Feng Shen 2: Zhan huo Xi qi

With the all-conquering "Shang" dynasty looking as if it's about to die out, their ailing King commands his young general "Deng" (Nashi) to attack the fortified city of Xiqi and retrieve something that might just prevent their extinction. Meantime, the folks in that city are ruled by a young man "Ji Fa" (Yosh Yu) who is enthusiastic and honourable, but not exactly a tactician. Despite his best efforts, the encroaching army arrives at the walls of his city aided by four powerful giants, all equipped with magical talisman. It's during this battle that the lines are truly drawn with a few immortals coming to the aid of the city and with both "Ji" and "Deng" finding themselves facing a new scenario for which neither are prepared, and which tests their mettle and their loyalties as an angry denouement looms. This is my kind of film: mixing mystery and mythology with superb special effects and a solid story that, though maybe a little predictable towards the end, has all the ingredients of a stylish and engaging acton-adventure. There's imagination a-plenty gone into the production and the characterisations offer us a little more than just the usual linearly flat persona. The green flying ogre works hard for his living here, and the last twenty minutes are lively and colourfully delivered. Might their be a trilogy? It does need a cinema, a big screen makes all the the difference.

"Creation of the Gods II" is a glaring example of how to ruin a promising franchise. The film shamelessly distorts its source material, turning a rich mythological tapestry into a chaotic, nonsensical mess. Characters, once compelling and nuanced, now act in ways that defy logic, making baffling decisions solely to advance a convoluted plot. The sequel abandons the emotional depth and careful storytelling of its predecessor, opting instead for empty spectacle and superficial drama.

The pacing is erratic, with key moments rushed and less important scenes dragged out, leaving viewers disengaged. Subplots are introduced and dropped haphazardly, adding to the confusion. The film's attempt to expand the universe feels forced and poorly executed, lacking the coherence and charm that made the original captivating.

Worst of all, "Creation of the Gods II" betrays the goodwill earned by the first film. Fans who were drawn to the series for its faithful adaptation and rich character development will find little to appreciate here. Instead of building on the strengths of its predecessor, the sequel undermines them, leaving a bitter taste and a sense of missed opportunity. A disappointing follow-up that fails to honor its roots or satisfy its audience.

This is my first time leaving a review for a movie. It (together with the director) has been bullied badly on Chinese social media, and some comments are atrocious. I have to say something to support this beautiful movie and hope the director will be able to finish the third one, the last sequel.

I have watched the movie twice and wish I could watch it more on the big screen; unfortunately, I couldn't watch it on IMAX, which it was made for. But anyway, the movie has superb cinematography. The storyline may not be easy to understand the first time. I understood it better after the second watch. There are many metaphors, and the director weaves the plots masterfully. The theme of the movie is loving people. What/Who does one fight for? Every twist and turn in the movie is the main characters trying to find the answer to the question.

I cried seeing the thousands of names rolling on the screen at the end. Some people have gone. They didn't live to see their work in theatre. The crew started to make the movies about eight years ago and conquered many obstacles to bring the movies to the audience. Search for the behind-the-scenes videos.

People who insult the director and crew and give the movie a very low rating do not respect the 10,000 people, many of whom gave their best years to this project.

I first watch this movie during the first day of Chinese New Year at Shaw IMAX and it was spectacular. From there, I went on to watch it again in the cinemas. At the moment, I have watched it 5 times due to how much depth the storyline has. Each time you watch it, there are new details arise that you notice that made you want to watch it another time. (Don't want to give too much spoilers, go watch it) I'm not sure what's with the negative common about the VFX/design when ugly things sells (e.g. Labubu) Also, are they coming out with a Blu-ray version? I would love to have it within my collection. I am also planning to watch it again.

What a movie to start off the New Year with! Continuing the first movie's box office success and technological breakthroughs, Creation of Gods II returns with more VFX shots than the total amount of shots in the previous. Whether the flock of dragons at the Kunlun Mountain, the paralyzing light beams afloat moonless sky, or the mythical gadgets of deities and giants, the film does not fail to entertain with its cinematic interpretation of classical figures, warfare, and anecdotes. The climactic battle of the "ten deadly formation" greatly balances quests of individual characters with the story's progression and involves numerous ancient tactics of war by Sun Tzu, such as sowing dissension, sowing discord, extraction, espionage, and assassination. All the meantime, director Wuershan is able to maintain quality narrative and aesthetic control of the coloring, lighting, costume, production design, and music accompaniment.

Performance wise, everyone except the two young protagonists from last film is terrific. Huang Bo, Kris Phillips, and Hsing-Kuo Wu --- all reputable actors and obvious carriers of their parts. Nashi's General Deng Chanyu veritably surprised me: a fierce warrior bound to war and honor who gradually reveals her capacity to love, compassion, and dancing by the fire. Even trivial side characters with less than minutes of screen time shine in their sequences.

The pacing of the movie's first half and some of the CGI (the blue giant) could definitely be improved, but overall a laudable success for a commercial film.