The Storm Warriors Bring the Thunder to Hong Kong Cinemas Today

11 years later, the sequel to “Storm Riders” is finally here!

The world of Chinese comic book martial arts comes to the big screen again for another bout of flying fists and flashing swords in The Storm Warriors.

A decade ago, the comic-adapted movie The Storm Riders (Chinese title: 風雲之雄霸天下), starring pop idols Aaron Kwok and Ekin Cheng, premiered in the summer of 1998. The movie was in theatres for 45 days and topped the box office chart for the year at HK$41,532,235. In Mainland China, the unofficial box office number hit RMB 100 million. And, starting today, the effects-laden sequel The Storm Warriors will try and beat those box office figures.

Fung Wan (Wind and Cloud) is a Chinese martial arts Manhua (Hong Kong style comic book) series created by Ma Wing Shing in 1989 with the help of his assistant Siu Kit under his own company, Jonesky Publishing. Before the 4th story arc, the comic was originally titled Fung Wan until the two protagonists of the story, Nip Fung (Wind) and Bou King Wan (Cloud), became secondary characters and the comic was renamed Tin Ha.

The first movie “The Storm Riders” showed the origin of the two main protagonists, Cloud and Wind. As boys, they were taken from their parents by the evil and ambitious Lord Conqueror to fulfill the first part of a prophecy that says two boys with certain birth dates will help him rise to power. Under his control, the boys are taught martial arts and become the right and left hand men of Lord Conqueror, to help him establish his martial arts clan as the dominate and most powerful clan in all of China.

However, after the second part to the prophecy is finally unlocked by Lord Conqueror, it reveals that the boys will also be his downfall. Upon hearing this, he plots to have the two killed. Luckily, Cloud and Wind survive and return for a final all out climatic fight scene.

The Storm Warriors (Fung Wan II) opening today across Hong Kong, is directed by the Pang Brothers with martial arts choreography by veteran action director Ma Yuk-sing. The movie’s plot is based on the original storylines in the comics, and form the backbone of the movie. The Storm Warriors is shot extensively on blue screen and custom-made sets. The artistic design is based on traditional Chinese settings and costumes featured in the original comics. CGI is handled by the award-winning production team of the RE-CYCLE.

In ‘The Storm Warriors, the evil Japanese warlord Lord Godless (Simon Yam) and his son Heart (Nicholas Tse) come to China in an attempt to conquer the country. The rightful Emperor (Patrick Tam) is imprisoned along with a large number of martial artists who Lord Godless wants to subjugate. Nameless (Kenny Ho), Cloud (Aaron Kwok) and Wind (Ekin Cheng) attempt a rescue, but the trio are not a match for the powerful Warlord and are badly wounded by him.

Wind and Cloud mange to escape to Sheng Si Men along with Piggy King (Lam Suet) and Chu Chu (Tang Yan). Under the tutelage of Nameless and Lord Wicked (Kenny Wong) respectively, Cloud and Wind quickly “level” up their martial arts skills. However, Wind decides to choose the easy route and use evil powers to boost his powers.

Things finally come to a head in an ancient tomb hidden under the Imperial Palace that contains the Royal family’s secret to sovereignty. With the fate of all of China and the martial art world at stake, it’s up to Cloud and Wind to stop Lord Godless from succeeding.

Fans of the comic book series and action figure collectors can buy highly detailed figures for the mantle. They would also make a great Christmas gift for that friend or relative who is a Fung Wan fan. Click Here to check out our previous posting to see images and information on the action figures.

Aside from the two theatrical releases, there is also an animated movie that is currently available on DVD.

Storm Warriors 2 is now playing in Hong Kong. If you see it, please drop your thoughts on the film in the comments below.