Watch Royal Tramp II

Royal Tramp II is a 1992 Hong Kong martial arts comedy film directed by Wong Jing and starring Stephen Chow, Brigitte Lin, and Chingmy Yau. It is a sequel to the 1992 film Royal Tramp, which was also directed by Wong Jing and starred Stephen Chow. The film is the second installment of a two-part series based on the novel The Deer and the Cauldron by Louis Cha.

The plot of Royal Tramp II revolves around the adventures of the main protagonist, Wei Xiaobao (played by Stephen Chow), who was once a spy for the Ming dynasty but has since turned against them and joined forces with the Manchu rulers of the Qing dynasty. Xiaobao is a charismatic, cunning, and sometimes reckless character who constantly finds himself in trouble due to his antics and schemes.

In the beginning of the film, Xiaobao is on a mission to retrieve a valuable jade seal that has been stolen from the Manchu emperor. He succeeds in his mission, but is caught by the Ming authorities, who want to punish him for his betrayal. He manages to escape thanks to the help of his friends, including Princess Jian Ning (played by Brigitte Lin), who has feelings for him but is also engaged in a power struggle with her brother, the Crown Prince (played by Ng Man-tat).

As Xiaobao tries to navigate the complicated political landscape of the Qing dynasty, he becomes embroiled in a series of intrigues and conspiracies involving various factions and players, including the eunuchs, the loyalists, the rebels, and the foreign powers. He also encounters several new characters, such as the beautiful but deadly assassin Red Bean (played by Chingmy Yau), who has a vendetta against him.

Throughout the film, Xiaobao uses his wit, charm, and martial arts skills to outsmart his opponents and achieve his goals, which range from personal gain to national security. He also faces several challenges and setbacks, such as being captured, kidnapped, or poisoned, but he always manages to come up with a solution or a trick to get out of his predicament.

Royal Tramp II features a mix of comedy, romance, action, and drama, with a strong emphasis on slapstick humor, parodic elements, and pop culture references. The film also explores themes such as loyalty, patriotism, morality, and identity, as Xiaobao struggles to reconcile his conflicting loyalties, values, and interests.

The performances of the lead actors are a highlight of the film, particularly Stephen Chow, who delivers a charismatic and energetic performance as Wei Xiaobao. He displays a wide range of emotions and expressions, from hilarious to poignant, and his physical comedy and fight scenes are impressive and entertaining. Brigitte Lin and Chingmy Yau also shine in their respective roles, bringing depth and complexity to their characters.

The production values of the film are generally good, with colorful sets, costumes, and cinematography, as well as lively music and sound effects. However, some of the special effects and stunts may look dated or artificial by today's standards.

Overall, Royal Tramp II is a fun and engaging film that offers a unique blend of martial arts and comedy, and showcases the talents of some of Hong Kong's most iconic actors and filmmakers. It may not be a masterpiece or a classic, but it is definitely worth watching for fans of the genre, and for those who want to experience a slice of Hong Kong cinema in the 1990s.