The Yin-Yang Master 2

Well, I do have to agree with a lot of people who say Onmyoji 2 is not as good as the first, but it is still a wonderful movie in its own right. While some say the characters in this film, were bland and without development, I have to disagree. First because I know the mythological history of the characters, and I keep myself more open to the characters, especially ones I have no prior knowledge of.

I thought the effects in the end, with the ladder of heaven were not awesome, but pretty good. Better than a lot of other effects I have seen in other period films. Over all, a very good movie!! Highly recommend.

Rating: 10/10

Saw it on: Showtime Beyond

Mansai Nomura is back again reprising his role as Abe no Seimei - an Onmyoji (yin yang master).

In the Heian period of Japan, strange occurrence is happening in the capital. A demonic entity is showing up eating parts of human it comes in contact with. Somehow, Fujiwara no Yasumaro (Masato Ibu), and his daughter Himiko (Kyoko Fukada) seems to be involved in the cause. Seimei goes out to find out the true identity of the demonic entity.

The story mixes ancient Japanese folk lore of sword that's been taken out of the tail of eight headed snake, and the gods who were with Amaterasu (Sun goddess) who is the chief goddess involved in the creation myth of Japan.

The movie is even better made than the first installment, and there're more suspense to the story. Seimei integrates to the action better in this movie as well.

Even without the background knowledge about the historic Japan, this movie can be enjoyed as period piece/action fantasy. It's a different kind of a movie from Japan that appeals to the international audience as well.

For starters, there are looming suggestions that one need to view the first version of Onmyoji. Though honestly I haven't viewed the first one, I find the second interesting. They say Onmyoji2 is uninterestingly lethargic, I find myself excited to watch the original ones. Onmyoji2 tells the early period of Japan were humans and apparitions live together in the skin of the world. It overtures us to the mythical land of Japan where mighty priest yield the best figure because of the presence of demons. The mood of the film shows maybe the usual murky age, where no one would dare to walk alone on abandoned streets and alleys. It always intrigued me the way Mansai Nomura's character portray his attributes—calm, happy-go-lucky, fond of playing jokes and quite secretive. Thus it always leaves me wondering about his background.

I worthwhile to peer rare national mythologies

This movie is better appreciated if you've seen the beginning. It's not necessary, but the first film focused on the friendship between Hiromasa and Seimei. Here, the two are well acquainted, share a lot of laughs (and sake!), and work well together against ominous forces of darkness.

Seimei is certainly a character himself. Eccentric perhaps, he has an heir about him like he knows what's going to happen, so he hardly loses his cool. Hiromasa, the younger, brave, flute wielder is loyal to Seimei and has this good natured, yet determined outlook which works well in contrast to Seimei. I only wish there was more of Misumishi: she's such a nimble little sprite! There's a dark Grimm fairy tale here, but I was mainly concerned with our protagonists who manage to earn laughs; a credit to its humorous aspect. Princess Himiko was intriguing especially when the story starts to unfold. Add magic, spell casting, and exorcising and you're in for a fun romp.

although i didn't see the first movie, i found this rather hard to get connected with the characters. The characters in the movie were quite bland and had little development in them. i think at this point you really need to see the first movie, before getting this one.

despite the slowness of the movie there are good things to point out. The Seimei character is quite interesting as he seems to be a bit bi sexual to me, hehehe. but this is all about the Japanese quirky character culture. Gotta love them! The settings of the movie are very beautiful and have good historical references.I love the authentic music tunes but it can be annoying when if played over and over again. As for the special effects, they sometimes don't blend in well with the actual environment. But that's isn't the main attraction to see this movie. Overall it's OK.