"A Better Tomorrow II" continued the plot of the first movie, but gave up the emotional entanglement in the first one, and replaced it with the stubbornness and persistence that a cruel fate gave birth to. "A Better Tomorrow II" is more entertaining and legendary. Under the guidance of Cheng Xiaodong, the shootout is exciting and fierce. The visual effect is even better than the first one. Although it is not unparalleled in Hong Kong movies, it is also Unprecedented. John Woo's personal style has been consolidated, and his skillful film techniques have been thoroughly used in this movie. The characters in the film are more brotherly, Chow Yun Fat, Leslie Cheung, and Tommy Tam are all full of spirits. The Hong Kong film industry has also formally formed a new type of film-"hero film".
"A Better Tomorrow II" takes the heroic film's requirements for the scale of the scene to a new stage. Regardless of the shooting conditions, the control of the scene, or the degree of magnificence, "A Better Tomorrow II" is a milestone. Before this film, Hong Kong filmmakers had never had the guts to shoot a scene where three people killed enough to have one villain. In addition, "A Better Tomorrow II" also set another precedent for "hero movies", that is, facing fierce enemies, the battle of life and death cannot be done with pistol bullets. The cost must be increased by adding grenades, samurai swords, war axes, Machine guns and other things are used to the best of their ability, and the house is completely damaged and unrecognizable. Moreover, it was precisely because the climax battle in the film was too cruel and violent, the audience has since increased their demands on the "hero movie" shootout scenes.
The film has many touching images. Tommy Tam shot and killed Leslie Cheung and the scene of the dying farewell in Leslie Cheung's phone booth was even considered to be sensational. In the performance, Leslie Cheung and Chow Yun Fat shine at the same time, Leslie Cheung also nominated the 7th Hong Kong Film Awards for Best Actor with the film.
