Rating: **
Review Date:9/24/26
Cast: Tadashi Yamashita, Jin-pal Kim, Jerry Samson, Bolo Yeung,
Yoko Horikoshi, Masafumi Suzuki
In an unusual move, "Za Karate 2" is a direct sequel to the original instead of some bizarre remake like the Japanese had a tendency to do. It's also unusual in that it may actually be better than the original. Having lost his eyesight at the end of the first movie, karate master Tadashi Yamashita is trying to lay low and hone his other senses. Unfortunately, being the world champion means that a lot of crazy martial artists from all over the world want to challenge him, even though he's blind. Of course, his master (Masafumi Suzuki) forbids him to fight, but he's ultimately forced to when a sacred sword is stolen and he tries to get it back.
Apart from a lull in the middle of the film involving some kids, the film isn't dragged down by exposition and just gets straight into the action. His crazy opponents include the Guillotine Brothers, Blue Geller from Germany, Doctor One from Sweden, Killer Samson (Jerry Samson) from America, Dracula Jack (Bolo Yeung), and hapkido expert Jin-pal Kim from South Korea. The overacting is incredibly funny and Jerry Samson is especially over-the-top. He also has a special technique where his fingers can puncture a body which results in a shockingly explosive spray of blood. Dracula Jack is obviously ridiculously strong, and Yamashita manages to finally subdue him with a dozen punches in the groin. The only serious fighter in the group is Jin-pal Kim, and his exchanges with Yamashita are extremely quick, precise, and hard-hitting. The fighting is obviously where the movie shines, and the choreography is surprisingly intense and intricate for a Japanese production. It actually rivals what Hong Kong filmmakers were doing at the time. Add to that a funky 70s jazz soundtrack and you've got a full package of martial arts mayhem that's sure to please.