The sequel to Tsui Hark's epic Once Upon a Time in China features Wong Fei-Hong (Jet Li) battling the White Lotus Cult, who are bent on expelling foreigners from China. While at a medical convention in Canton, Wong meets and befriends Dr. Sun Yat-Sen (Zhang Tie Lin). However, this puts him at odds with the local magistrate (led by Donnie Yen), who are trying to squish the growing rebellion led by Dr. Sun. Ever the champion of justice, Wong teams with Sun to help the rebellion, but can only do so by stopping the evil White Lotus Cult from doing evil White Lotus Cult things.
     The series' famed political overtones prove surprisingly effective in this film, giving the plot an affecting resonance. The history and fiction combine more seamlessly in this film, though historically the film is far from accurate. Still, the story is relatively easy to follow for a Once Upon a Time in China film, and Jet Li shows great presence as Wong Fei-Hong. Max Mok replaces Yuen Biao as comedy-relief sidekick Leung Fu, and proves more fitting for the role. Rosamund Kwan reprises her role as Aunt Yee. 
     The film is better balanced than the original, too. Director Tsui Hark handles all the disparate elements well. History, comedy, pathos and action are blended together to make Once Upon a Time in China II the best in the series. Yuen Woo-Ping's excellent choreography won a Hong Kong Film award, and the knock-down battle between Jet Li and Donnie Yen ranks as one of Hong Kong Cinema's absolute best. If you must see any Once Upon a Time in China movie, make it this one. (Kozo 1996)

Once Upon a Time in China (1991)
Once Upon a Time in China III (1993)
Once Upon a Time in China IV (1993)
Once Upon a Time in China V (1994)
Once Upon a Time in China & America (1997)
Last Hero in China (1993)

image courtesy of Mega Star Video Distribution, Ltd.