Return of the Street Fighter (1974) User Reviews

The Bad-Ass of Bad-Asses Returns

[Witchfinder-General-666 · 7/10 · 21 September 2010]

Warning! SPOILERS to this film and the predecessor "Gekitotsu! Satsujin Ken" aka. "The Streetfighter"! I once read a review, comment or ad (I cannot remember which it was) which very aptly described Shigehiro Ozawa's original ""Gekitotsu! Satsujin Ken" aka. "The Streetfighter" of 1974 as "the most mother****** film ever made". This sequel, "Satsujin Ken 2" aka. "Return of the Streetfighter" which brings back Sonny Chiba in his most career-defining role of the body-part-ripping karate-killing-machine Tukuma Tsurugi, is maybe just not quite as 'mother...' as its predecessor, but its still pretty far out there, and another proof that Sonny Chiba is the most bad-ass of bad-asses.

This time, the hired Karate-Assassin Tsrurugi is assigned by the mafia to execute a victim by ripping out his vocal cords. When he later refuses to kill the respected karate-master Kendo Masaoka (Masafumi Suzuki) for the mafia, Tsurugi is put on a hit-list himself. As anybody who has seen the first part knows, however, Tsurugi is not the guy the mafia, or anybody else, would want to mess with...

Sonny Chiba is (as always) fantastic, both in his unequaled martial arts skills, and in his role as one of the most supremely bad-ass characters in the history of motion pictures. Tsurugi is slightly more humane (and therefore slightly less bad-ass) than in the preceding film, but he still is a mercy-less one-man-army killing machine whose strange sounds when flexing his muscles before another deadly stroke (understandably) evoke mortal fear in his enemies. Instead of the silly sidekick he had in the first part, he has a somewhat silly, but also cute female sidekick played by (Yôko Ichiji) in this one. Tsurugi's mortal enemy, Tateki Shikenbaru (played by Masashi Ishibashi) is also back, having somehow survived the ending of the first film. Strangely, the film poster depicted here on IMDb shows the beautiful Yutaka Nakajima, who played the female lead in the first part, even though she does not appear in this film.

Overall, this one may have some inconsistencies in its storyline, but it is just the gory, action-packed and supremely bad-ass sequel that fans of the first "Streetfighter" film should enjoy. Highly recommended to any Martial Arts/Cult-cinema fan, and a must-see for my fellow Chiba-fans.

Neither as gory or as good as the original

[simon_booth · 7/10 · 14 March 2006]

Sonny Chiba returns as Tsurugi, slightly more well-mannered here as befits a film that is neither as gory or as good as the original. The plot is straightforward - Tsurugi upsets the mafia, they send hordes of goons to kill him, he kicks their asses. The film has plenty of fight scenes that are still intense and brutal, but tones down the level of animal rawness... it does offer us a bit of nudity in exchange, but frankly it's no substitute for a guy getting his genitalia ripped off in a fight.

Still, it is pretty entertaining and the fight scenes are still impressive.

First rule of movie making: If it works then beat it to death

[ckormos1 · 6/10 · 1 January 2020]

Rule #1 of the movie business - If it works, beat it to death. "The Street Fighter" worked so he returned. Back in the 1970s movies with violence could get an "X" rating. If your copy is only about 75 minutes long then you have the censored version. I have read the complete version is 83 minutes but I have also read 90 minutes. The second rule of movies is when making a sequel just do the same stuff over again but this time a bit longer and harder. This movie followed both rules resulting in viewer enjoyment and producer profit. I rate it just a tad above average for the year and genre based on that. I considered deducting a point for the annoying side kick but at least she's cute.

The movie opens with Sonny offered big money to get two guys. He negotiates for double the money. The first guy is in police custody so Sonny gets arrested. He cuts the guy's throat then escapes by defenestration. (The first movie had two defenestrations.) He discusses his second target with his new sidekick, a girl.

What style of martial arts did Sonny Chiba show in his movies? He practiced kyokushin, ninjiutsu, goju-ryo, shorinji kemo, judo, and kendo. Before he started martial arts, Sonny did track and field, baseball, and volleyball in high school. To take this to the next level, on the advice of a coach, he dedicated himself in artistic gymnastics. In his movies his moves seem more reflective of that rather than any martial arts style.

