characters, good and bad, through a series of scenes that vary between the dramatic and the comical (Sammo and Dean Shek get most of the comedic scenes, whilst Casanova Wong and Leung Kar-Yan are allowed to preserve their characters' dignity). The middle section, probably the longest, primarily focusses on the cashier's training in the art of Wing Chun, whilst the villains helpfully disappear. The third act is basically when the good guys strike back. WARRIORS TWO marks the beginning of Sammo Hung's golden streak as a director, and was one of the front runners of a transformation of martial arts films (along with SNAKE IN THE EAGLE'S SHADOW) into kung fu comedies, a movement which had a profound impact on the genre and which propelled Golden Harvest to the top of the Hong Kong movie world, supplanting the previously dominant Shaw Brothers studio, which failed to move with the times. Although it feels much like a Shaw Brothers film at times, Sammo's vision and talent is beginning to show through, and he assembled a fine team of skilled martial artists to help him realise it. Casanova Wong is the other 'warrior' of the title, one must assume, and the Korean kicker delivers a great physical performance, though Sammo wisely doesn't ask too much of him in the acting department. Leung Kar-Yan has tremendous presence, as always, as the stoic Wing Chun master whose philosophy that "someone must give way first to avoid bloodshed" is proved to be not entirely flawless, but whose exposition and demonstration of Wing Chun can not be faulted. As the film is moving into Kung Fu Comedy territory, an appearance by Dean Shek was presumably mandatory - he is irritating, as usual, but his character in this film is probably the best example of his particular shtick. The film features some great fight choreography, showcasing the techniques of Wing Chun and other styles, in a way which is only possible when you have a cast that have been training in martial arts since they learnt to crawl. There was a time when I would have rated it an 8 or a 9, because I could happily watch films like this all day long, but after consuming so many of them I finally overdosed and now my brain tends to switch off and my attention wander whenever people start fighting on my television... which is a problem in a film like WARRIORS TWO. However, I can still appreciate what a well-made film it is for the genre, and its importance in the genre's history, so if I have to mark it down a little bit it is more because the genre itself doesn't satisfy me as much as it once did than because of any failings of the film itself. Reviewer Score: 7

Reviewed by: Gaijin84 Date: 02/13/2011 Summary: A Wing Chun classic... As has been described by nearly everyone, this is an absolute classic kung fu film from Sammo Hung. Lots of great training scenes and beautifully choreographed fights. Sammo’s first film dealing with Wing Chun, his second being another classic, Prodigal Son. Both deal with Wing Chun master Leung Jan, Warriors Two covering his later life. Both Leung Kar-Yan and Korean Casanova Wong are outstanding, with a special nod towards Leung for his stoic and powerful performance as Jan. Highlights include a host of baddies attacking Jan in a restaurant and the final duel between Hung, Wong and a Mantis-style wielding Fung Hak-On. Wong’s final kick is one of legend and supposedly sent Fung to the hospital for a month afterwards. Highly recommended. 9/10 Reviewer Score: 9

