RETURN OF THE SENTIMENTAL SWORDSMAN
魔
劍
俠
情
Mó jiàn xiá qíng
Stupid and senseless swordsmen are still squabbling over their rankings, each wanting to be first。
At least, that is what one might initially think this sequel is about,
especially since it doesn't try to match the romance and sentiment of the original。
But ultimately, this wǔxiápiàn turns out to be a thoughtful exploration of the workings of the wǔlín,
and perhaps of a larger world。
Indeed, a lot of the swordsmen prove themselves to be capable of learning,
and walk away from a harsh and pointless path。
especially since it doesn't try to match the romance and sentiment of the original。
But ultimately, this wǔxiápiàn turns out to be a thoughtful exploration of the workings of the wǔlín,
and perhaps of a larger world。
Indeed, a lot of the swordsmen prove themselves to be capable of learning,
and walk away from a harsh and pointless path。
Fours years later, a sequel made confusing
by casting some of the same actors in different roles。
Ching Li, the villainess in the original,
now takes over the role of the beloved
(who is inexplicably alive after being killed in the original),
to the detriment of both roles。
Having run out of gunbutt space to carve notches on, Alexander Fu Sheng resorts to a sleeve of victims' names。
Alexander Fu Sheng is outfitted in a wiggy-wig, bad bling, and fashion misstatement by an obviously wise-guy makeup crew。
But Alex has the last joke, because he still turns in a good dramatic performance...
... despite looking like an insane Aztec washerwoman。
Ti Lung and Derek are aghast and scandalized at Alex's sad sartorial state, and relieved they are not thusly accoutred。
Copyright © 2013 E. A. Villafranca, Jr.
All Rights Reserved