Fun, ridiculous sequel that makes the first "Streetfighter" look slick

[InjunNose · 7/10 · 10 November 2006]

This sequel to one of the most notoriously violent films in cinematic history is funnier, less gory, and more sloppily filmed than the original "The Streetfighter"...but don't worry, because it's still loaded with punches, kicks, and broken bodies. If you're a fan of this series, "Return of the Streetfighter" does not disappoint. Shinichi 'Sonny' Chiba is back as Terry Tsurugi (misspelled 'Tsugury' in the closing credits). Once again, Tsurugi accepts an assignment from the mob and, once again, his scruples get the better of him when the job requires him to kill Masaoka (Masafumi Suzuki, the virtuous karate instructor from the first film). There's something of a subplot involving a disgraced cop who helps Tsurugi and Masaoka take on the mob's seemingly endless supply of minions, but for the most part, this sequel is far more exaggerated and cartoonish than the film that preceded it. The direction, acting, and dubbing are sloppy as all hell, but that's easy to forgive in a movie like this; it's so much fun that you can't dislike it! Ratnose died in the last film, so Tsurugi's sidekick this time around is a really annoying young woman who dresses in pseudo-hippie fashion and says "cat" and "daddy-o" a lot (as it turns out, she's also working for the bad guys, but her scruples get the better of her, too). You thought Ratnose was a pain in the ass, but this chick is something else again and it's hard to muster any sympathy for her when she dies. The most enjoyable thing about "Return of the Streetfighter" is that they bring back Junjo (Milton Ishibashi, the villain from the original film) with synthetic vocal cords to replace the ones Tsurugi had ripped out! In keeping with the sequel's more cartoony feel, Junjo is not the vengeance-obsessed character he was in the original, but more like an emotionless, part-robotic supervillain. The lead baddie, a mustachioed, shaggy-haired Mafia don who looks like a fugitive from Three Dog Night or the Doobie Brothers, is the most ludicrously exaggerated Occidental villain in the history of Asian cinema. Every time he opens his mouth, it's to gripe about "the whole lousy Yellow hemisphere". Given the don's raging prejudice, you'd think his Japanese henchmen wouldn't be so eager to defend him from Tsurugi, but hey...this is a ridiculous film. What can I say? You either love this kind of movie or hate it, and I love it!

More Blood Soaked Martial Arts

[eibon09 · 17 November 2000]

Sony Chiba returns as the assassin for hire to take on a whole bunch of new villains. Satsujin Ken 2/The Return of the Streetfighter(1974) continues the adventures of Martial Arts master, Takuma Tsurugi. Begins with an excellent fight with the Police that ends in Tsurugi jumping out a window after silencing a witness for a client. He completes the job by killing off an accountant who betrayed the mob. Not as good as The Streetfighter(1974) and with less of the good/bad persona that made the first film an enjoyable film to watch. The Return of the Streetfighter(1974) is best viewed in its full uncut glory. The arch enemy from the first film returns to continue his quest for vengeance against Tsurugi. There are three outstanding set pieces in the flick. One, the fight against the masters of different Martial arts. Two, Tsurugi against a group of people in a health place. Three, the final battle between Tsurugi and the mob's goons.

More of the same, only less plot and gore

[tomgillespie2002 · 6/10 · 22 September 2011]

In this sequel to The Streetfighter, released the same year, it's much more of the same for bad-ass martial-artist-for-hire Tsurugi (Sonny Chiba), only much less plot. Of what there is, the film focuses on a fake charity organisation used to embezzle money for the mob and see good folks out of their hard-earned money. Tsurugi is still p****d at the mob from the first film, so he doesn't take too kindly to this revelation. The mob sends waves of bad guys after him, and he kicks their arses. Also returning is Masashi Ishibashi as the presumed-dead Tateki, only minus a throat and plus an artificial voice-box.

