This is like an ok sampler of the audiobook, which is fantastic.

Last time I saw a version of Drunken Master II was close to 20 years ago, but never this Americanized cut. The same film that I used to love is still there, but the English dub is appalling, new music is terrible and at times so unfitting and the wrong aspect ratio makes lot of the shots way too tight. Some of the punches, kicks, hits and falls almost happened out of frame.

It's not the first time that Miike starts his film with a bang. I'll admit he caught my attension right at the first scene, attention that got lost as the film progressed. There is a bunch of intriguing ideas, but unfortunately the film turns to repeat far too fast. And it's not helping that the cast of characters is essentially a collection of bland good-looking teen hair models.

They really don't waste any time here. Briefing and recruiting is done in less than 15 minutes and we're off to the mission. There are some brief restful moments, but for the most part it's a fast moving adventure that doesn't really stop till the end. Rod Taylor is great and so is Loussier's score. No wonder Tarantino borrowed them both for his Basterds.