Reviewed by: Masterofoneinchpunch Date: 08/06/2007 Summary: "I'm talking to you, are you dead?" -- Fat Chun Already an established actor and action director, Sammo Hung Kam-Bo’s plethora of talents would be in full display when he helmed the director’s chair for his third directorial film (after Iron Fisted Monk and Enter the Fat Dragon) during the golden age of Golden Harvest. Warriors Two is the first of two excellent Sammo Hung films, with Prodigal Son being the second, involving Leung Jan, a herbalist, doctor and teacher/practitioner of the martial art Wing Chun (a true renaissance man) in Foshan. This cinematic treatise on Wing Chun is a pleasure to watch because of the reverence that Sammo has for this discipline. Warriors Two starts with Leung Kar-Yan (forever known as Beardy) in one of his greatest stoic performances as Leung Jan and his best known pupil Chan Wah Shan aka Cashier Wah, who would go on to teach Yip Man (sifu of Bruce Lee), fighting each other in the outdoors to introduce the movie. Korean martial artist Casanova Wong plays the student in a rare robust role that showcases his athletic ability (though not always in the Wing Chun mode, but making up for with an awesome kicking ability). It is amazing that Leung Kar-Yan with no martial art background before he started acting can adapt so well in these precise roles. I have read that is why Sammo has worked with him many times because of his adaptability and the fact that since he is not “prejudiced” to a specific style of Kung Fu so he can imitate most forms very effectively. Sammo Hung does well in his supporting role as Fat Chun a student of Leung Jan and is the effective comic relief in this movie (Dean Shek is quasi-comedic). He is also the catalyst for the crux of the film. After the credits role past, Sammo (rotund but actually looking in good shape) starts off as a rice dumpling salesperson that eats too much of his supplies and eventually gets tricked out of the rest. Because of this he becomes a manure mover where he cannot eat (I hope) the supplies. Cashier Wah works for Boss Mo (Fung Hak-On who surprisingly looks like an anachronistic Next Generation Klingon; though there is a reason for that strange appearance) a wealthy merchant who has plans to become mayor. Wah overhears the devious plan for Mo to accomplish this and goes and tells a clerk named Chiu (Dean Shek) who is actually working for Mo. Chiu tells Wah to go to the Temple of Light to tell the mayor there, but that (of course) is a set-up. Wah escapes from this and is eventually is saved by Sammo. Wah’s mother is killed and this leads him to become a student of Leung with Chun’s trickery. And like every movie that showcases a martial art there are the training sequences and philosophy behind the fighting. There are not too many faults with the film. It could have had more emotional content like Prodigal Son, but the sagacious action scenes do make up for a lot. It could have made better use of Phoenix (Cheung Man Ting) whose martial arts should not have been so bad being a niece of Leung; luckily this film is no where near as misogynistic as Sammo’s first film Iron Fisted Monk. Dean Shek’s character as Clerk Chiu was overused, not always funny and hurt the pacing of the final act. Also what happens to Leung Jan is not historically accurate (not much of a spoiler but you can ignore the rest of the parentheses if you like; he retired and moved to his ancestral village of Gu Lao) But these are just quibbles. There is so much to like. The action scenes by Hak-On and Billy Chan Wui-Ngai are awesome. There are constant martial art fighting throughout the film including a good fight between Lau Kar-Wing and Lee Hoi-Sang and the excellent finale between Mo’s Ground (She) Praying Mantis which is supernatural but does not seem out of place and Wah’s hybrid Wing Chun. Cassanova Wong does this absolutely beautiful spinning kick across a table that is highlight in this film. There are many more good fight scenes that showcase Wing Chun with sticky hands, six-and-a-half point staff, Eight Chop Swords (Butterfly Swords), one-inch punch power, Wing Chun dummy, wooden men and many other aspects of this great martial art. One of Sammo’s best attributes as a director/actor is that he showcases people’s abilities without putting himself first and this really shows in this film. Leung Kar-Yan is perfectly cast. There are great small roles with Lam Ching-Ying, Eric Tsang, and (try to spot) Yuen Biao. Also, this movie has the best use of a metaphorical fruit (or is it a squash) and the staff that destroys it. I have the Fortune Star/Fox R1 release that has a great picture but has some annoying sounds. There is no official mono (downmix of the 5.1) and many sound effects sound exaggerated especially the punches and kicks. There is also the case of a Cantonese version of Elvis’s “Don’t Be Cruel” that has supposedly replaced the original song in an early teahouse scene (I haven’t been able to confirm this since I haven’t heard the original Cantonese and have only read second-hand accounts like the loveandbullets site). Luckily since this was a later wave of Fortune Star releases the subtitles are not dubtitles though they seem to have Mandarin translations of names (Liang Tsan instead of Leung Jan and Yung Chun instead of Wing Chun). Even though this has no extras (The HKL R2 release has a lot of desirable extras) it is an inexpensive treat for a must have martial art film. Reviewer Score: 9

Reviewed by: Jackal Date: 02/23/2007 Summary: Great This very dinamic, fascinating and entertainment kung-fu film with êung-fu stars 70-h gg. Plot of the film much easy. Serving bank (Kazanova Wong) will accidentally learn of cabal of its boss against chapters of the small borough. His try to kill and hero to hide in school of the master wing chun (Leung Kar Yan). The Master refuses to give the fugitive an killers, and when his kill the hero along with fatty boy (Sammo Hung) will get up on trope of the revenge. In film plenty of entertainment, the splendid fighting. This film about martial arts is high level. Reviewer Score: 9

Reviewed by: Sydneyguy Date: 08/20/2006 Summary: Great!! As you can see, all the reviewers agree this is a movie to watch. Basic story but great action sequences with a little comedy added which makes this movie great!! I was really impressed with the speed of Sammo welding the 2 swords (unless it was sped up and i didnt know it) and Cassanova Wong's great kick at the end is jaw dropping. I saw a little documentary about the movie and the villian that got kick went to hospital!! Cassanove Wong is really korean and doesnt speak chinese. The movie took roughly a year to make. Leung Kar Yan was in his 20's when he played the master. Worth watching!! Reviewer Score: 9

Reviewed by: dandan Date: 03/08/2006 Summary: nice haircut sammo... a good slice of old school sammo fun. the fights don't quite have the flow, that those in 'the odd couple' do, but they're still great to watch. good stuff.

