A Chinese Ghost Story II

A Chinese Ghost Story II returns to the extravagant world of Hong Kong supernatural fantasy, replacing much of the first film's haunting romantic delicacy with a louder mixture of adventure, political intrigue, comedy and monstrous spectacle. Leslie Cheung remains an immensely sympathetic presence as Ning, whose innocent bewilderment provides a welcome contrast to the corruption and supernatural madness surrounding him. Joey Wong's return offers a familiar romantic spark, although her new character cannot quite reproduce the tragic fascination of the original ghostly love story. Jacky Cheung brings lively comic energy, while Ching Siu-tung's acrobatic action and the gloriously eccentric creature effects capture the imagination of early-1990s Hong Kong cinema. The film is generous with ideas, sometimes to its own disadvantage: sudden changes of tone, crowded plotting and increasingly extravagant confrontations leave less room for intimacy and atmosphere. Its political dimension adds an interesting layer, but the emotional thread never achieves the same effortless magic as its predecessor. Nevertheless, the inventive visuals, enthusiastic performances and irresistible blend of fantasy and martial arts make this a rewarding sequel, even if the original remains the more enchanting experience.

— Matty, Curator of the Vault