Opening right in the middle of war, and with ground troops trying hard to avoid and escape attacks from the air, Axis Of War 2 opens most impressively with some incredible battlefield scenes! While the CGI of its planes may cause a chuckle here and there, the destruction they cause and explosive action that follows is some of the best I've seen in a war movie, yet!
Told through flashback by a grandpa on a plane (in 2010), we learn that this young man, Yazi, in war has been forever scarred by what he saw. Losing family member after family member, experience death and dishing out death, Axis Of War Part 2 steps up the game from its predecessor offering more action than before, a bigger cast, more locations, and lots of marching across China - no matter what the odds...
Again, there are some odd moments of sentimentality and rousing speeches to the country backed by glorious and intrusive music, such as Yazi stroking Chairman Mao's hair while talking about his dedication to the cause, or the same boy and a soldier girl singing to a small army of warriors while crossing a field in slow-motion to try and unite them with her army. This was hilarious, resulting in the warriors taking them hostage as the girl yells to her fellow soldiers not to fire or hurt them because they are the Red Army. It doesn't last long, and is really just a moment to show how patient and fair the Red Army are - as well as good singers.
After a light-hearted moment of dancing around the campfire, the troops head off again on their march with Chariman Mao in tow, staying safe and stopping here-and-there for some dramatic poses and thoughts to access the situation. This all leads to a closing battle on a bridge of chains, crossing a raging river into the fortified citadel, looks fantastic, and is a explosive and dramatic action packed ending to the long march!
Overall: Drops the teachings for action and melodramatic sentiment, but still entertains...
