The Flying Guillotine II (1978)

Ti Lung takes over from Chen Kuan-Tai in this sequel to The Flying Guillotine, and Ku Feng gets promoted to emperor, whilst two whole directors step into Kuei Chih-Hung's shoes (this was probably because the film was shelved for several years, hence the unusual 3 year gap).

Chen Kuan-Tai shouldn't feel too bad about being replaced, as Ti Lung is hardly in the film, with his character disappearing for long stretches. Instead the film is kind of an ensemble piece... though Shih Szu's character certainly stands out from the ensemble, and ultimately it is really her film.

The sequel takes things in a different direction, focusing on a story with a larger scope and a vibe that's somewhat akin to Chang Cheh's historical epics such as All Men Are Brothers rather than the LONE WOLF & CUB reverse-slasher style of the original.

The action choreographed by Tang Chia is plentiful and features some fun weapons work, and camera work is dynamic and dramatic.

I particularly like the fact that a film called "Flying Guillotine 2" features upgraded devices also called "Flying Guillotine 2"... I think this is a rule that all sequels should be forced to follow. We don't actually get to see much of the titular weapons in the early parts of the film, but they make a dramatic return in the final act.

Flying Guillotine II rises in the Shaw Brothers Ranks on this rewatch, now placing 20 spots or so higher than the first film.