Feng Shen 2: Zhan huo Xi qi

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.

Creation of the Gods 2 delivers a visually stunning and ambitious continuation of its epic saga, blending ancient Chinese mythology with modern cinematic flair. For fans of grand storytelling and immersive world-building, this sequel offers a compelling mix of action, drama, and artistry that makes it a standout in the fantasy genre.

What Works:

Breathtaking Visuals: The film's production design and CGI are a feast for the eyes. From towering celestial palaces to intricately choreographed battle sequences, every frame feels meticulously crafted. The mythical creatures and godly realms are rendered with vivid detail, making it a must-watch on the big screen.

Expansive Storytelling: The narrative dives deeper into the conflicts between mortals, immortals, and demons, weaving together themes of power, loyalty, and destiny. While familiarity with the first film helps, the sequel does enough to engage newcomers with its dramatic tension and character dynamics.

Strong Performances: The cast, led by seasoned actors and rising stars, brings emotional weight to their roles. Standout moments include nuanced portrayals of moral dilemmas and alliances, adding depth to the larger-than-life plot.

Pacing and Scale: The film tightens its pacing, balancing quieter character moments with adrenaline-fueled set pieces. The final act, in particular, builds to a crescendo that leaves audiences eager for the trilogy's conclusion.

Not as good as the first one, but definitely worth watching!

"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.

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.

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.