I must admit I remember very little of this film apart from a lot of thoroughly enjoyable action sequences in which Chiba is never under any threat. I thought this was because I'd drank quite a lot of brandy, but it is because the film genuinely contains little else. Saying that, I still enjoyed the 70 minutes of carnage. It doesn't come near to the original, in which Tsurugi is much more despicable character, but I suppose they were aiming at a wider audience with this sequel. Which is probably why the gore factor, something that was so lovable about the first film, is noticeably toned down. It still has a scene where Tsurugi knocks someone's eyes out with a blow to the back of the head, so not all is lost. An easy 70 minutes, and mixes very well with spirits.

www.the-wrath-of-blog.blogspot.com

Rehashed scenes and annoying sidekicks

[kluseba · 6/10 · 22 June 2019]

Return of the Street Fighter is the sequel to brutal, dynamic and entertaining The Street Fighter which was only released two and a half months earlier. This film features some vicious fight scenes like the predecessor but disappoints in all other regards. The movie seems to have been rushed in order to take advantage of the predecessor's surprising success.

Some of the brutal fight scenes look so ridiculous that they are unintentionally humorous. One example is when Tsurugi Takuma beats up a Yakuza so hard on the top of a snow-covered mountain that his eyes pop out. The story is even shallower than the plot of the first movie and basically revolves around a Yakuza clan that blackmails people to finance a new martial arts school that serves as hideout for an international organized crime organization. To make matters worse, one of Tsurugi Takuma's opponents from the first movie who was believed to be dead makes a random appearance in this film to get revenge. This film also features two extended flashbacks from the first film that overstay their welcome and only attempt to make the film longer than it is. The main character has a new sidekick in this film named Pin Boke whom he picked up from the streets for vague reasons and who is constantly annoying the main character and talking nonsense.

The elements that makes this weak sequel acceptable are its relentless pace, brutal fight scenes and gloomy atmosphere. Those who really liked the first movie can give this sequel a try and should definitely check out the third and last installment in the series entitled The Street Fighter's Last Revenge which is the best of the three movies in my opinion.

Give up. You'll never beat me

[lastliberal · 7/10 · 30 June 2007]

Sonny Chiba is back with those funny faces. I am still never sure if he is a good guy or a bad guy. He seems to switch sides at will. One thing is certain; he does not have the honor of Bruce Lee - he's in it for the money.

I really don't see the point in the karate lessons or the weapons naming (sai, nunchuka, kon, etc) , or all that brick breaking.

This time, he has a new sidekick - a girl with some fantastic outfits.

The fighting in the film appears to be pretty realistic. Chiba seems to bleed as much as his opponents. He has a really cool step there that has some cool sounds when he is on your ribs.

The crushing-blood-on-the-face blow is a real gore-fest. The eye popping scene is going to make you laugh. No rapists in this film; so we don't see any more castration, but we do have a Bond girl of sorts who has evil on her mind.

If you like the action, then there is plenty for all.

More Chiba mayhem!

[HaemovoreRex · 8/10 · 1 May 2007]

Well, against the ostensible general tide of opinion I must say that I wasn't a particularly huge fan of the original film that this follows. In fact, for me at least, the only saving grace it boasted was in its violent excesses – the majority of which were saved until the final third of its running time. From reading many of the other reviews on this site, it furthermore seems indicative that the exact said graphic violence is the principle reason that most other reviewers have awarded the flick such lofty marks.

Interestingly and conversely, this sequel actually tones down the blood letting somewhat and apparently as a result didn't hold quite as much appeal it would seem. Well, that's what I'm assuming at least.

From my own perspective however, whilst this sequel is indeed bereft of much of the old red stuff a flying, I would say that it actually surpasses the original in pure entertainment value by far. The martial arts sequences are far superior this time around including some rather nifty Kobudo weapons displays throughout. Also Sonny Chiba is on much better form here to – just check out the awesome sequence near the start of the film in which our protagonist allows himself to be taken to a police station in order to silence a witness. He makes his escape by kicking the bars out through the wall and leaping through the subsequent hole from a few stories up!

Another scene of amazing note involves our hero punching some poor chap so hard in the back of the head that his eyeballs literally pop out!!! (some great utilisation of ping-pong balls there!) It's also great to see the return of a supposedly deceased character from the first flick who returns here with the intention of exacting his revenge upon our hero.

