The second half of this collective four hour film is less compelling than the original, due to the death of Lin Dai before this film was completed. In this film, Xino Ya is safe as the movie begins. Before the burning question as to whether Xing and Qi (dai's role) ever meet again is answered, you need to go through a few twists in the tale, courtesy of a new romantic interest in Xing's life. In a way, I'm reminded of the classic Chinese film "The Spring River Flows East", in terms of this being an epic tale. But that film was riveting throughout, and this film loses steam. It is probably due to Ms. Dai's untimely passing (a stand in is used), but I think its also that it bothered me a little more this time that the lead actors are much older than the age they were supposed to be in this film. As a whole the two films together get a rating of eight, but the first part is much better. Rest in peace, Lin Dai.
