Black Cat 2 – 88 Films

Directed by: Stephen Shin
Written by: James Fung Shui-Hung, Gam-Ching Sin, Ivy Lee
Starring: Jade Leung, Robin Shou, Tatiana Checkhova
Year: 1992
Country: Hong Kong, Canada
Running time: 90mins
BBFC Classification: 15

Barely a year after the original Black Cat burst onto screens and put Jade Leung on the movie map, the sequel appeared seemingly rushed into production due to the success of the first film. While the original was essentially a remake of Luc Besson’s La Femme Nikita, Black Cat 2 is more a straightforward action flick, with a little bit of Terminator thrown in.

After the ballistic finale of the first film, Catherine/Erica (aka The Black Cat) is rushed back in by her handlers and given an upgrade. The microchip implanted in her brain in the original (meant to help control her violent outbursts and enhance her skills) is enhanced so much it turns her into an emotionless killing machine: her only goal to complete the mission she’s assigned. When the, err, Russian President’s life is threatened by terrorists, Black Cat is put back into the field to aid fellow agent Robin (Robin Shou) to protect the president and weed out the terrorists. Can Robin help Black Cat keep her violent outbursts under control and can the two survive the increasing onslaught of terrorist attacks as they attempt to complete their mission?

The original Black Cat was a tougher, grungier affair that bordered on Cat III violence that while was entertaining and featured some blistering action was a little uneven in its retelling of La Femme Nikita. However, it was buoyed by the impressive debut and fierce performance of Jade Leung who gave it her all as the deadly assassin Black Cat. She returns here for the sequel which this time around is much more a straight-forward action film, and in many ways is all the better for it. While the Black Cat character is very different this time around, Leung still gives it her all and brings the same intensity to playing an almost silent, emotionless killer compared to the brutally energetic character of the first film. With her sci-fi/cyborg enhancements, she cuts through the film like a Terminator in a serious of ferocious action scenes.

At least she does come the second half of the film, as Black Cat is somewhat of a supporting character this time around as lead duties seem to go to Robin Shou. However, he gives an energetic turn as the no nonsense agent charged with teaming up with Black Cat to stop some gun-toting terrorists. All hot headed and bravado at first, he softens as he and Black Cat learn to work together and come the second half the two make a formidable team as they fight swarms of bad guys both in the US (well Canada really!) and Moscow.

It’s all very over-the-top, a little schlocky, and of its time but returning director Stephen Shin and producer Dicksoon Poon (this apparently one of the last films produced under his D&B banner!), super charge proceedings with some great location work and barnstorming action. Infused with Hong Kong wirework and dangerous stunts, the action is incredible with both Leung and Shou getting to show their worth. From an epic snowboard/ski chase (that gives Bond a run for his money!), to some intense scenes of firepower, to the showstopper scene of dual fights set within the dangerous environment of a steel mill, Black Cat 2 delivers oodles of fantastic Hong Kong styled action. The flick rarely lets up once it gets going and if you can go with its hokey enhanced assassin, globe-trotting vibe then there is a lot to enjoy.

Some may miss the rougher and tougher edges of the first instalment, but this sequel goes big (and succeeds) and for fans of old school Hong Kong action, this is a barrel of action-soaked fun.

88 Films will release Black Cat 2 on Deluxe Limited-Edition Blu-Ray 25^th November 2024.

LIMITED EDITION FEATURES:

• INCLUDES SLIM RIGID SLIPCASE WITH NEW ARTWORK BY JAMES NEAL
• BOOKLET FEATURING NOTES BY DAVID WEST
• FOLD OUT DOUBLE-SIDED POSTER
  – not available at the time or review

SPECIAL FEATURES:

• 2K Remaster from the Original Negatives in 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio
• High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray Presentation
  – the film looks fantastic, cleaned up, and presented in (presumably) its correct aspect ratio showcasing all the wonderful widescreen location lensing. The Canadian and Moscow locations look amazing here, giving production value to what is a low budget action film, and the epic steel mill fight has probably never looked better.
• 0 English Stereo
• 0 English Dual Mono
• Optional English SDH
• 0 Cantonese Stereo with Newly Translated English Subtitles
• Optional English SDH
  – crisp, clear audio with good mix of dialogue options: this being one time when it’s arguably better to watch a Hong Kong film in English as most of the soundtrack was recorded in English and then dubbed into Cantonese.
• Audio Commentary by Frank Djeng and Robin Shou – fun and enthusiastic commentary from Hong Kong film expert Djeng and star Shou, the two riffing off one another well. Djeng is his usual wealth of knowledge of all things Hong Kong cinema and Shou gives much more extensive and interesting insight into shooting the movie. It’s nice having the two of them bouncing off one another and great that they actually talk about the film and it’s making, giving some great anecdotes into shooting a Hong Kong movie in Canada and Moscow in the 90s. Good stuff.
• Interview with Actress Jade Leung – great new interview with the Black Cat herself, discussing both films, the impact they had on her career, and how she prepared for all the action scenes. She comes across as very warm and humble, happy to talk about the films, is refreshingly positive about both Black Cats, and complementary to the cast and crew – especially the action choreographers.
• Interview with Actor Robin Shou – another great interview with co-star and Mortal Kombat alum Robin Shou. Very enthusiastic about the film, and making the movie in general, he shares some great stories about his Hong Kong film career, how he ended up writing most of the English dialogue for Black Cat 2, and what it was like working with Jade Leung. Great stuff and could have listened to him and Jade talk about their careers and experiences for much longer.
• English Opening Credits – slightly alt opening credits for the English language release.
• Cantonese Trailer
• English Trailer
  – two epic old school trailers that essentially play out like mini-movies showcasing all the ballistic action and over-the-top stunt work. They certainly sell the movie well but perhaps show a bit too much, trying to cram all the action into 4 minutes.
• Stills Gallery – cool mixture of promo materials, posters, behind the scenes stills, and lobby cards from around the world highlighting keys scenes of the film.