[KFCC] Onmyoji 2 Review

Story: When the Curse Breaks the Seal of a Rampaging Ancient God, the Mightiest Onmyoji Returns! Mysterious and bloody incidents ensue after a solar eclipse in the capital of Heian (794-1185 AD). Devils rampage through the capital at night and attack members of nobility, each of whom has a body part bitten off. Abe no Seimei (Mansai Nomura), the mightiest onmyoji, suspects that something will happen when the eighth victim is killed and the seal breaks off of a legendary sword. However, secrets behind the incident reveal the bottomless darkness which even Seimei cannot foresee! When he faces an astonishing fact relating to the Imperial Court and the Izumo tribe, he has to risk his own life to save the capital and fight a man who had sold his soul to a rampaging god to avenge his people.

Review: As a follow-up to the first film, Yojiro Takita brings us this riveting sequel to the saga of the greatest Onmyoji! Based on the best selling novel turned into a comic book and TV series, Takita does the popularity of the series justice with his newest feature film. The magic and action comes to life with awesome displays of pyrotechnics, spells, and special effects combined to give the feeling of a distant magical world where beasts and gods have dominion over man.

Onmyoji II’s story is in my opinion far more engaging than its predecessor. With the first movie’s look feeling a bit artificial, this one takes it a step further and looks a tad more cinematic in terms of visuals. The first movie felt a bit too set-like. In any case, with a more epic storyline that plays on the mysticism and legend of the god Susana-Oh, and the truth behind the Imperial Court, Onmyoji II is sure to have one’s attention set to the screen.

The cast is wonderful in their respective roles. Mansai Nomura is perfect as Abe No Samei with his fox-like face. He plays the great Onmyoji to perfection, always smooth and relaxed as he faces countless dangers. I couldn’t see this role being played buy anyone else. His sidekick buddy is pretty fun to watch too. He’s always so goofy that it’s entertaining. It’s a pleasure to watch his and Nomura’s onscreen chemistry. As far as all the other main and supporting characters, they’re all pretty decent in their roles… except maybe that kid who plays Susa. Man, that kid was annoying and a pain to watch

The set and design of this movie can be either good or bad. I liked it because it was, as stated earlier, an improvement in design quality over the last movie. Onmyoji II looks like it benefitted from a higher budget, resulting in better, costumes, sets, and better CG. It just looks better overall, and that’s a good thing. What I find totally amusing is the big poofy outfits; they just make me laugh a little when watching this. They’re still nice looking though, don’t get me wrong.

I’m glad to say the action element of the movie doesn’t disappoint either. The action sequences are a little more balanced out this time, and don’t come too far in between dull and more fast paced parts. The action is more evenly paced in the sequel, making for a far better watch.