Cast Member: Patrick Tse

‘Flaming Brothers’ easily holds its place amongst the best of the genre as well as marked the successful return of one of Hong Kong’s favourite cinematic sons.

This is not a comic masterpiece and doesn’t amuse in quite the manner that it imagines it does, but with a leading man of Fu Sheng’s calibre this is almost to be forgiven.

As is often the case with Chow’s movies, what really sets it apart from other outings in the genre is the inclusion of a heartfelt story.

The style of this sequel is just as frenetic as its forerunner, combining visual cues from video games and anime along with the steam-punk vision of 19th century China.

Unfortunately, just as you find yourself warming to his style, Wong Jing falls prey to the failings that would long be associated with him.