ONMYOJI II (2)

2003
Color
Rated 16+
100 minutes
Dir: Yojiro Takita

Cast:
Mansai Nomura ....Abe no Seimei
Kyôko Fukada ....Himiko
Hayato Ichihara ....Susa
Eriko Imai ....Mitsumushi
Hideaki Ito ....Minamoto no Hiromasa

US DVD version Reviewed
Order Availability: Amazon

Actual DVD screen shots by Kyonsi.com
Special Thanks to: Geneon / BH Impact PR

Abe no Seimei returns for a slower darker battle..

Review: Allen F. (Kyonsi-Editor)

Abe no Seimei is back in this direct sequel to the high end film Onmyoji. Onmyoji 2 revisits the ancient Japanese capital of Heian where demons, ghosts and men live alongside each other. This film deals with a demon that's ripping select limbs from members of the capitals nobel family. This film is a bit darker and deals more with a select group of demons than the first film. It covered a broader range of ghosts and entity's. I do feel in the script a political vibe about the past domination of some sects over others in ancient Asia. Almost like the old "Pay backs a bitch" saying.

Are these new demons there for revenge or are they gods of a conquered ancient civilization? The film will explain that. I am happy that the film is filled with the same high tech CGI and actually same characters as the first film making for an enjoyable experience watching this sequel. If you are unfamiliar with the master ghost fighter and mightiest Onmyoji Abe no Seimei I of course suggest that you start with the first film entitled "Onmyoji: The Yin Yang Master" and then watch this sequel Onmyoji 2. Its not really a must but it will give you the background and character setups need to avoid too much confusion.

The new film has some more sexy scenes that are not present on the first film and deal with stripping a princess and later in the film has Abe no Seimei in drag. I can only guess that this has to do with Japanese theater as there is not much more of an explanation of why he does that. The magic as in the first film is impressive and very interesting. Also there are comedy relief scenes that are very funny.The music for the movie is great and has a darker tone that the first film. The film is a bit slower paced but tells a great ancient story and Mansai Nomura as Abe no Seimei is always a good bet. The actors are good and very polished. I suggest you watch the film in Japanese not english (the english version makes the film too comical and almost like the spoof film Kung Pow: Enter the Fist) just use the english subtitles they are crisp and clear. Unless you want some unintended laughs that is.

I recommend this film for fans of Japanese magic films and fans of films like the Yokai Series made long ago. Also anime fans will like the movie as it has alot of elements present on anime storylines. Just check out the first film them pick up O2 both DVD's are available from Amazon and are released by the Amine kings Geneon. Extras Include a interesting making of O2, Tons of trailers for including trailer for the first film and bio materials.

Happy Demon Hunting!