Zhang Wuji (Raymond Lam) vs Zhou Zhiruo (Sabrina Qiu) in New Kung Fu Cult Master 2 (Still: Shaw Organisation)

Directors: Wong Jing, Keung Kwok Man Writer: Wong Jing Cast: Raymond Lam, Janice Man, Sabrina Qiu, and Yun Qianqian

In cinemas in Singapore from 12 February

3 out of 5 stars

If you haven’t read Jin Yong’s Heaven Sword And Dragon Sabre wuxia novel, then it’s best to read the synopsis before catching New Kung Fu Cult Master 2 - the film provides very little exposition about what’s happened before. The sequel to New Kung Fu Cult Master 1, both movies are a retelling of Jin Yong’s classic tale. But while New Kung Fu Cult Master 1 had the benefit of Louis Koo and Donnie Yen as guest stars, this new movie doesn’t benefit from their superstardom (the characters they play don’t appear here). Instead, it relies on the strength of its story and the performances of its main characters to carry it through. Is it enough, however?

Zhang Wuji (Raymond Lam) and Zhao Min (Janice Man) in New Kung Fu Cult Master 2 (Still: Shaw Organisation)

That depends on what you think of the casting of the three leads - Raymond Lam (as Zhang Wuji), Janice Man (as Zhao Min), and Sabrina Qiu (as Zhou Zhiruo).