They Thought They Were Untouchable

What happens when a righteous cop stumbles upon a criminal underworld during a blind date? Fight Against Evil 2 (2023), the prequel to the 2021 hit Fight Against Evil, answers that question with a relentless barrage of bone-crushing fights, moral outrage, and a protagonist who refuses to back down. Directed by Qin Pengfei and Bingjia Yang, this Chinese action-crime drama stars Miao Xie as Li Hongqi, a Northeast police officer with a zero-tolerance policy for evil. Released on July 8, 2023, the film is a visceral, if sometimes uneven, ride through corruption, justice, and some of the most brutal fight choreography in recent years.

The Plot: A Cop’s War on Crime

Li Hongqi is not your average policeman. He’s a moral crusader, fiercely dedicated to eradicating evil in his community. During a blind date, he accidentally uncovers a local gang involved in pornography, drugs, and human trafficking. As he digs deeper, he discovers a web of corruption controlled by a ruthless gang that openly taunts the police. What follows is a no-holds-barred battle between Hongqi and the criminals, as he uses every resource—legal or not—to bring them to justice.

The story is straightforward: good vs. evil, with Hongqi as the unwavering force of justice. While the plot may not break new ground, the film’s relentless energy and spectacular action sequences make it a standout.

**Why Fight Against Evil 2 Stands Out**

Brutal, Kinetic Action – The fight scenes are the film’s biggest strength. Qin Pengfei, known for his dynamic choreography, delivers some of the most inventive and brutal hand-to-hand combat in recent Chinese cinema. The fights are fast, brutal, and immersive, with a standout bathroom brawl that’s already being hailed as a modern classic.
Moral Clarity – Hongqi is a classic righteous hero, and while his black-and-white morality may feel outdated to some, it gives the film a clear, driving purpose. His unwavering stance against corruption resonates, even if the story occasionally veers into melodrama.
A Gritty, Unfiltered Tone – The film doesn’t shy away from violence or moral ambiguity. The criminals are genuinely menacing, and the stakes feel real, even if the plot leans into familiar tropes. The setting—a gritty, working-class Northeast China—adds authenticity to the story.
Pacing and Style – The film moves at a breakneck pace, with little downtime between action set pieces. The cinematography is sleek and atmospheric, though some critics note that the non-action scenes can feel underdeveloped.

Now here’s a curveball

Fight Against Evil 2 is not a perfect film, but it’s a must-watch for action fans. If you love brutal fight scenes, morally driven heroes, and a story that doesn’t waste time, this movie delivers in spades. It’s a throwback to classic action cinema, where the good guys fight hard, the bad guys are truly evil, and justice is served with a fist.

So, are you ready to join Li Hongqi’s crusade against evil?