To be quite honest, there's only one negative I can think of in this flick and that is the ill advised inclusion of Chiba's 'side-kick' (the first film also suffered the indignity of including one to!) who in this instance is a veritably annoying chick boasting ridiculous looking pig tails and who furthermore, has a rather unfortunate propensity for warbling along to crappy music (badly at that!)

Aside from this minor gripe though, overall, this proves to be a tremendously entertaining affair throughout and is well worth tracking down!

This is an absolute must see Chiba picture that is a huge step down from the first film

[kevin_robbins · 6/10 · 13 May 2022]

Return of the Street Fighter (1974) is a movie in my DVD collection that I recently rewatched on Tubi. The storyline follows the American mafia and a corrupt dojo master working together in Japan. Master Tsurugi will work to bring down both, the American mafia and the dojo master...

This movie is directed by Shigehiro Ozawa (Gambler) and stars Sonny Chiba (Kill Bill), Claude Gagnon (Rashamen), Yôko Ichiji (Three Pretty Devils), Masashi Ishibashi (I Want To) and Katsuya Yamashita.

The storyline for this picture isn't as compelling as the first film; however, it does still have the legendary soundtrack, one-liners and throat sequences. The training scenes are entertaining and the fights are very good, but the premise felt like an excuse to make a sequel.

Overall this is an absolute must see Chiba picture that is a huge step down from the first film. I would score this a 6/10 and recommend seeing it once.

Return of the badass fighter

[Bogey Man · 4/10 · 29 September 2002]

Director Shigehiro Ozawa and Sonny Chiba did this sequel immediately after their first Street Fighter (1974) in 1974-5. The plot is almost identical (what there is) as Sonny is again Terry who does dirty jobs for the mob and never has any morality in his mind bothering him. He just kills and kicks people's asses if the job requires that. Well so much for any "deeper" elements this film would have had; these are just ultra violent action films which are there only to offer the audience more savage action than those of HK film makers' of the same period.

Return of the Street Fighter has many flashbacks from the first film and never seems too original or interesting, but still it is never boring or hard to watch without falling asleep. The action is plentiful and Sonny tries again to be ultra cool and tough guy with some misogynistic habits, too. The violence is laughably over the top but still shocking and extreme enough to secure the highest X rating (or NC-17) for this kind of film, and so a film this savage would never come from Hollywood nowadays.

If one likes mindless action and memorable music score with strong imagery of gratuitous violence, then Return of the Street Fighter is worth a watch, but still I prefer the original first Fighter film (not that it is any remarkable masterpiece either). These films are Japan's answer to Hong Kong's Bruce Lee and Jimmy Wang Yu, but ten times more vicious, mindless and cinematically not so ambitious. 4/10

Chiba's back, blood-soaked and drenched in whisky.

[BA_Harrison · 8/10 · 3 May 2016]

Sonny Chiba returns as bad-ass mercenary Takuma 'Terry' Tsurugi, cracking skulls, breaking bones and causing untold internal injuries as he takes on the mafia, who want him dead for refusing to kill an old karate colleague. With virtually the whole movie consisting of one brutal fight scene after another, martial arts fans should be more than satisfied with this sequel, despite the plot being a virtual rehash of the first film.

As expected, there's lots of impressive kicking and punching from karate champ Chiba, as well as some extremely over the top action that sees our anti-hero performing superhuman feats, including leaping off a motorbike to somersault over a gate, and kicking a hole through a brick wall to leap to safety. Terry Tsurugi's impressive fighting skills also result in plenty of graphic violence, with blood spurting and gushing from his enemies' wounds, and, in the film's most outrageous moment, a punch to the back of a man's head causes both eyeballs to pop out of their sockets.

Other guaranteed crowd-pleasing moments include Terry slipping under the sheets with a naked woman who turns out to be yet another assassin, the return of bad guy Tateki Shikenbaru (Masashi Ishibashi) from The Streetfighter (now equipped with an electronic voice-box, his vocal chords having been ripped out by Terry in the first film), Terry pouring a bottle of whisky over his head (I found that hilarious), and an action packed finale that sees Chiba taking on numerous henchmen, blinding a Mafia baddie with a throwing knife and stabbing some poor bloke in the stomach with the barrel of a gun!