Reviewed by: ewaffle Date: 11/09/2005 Summary: A masterpiece It is almost impossible to find anything wrong with “Warriors Two”, so I won’t try. But it is much more than a movie in which there are no obvious problems—“Warriors Two” is an outstanding kung fu film which pulls together all the conventions of the genre and uses them in both traditional and startlingly new ways. Many of the unifying themes of Hong Kong martial arts cinema, including the importance of martial arts in the everyday life of the Chinese people and complete loyalty and commitment, even in the face of death, to one’s community or group, are present in “Warriors Two”. What sets it apart from other films of its genre and era is its austere storyline, its economy of character, the uniformly excellent performances from everyone on screen and the extraordinarily high level of fight choreography and execution. The movie is divided into three parts and each part is characterized by increasingly violent depictions of martial arts. The first one is shown under the opening credits and has Master Tsang practicing Wing Chun in a bamboo forest while setting the scene for the action to come. The demonstration is stylized, abstract and refined. The second is the first formal application of Wing Chun, in the training of Cashier Wah. Here the style is much rougher, appropriate for an apprentice learning from a master and slowly growing in confidence and competence. The third is during the extended finale, in which the student is tested in the searing crucible of battle. The action is brutal, merciless, unrelenting and breathtakingly exciting and it refers to and parallels terms and images from the earlier portrayals of kung fu. This three part parallel construction defines the structure of the movie and keeps both the characters and action in service to presenting the themes and furthering the plot. Wing Chun kung fu is at the heart of the movie. It features small, almost spare movements of (especially) the hands and a very structured set of blocks, parries and other defensive maneuvers. The “Sticky Hands” move, which combines defense to immobilize the opponent with the lightning quick ability to strike him, was emphasized during several key points of the action and helped to make the action scenes more than just fighting but the defense of a noble way of life. Unlike most films of its type, “Warriors Two” has no extraneous characters or plot points. There is comic relief but the comedy is provided by the main characters. There are no subplots that are introduced simply to fill out the running time of the film but that aren’t developed. The acting is restrained where necessary and over the top where necessary and everyone onscreen is fit, skilled and credible as a fighter, even Dean Shek who plays the evil and partially crippled Master Yao. Casanova Wong is not as his absolute best during the scenes which depict Wing Chun as such, but excels in more flamboyant kicks and sweeping moves. Leung Kar Yan is perfect in almost every way. Even the aging hair and make-up treatment he is given works well enough. His Master Tsang is heroic in battle but kind, trusting and self-effacing otherwise—which leads to his downfall. Tsang is a true master—he is loyal to his subordinates and always carries himself with gravitas and nobility. His fights, especially his final battle, are realistic and inspiring. While one may quibble with the introduction of a very shiny bear trap, even that seemingly cartoonish prop works in its context. Dean Shek’s Master Yao is a character you love to hate. The clerk is effete and vicious, depending on more powerful men and eager to serve them. That his not insignificant martial arts capability is hidden by his crippled leg underlines his capacity for deception and betrayal. The quartet of villains seems invincible—which they must in order to make the heroes properly heroic. One exceptional touch is the deadly spear carried by Tiger. It is highlighted in several close-ups to show its razor sharp blades and finely honed point—the spear is almost a separate villain itself. The man behind it all, Master Mo, is a former robber who now runs the only bank in town—most likely an extremely unsubtle reference to the money-lending class—and who wants political as well as economic power. Tiger, Thunder and Iron Fist are his henchmen—each of them is evil, powerful and deadly and need only the brains and confidence of Mo, their former leader, to make them into a powerful force. This is Sammo Hung’s movie, of course. His onscreen presence is (for him) understated and subtle—since he was both director and fight choreographer he didn’t have to worry about stealing scenes. The action scenes are astonishing, each building to a climax that, while the audience knows how it must end, is still a shock when it does. He directed the uncluttered script economically and precisely and got excellent performances from all the actors—allowing the audience to really care about the people onscreen, to emotionally invest in them without fear of being short changed. One of the joys of Hong Kong cinema, which Sammo uses quite well, is the anxiety or uncertainty the spectators have almost to the very last shot, they don’t know who will be dead or alive when the final credits role. Highly recommended. Reviewer Score: 9

