Many filmmakers would be content to have a solid story with complementary action scenes in a martial arts movie. Ng See Yuen (director and producer) and Yuen Woo Ping (action director) team up in "The Secret Rivals, Part II" and take the opposite track. They've made a film that is full of martial arts action with bits and pieces of plot interspersed throughout. "The Secret Rivals, Part II" picks up right where the first film left off, with John Liu and Don Wong defeating Hwang Jang Lee.

John Liu reprises his role as the Northern Leg and Hwang Jang Lee plays Fox, the twin brother to Silver Fox, killed in the first film. The plot concerns Fox's desire to avenge the death of his twin, while also searching for the hidden booty that Silver Fox stole. Tino Wong Cheung replaces Don Wong, and teams up with John Liu as the Southern Fist's little brother.

With the plot out of the way, Yuen Woo Ping demonstrates his talented choreography with the cast. There seems to be a fight scene every five minutes. His recent work in the Matrix trilogy harkens back to this movie as a primer. Woo Ping's multiple-person fights are a marvel to behold, as there are one-on-one; two-on-one; three-on-one; and four-on-one fight scenes. Never again will viewers be able to appreciate the non-wire stunt work by true martial artists like Hwang Jang Lee and his awesome physical abilities, replaced by slick and glossy wire-work by pretty actors and digital blue screen backgrounds.

"The Secret Rivals, Part II" is a highlight in martial arts movies, made for fans who prefer fighting mayhem over plot and story elements. The endless number of fights in the sequel may desensitize viewers, but the choreography is nonetheless a joy to behold. "The Secret Rivals, Part II" was Yuen Woo Ping's tune up for his directorial debut and efforts in the following year's "Snake in the Eagle's Shadow" and "Drunken Master." Yuen Woo Ping would never look back from his work in "The Secret Rivals, Part II," which was a precursor to his current success in Hollywood and among the many reasons why he is so revered.