7.5/10, rounded up to 8 for IMDb (although Yôko Ichiji as Terry's irritating sidekick Pin Boke tempted me to round the score down).

More gory fights in the same tradition as the Baby Cart movies except with fights

[jordondave-28085 · 6/10 · 12 May 2023]

(1975) The Return Of Street Fighter DUBBED MARTIAL ARTS ACTION

The second of three Street Fighter movies from Japan starring karate actor Sonnny Chiba, as he plays Terry paid to kill some people just in case they leaked any information about the syndicate's illegal practices, which has something to do with harassing clients for the construction of buildings. As soon as they ask Terry to kill one of his respected masters, he declines and the syndicate then try to kill him next. Although, this set up has been done many times before, it is only the backdrop to showcase the gory violence Terry and foes inflict on each other. This movie also includes characters from the first movie as well as old enemies.

Reminiscent of the Previous Film

[Uriah43 · 4/10 · 20 March 2013]

Reminiscent of the previous film ("The Streetfighter') with essentially the same plot. "Takuma Tsurugi" (Sonny Chiba) accepts a job for the mafia which requires him to get inside a police station to kill a prisoner before he can talk. Once that is accomplished he is then offered more money for another assignment. But he refuses. Figuring that he knows too much the mafia decides to assassinate him. Again, if you've seen "The Streetfighter" then this plot is very familiar. Anyway, like most martial arts films the action is paramount and this film definitely delivers. However, the dialogue is bad, his accomplice "Pin Boke" (Yoko Ichiji) is annoying and a couple of the scenarios are just too unrealistic. Likewise, the flashbacks (to the previous film) seem more of a nuisance than anything else. In short, if you like martial arts films then you might enjoy this one. But it lacks originality and because of the other criticisms I don't believe this is one of the better ones out there.

Not up to the first one...

[Wizard-8 · 6 September 2003]

I remember I really disliked this movie the first time I saw it... though I not only saw it full-frame (meaning that the fights were often hard to make out), but that it was an edited version, missing all that blood and bone crunching that warms all our hearts. Well, I recently got hands on a DVD of the first movie and this, and I gave it another look. Imagine my surprise that this public domain DVD not only had the movie in widescreen, but uncut! Seems they probably got the master from an old New Line laserdisc. (What's up with that, New Line - you release the first movie on VHS uncut and in widescreen, but you released the second movie on VHS cut and full-frame?!!?)

My view of the movie the second time is somewhat better... but it still doesn't match the impact of the original. Chiba's character is much softer, lacking the anti-hero aspect he had in the original that made him simultaneously grotesque and a figure to respect OR ELSE. As well, the action even in this uncut version I saw lacks the viciousness and bloodiness that was a major selling point of the original. I have to wonder if maybe the harshness was toned down here by the filmmakers in an attempt to gain a wider audience on its home turf.

There are a few acceptable action sequences, but nothing particularly outstanding. The story is lamer, with Chiba's new sidekick a particularly annoying (and ugly!) figure. At times the movie feels like a bad parody of the whole series. Still, it could have been far worse; I remember THE STREET FIGHTER'S LAST REVENGE to be even worse than this! (Though I also saw that full-frame and edited.)

A good, though not exactly groundbreaking follow-up film

[planktonrules · 7/10 · 16 April 2007]

Because this film is pretty much a rehash of the last STREET FIGHTER film--with a very, very similar plot and an assistant that is destined to be dead meat by the end of the film. About the only real improvement I noticed was that leading man Sonny Chiba had a decent haircut for once! Like the last film in the series, the Yakuza orders a hit on Chiba because he won't do business with them. About the only difference is that apparently the American mafia is also involved--though oddly the guy they got to play the Don looked more like John Lennon in his big hair and beard days and nothing like Vito Corleone! This was pretty poor casting, as the guy just looked like a young hippie.

