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鹿鼎記II神龍教 (1992)
Royal Tramp II


Reviewed by: MrBooth
Date: 08/14/2008

The second part of Royal Tramp (its really more like one 3.5 hour film) lifts things out of the gutter a little, with more attention to the plot and finding an interesting space for the characters to add a distinctive voice to this interpretation. Basically there's less penis talk, and more politics, intrigue and martial arts mayhem - the action really gets spectacular at points.

Reviewer Score: 8

Reviewed by: mrblue
Date: 02/22/2008

Royal Tramp II continues right where the first film left off, which should come as no surprise, as Wong Jing started filming this pretty much the second the first film turned a profit. Amazingly, especially given Wong's sometimes scattershot output, this is a sequel that's every bit as good as the original.

Stephen Chow returns as Wilson Bond, a con man who no finds himself in the emperor's (Deric Wan) inner circle after saving him from an attack by the Dragon Sect, which was led by Cheung Man. Upon returning to her master expecting death, Cheung is shocked when she is picked to become the new leader. However, this involves jumping into a mysterious blood bath, which transforms her into Brigitte Lin (not a bad tradeoff).

Meanwhile, back at the palace, Wilson finds himself hatching all sorts of double-crosses in order to keep his head attached to his neck, as well as protecting "little Stephen" from the princess (Chingmy Yau). Eventually, Chow finds himself married to both Chingmy and Brigitte, as well as a pair of comely twins (Fennie Yuen and Vivian Chan). When his master (Damian Lau) makes a reappearance, Wilson must finally decide which side he is going to fight for.

This is a fairly dense plot for what many might consider a slapstick comedy, and, truth be told, you're probably going to be lost if you haven't seen the first film. Still, the movie moves along at such a clip and, more importantly, jokes are thrown at the viewer in rapid-fire fashion, that they're willing to forgive the shortcomings. Even those jokes that are definitely not aimed at Westerners (such as parodies of traditional Chinese ballads) are still pretty funny due to the strength of the actors.

Action-wise, Royal Tramp II also doesn't disappoint. Helmed by the excellent Ching Siu-Tung, they really allow Stephen Chow to show off his moves. Sadly, though, the film's rushed production is apparent at times, most notably when the wires used in the more acrobatic bits are still extremely visible. Despite any sort of technical flaws like that, Royal Tramp II is a very solid movie that should please fans of Stephen Chow's work.

[review from www.hkfilm.net]

Reviewer Score: 7

Reviewed by: pjshimmer
Date: 02/24/2003
Summary: fantastic

One of the funniest things I've ever seen (and quite frankly, Stephen Chow's funniest)! I couldn't stop laughing throughout. It's also nice to see a collaboration between Brigitte Lin and Stephen Chow. The comedy is generated by both dialogues and action, and as far as I'm concerned, you will overlook a lot of the lines if you don't understand the dialogues, a pity.

One of my favorites.

[9/10]


Reviewed by: Inner Strength
Date: 04/21/2002
Summary: Good

Well, after watching this again tonight I still kind of feel the same way I felt when I first saw this years ago, that it's not as good as the first. Not to say it's bad though.

Some interesting plot twists occur in this sequel (well, hardly a sequel as both films were filmed at the same time and given a 2 month hold period), making it more interesting to a certain extent than the original. However, Stephen Chow is still using the same jokes as he did in the first part, which is consitant I suppose...but when it comes to this film it's not funny anymore.

Still, if you have seen the first part, then you have to see the second really to get most of the story figured out if you don't already know it. Because afterall, this is a direct continuation of the first film, and not a sequel as such.

Worth seeing, but only to finish the story, as there are few new features to keep you interested. Except for one quite funny joke near the end, and also Ching Siu Tung's smoother looking fights.

By the way, the TV series of this is very good (though there are about 30+ episodes!), and should still be around on a VCD box collection if you look in the right place.

Rating: 3/5


Reviewed by: spanishninja
Date: 06/07/2001
Summary: Direct continuation of the first movie that is almost as good!

This is, as mentioned, a direct continuation of the original Royal Tramp, at the end of which the fake empress (Cheung Man's) plot to overthrow the King was uncovered, and she reveals her identity as one of the highest members of the Dragon sect (played by Brigitte Lin). She then comes back to the sect and becomes its leader, and also vows to seek revenge on Wilson Bond (Stephen Chow) for thwarting her previous plans. But before she is able to do so, she is poisoned by her allies (a warlord and his son), and forced to mate with Chow, thus giving him most of her fighting powers. This is where the fun starts, as the sequel is a little heavier on the comedy than the original, although action scenes were still a joy to watch. My favorite comedic bit was where the same words of praise were used every time somebody wanted to suck up to anybody else ("My admiration to you is everflowing like the Yellow River," loosely translated). Chow is great, Natalis Chan and other co-stars were great, and fight scenes were good. The good thing about this movie is that it actually resolves the storylines of the film (as it should have, adapting from a book and all). Although this was a little wackier than it probably should have been, Royal Tramp II is still one of Chow's best. Rating = 8.5/10

Reviewer Score: 8

Reviewed by: Sydneyguy
Date: 02/28/2001
Summary: Good

Directly starting off where the first one finishes!!

Not as good as the original but plenty of laughs and action to keep you entertained!!

7.5/10

Reviewer Score: 8

Reviewed by: MadMonkey
Date: 12/09/1999

Chow is back--and this time, he's got to thwart not a simple assassination attempt on the Emperor by an upstart attendant, but a civil war that might rupture the empire itself. Luckily, he has luck on his side. Plus the most powerful aphrodisiac in the world...with which he snares Brigitte Lin (well, actually it's not HIS doing exactly. Ahh, see the movie). Some funny fighting, an absolutely brilliant sting scene where Chow and co. souse a rebel warlord and his son.

(3.5/5)


Reviewed by: hkcinema
Date: 12/08/1999

Showboy, the good-for-nothing tramp who became the Emperor'sconfidant, continues his gambling, whoring ways. Little does he realize that a succession of plots have been hatched to kill him. Again, he must rely on his wit, if he is to keep his position...as well as his life...as well as the Emperor's sister for his wife.

[Reviewed by Rim Films Catalog]


Reviewed by: spinali
Date: 12/08/1999
Summary: NULL

In an action-comedy almost as wacky as the original, Brigitte Lin is a mighty priestess and head of the Heaven and Earth Society, with a coven of girl initiates who dress in diaphanous gowns. She's so powerful that the government gives her a poison that will liquefy her within hours unless she has sex, and then 80% of her powers will transfer to her partner. Lovable con-man Stephen Chieu happens to he around, so she engulfs him in a twirling maelstrom of her gowns that turn into a cocoon. United with a force of kung fu lovelies, they seek to overthrow a government conspiracy and maintain the Ching Dynasty.

(2.5/4)



[Reviewed by Steve Spinali]

Reviewer Score: 6