Reviewed by: SteelwireMantis Date: 07/12/2003 Summary: One of the best kung fu movies out there When I saw this movie I was amazed at the choreography and the camera-shots used to show the full-effect of the fight-scenes. Leung Tsan (played by Leung Kar Yan) is a respected Wing Chun master in Fu Shan and a very famous doctor, a group of henchmen arrive in town in search of Mo (played by a brilliant Fung Hark On), who plans to kill the alderman and take over the town with his thugs. During this conversation, honest and good-hearted Cashier Hua (Cassanova Wong) over-hears the conversation but is led into a trap and beaten badly by Flag Chao (Lee Hoi Sang). Clumsy, but tough student of Leung Tsan, Fei Chun (Samo Hung) finds Hua and takes him to his masters clinic to help him. Hua's mother is murdered and he is determined for revenge. After a lot of doubt, Leung Tsan agrees to teach Hua Wing Chun, so he may get revenge. This was a very good combination for an "old-skool" flick - great characters (played talented stars), classic plot, brilliant fight choreography and light-hearted comedy. I have grown to like this movie more everytime I watch it. The finale of this movie was mind-blowing, with violent, fast-paced kung fu action. Too bad there aren't as much kung fu movies with this much class around today. One of Samo Hung's finest achievements. *****/***** Reviewer Score: 10

Reviewed by: magic-8 Date: 03/21/2003 Summary: Kung Fu Classic The late 70s were golden years for Hong Kong martial arts, period pieces. "Warriors Two" provides an excellent example of this, as Sammo Hung's energetic direction and choreography skills are on display. Sammo blends a near perfect mix of broad Cantonese comedy with the acrobatic finesse of Peking Opera, which he is noted for, to tell the story of an evil leading citizen (Fung Hak On) who wants to take over the town. Sammo and Casanova Wong, with the help of Leung Kar Yan (once again playing the reluctant master) are the only ones who may be able to prevent Fung Hak On from achieving his goal. "Warriors Two" is a marvel of a martial arts film. The choreography is top-notch with capable actors to carry out and orchestrate inventive and detailed moves. Fung Hak On nearly steals the climax of the film as he demonstrates a nasty praying mantis style, but Casanova Wong is up to the task of battling against Fung's skills. "Warriors Two" is one of Sammo's most entertaining films, hailed as a classic kung fu flick.

Reviewed by: pjshimmer Date: 04/05/2002 See it if only for Leung Kar Yan's insight about Wing Chun. Even though I'm not a fan of the old school stiff kung fu, this movie makes me want to learn this kind of kung fu. Great showcase for everybody. [8/10] Reviewer Score: 8

Reviewed by: Ryoga Date: 12/23/2001 Cashier Hua (Casanova Wong) just overheard Mo (Fong Hak On) about killing the mayor and ends up getting beat up and his mother killed. Sammo Hung rescues him and asks Leung Jan (Leung Ka Yan) to teach him the art of Wing Chun to take revenge. Look for Lee Hoi Sang as the invincible armour man and a small cameo appearance from Yuen Biao.

Reviewed by: ryanatpoker Date: 03/21/2001 Summary: Synopsis Hua has information regarding an assassination plot to kill a town official. When the killers find this out, they hunt down the Hua to a kung-fu master's home they think he's hiding at. To try and flush him out, they kill the master. But Hua is not alone. He teams up with the master's student Ya Chun (Sammo Hung) and the two of them seek revenge for their fallen master!

Reviewed by: Rindge Date: 12/09/1999 Samo plays the student of Liang. The plot is about some gangsterswho come to town and end up being offended by Liang. They kill him so Samo and another newly trained student avenge. This was a pretty good movie. The best scene is when the master was ambushed in the tea house. One of the best fight wing chun fight scenes that I can remember.

Reviewed by: hokazak Date: 12/09/1999 Classic Samo Hung kung fu movie - one of the few to showcase realistic Wing Chun style fighting.