Also like the first Street Fighter movie, Chiba uses a combination of martial arts techniques (including more judo this time) to kick the butts of dozens of bad guys. I did notice, though, that Chiba's athleticism showed off more in this film as he did some incredibly leaps and spins and tumbles. But once again, Chiba is a very pragmatic man. Instead of just beating up the bad guys like the usual martial arts hero, his anti-hero takes the effort to then kill almost all the attackers as well--in very brutal fashion--with tons of blood and fingers through the throat, etc. This makes for a much more realistic sort of martial arts film than those of Jackie Chan or even Bruce Lee (who did kill some of those he fought in his movies, but not nearly as many as Chiba), but they also make the films a BAD choice for kids (though it is a bit less bloody than its predecessor)!! Plus, this film does have a bit of nudity--so take note.

By the way, I am not saying that Chiba was better than Bruce Lee--but he fought to win and to destroy his opponents even more than Lee did in his films. Both were super-realistic and talented, but Chiba's style was even more brutal, whereas Lee took on more men simultaneously and fought in a quicker manner.

Overall, for lovers of martial arts films, you won't be disappointed. However, understand that there isn't anything all that new here--it is in many ways just a rehash of STREET FIGHTER.

Finally,...what's up with Sonny's lady friend?!!? She looked for all the world like a Japanese version of Pippi Longstockings!!! And that terribly dubbed voice! Ugh! The rest of the dubbing was excellent, but she sounded almost like a cartoon character!

plenty graphic violence

[christopher-underwood · 7/10 · 10 January 2024]

I hadn't really liked the first one, The Street Fighter, starring Sonny Chiba and then with this one the same year I find it fine. This is a bit strange because with this one there is hardly any story at all and there is fighting all the time. When I say, all the time, I mean it. There are a couple of mentions of the mafia and a bag of money and some station lockers but really it is fighting. Some wonderful action on bikes and cars with lovely colourful streets and there is some fighting in the night or in the sunshine. Also in the rain, even the snow and up in the mountains or with the martial art clubs and dozens of them and all the time there are really amazing fights and many of them extremely over the top with plenty of graphic violence with lots of blood and spurting and every now and again the eyeballs are popping out, really. So maybe I found it better without the story which is a bit silly anyway.

S10 Reviews: Return of the Street Fighter (1974)

[suspiria10 · 8/10 · 28 August 2005]

Terry Sugury (Sonny Chiba) returns as the merc for hire in this sequel to the classic original. This time around Terry is hired by a business man (in other words gangster) who is building a super martial arts academy by soliciting "donations" for the school by falsely using the name of Terry's teacher. But when the teacher catches wind of the plot and nearly assassinated the street fighter quickly shows the baddies who really is boss.

Thoughts: This highly energetic (and I feel better) sequel is a nonstop blast. The action is more abundant this time around with some lovely gore too (the eyeball scene was so cool). Yeah the dubbing still stinks and we have yet another suspect henchman but hey run with it you'll be glad you did. S10 gives the film an 8 out of 10.

You can never trust anybody who speaks that much jive....

[toastedslipers · 10/10 · 9 August 2012]

If you ever had a single reason to doubt the greatness of Bruce Lee or Chuck Norris, Sonny Chiba in the role of Terry Tsurgi, a deadly half-breed assassin for hire, will make you a believer that they're ammeters in every sense of the word.

Continuing from the last film, "The Street Fighter", Terry is hired once again by the Yakuza to take out two former members who could very easily disclose some very important info to the cops, namely that the boss is hoarding money in order to build a fake dojo. Joining him is his partner Kitty, a jive talking embodiment of the seventies who loves popping in 8-tracks in Terri's "gettaway car" and grooving the hell out.

And yet me just say, if you are squeamish around blood or violence, DO NOT WATCH THIS.

This quite possibly the most brutal kung fu film ever made, but that's what makes it so great.

For instance, there's a scene in the spa which turns out to be a trap set up by the Yakuza. Terry throws half the men into a sauna, locks the door, and jacks up the heat to the point where the crime stooges are broiled alive.

But honestly the violence is what makes it so beautiful and so memorable because it's done on such a intricate level of insanity that you can't help but laugh. Terry does these things, these viciously savage inhumane things in order to honor the memory of his father, to let no man overtake, to let nobody else be "the number one man".

If you are any sort of Kung Fu buff, or simply just a fan of Eastern cinema, you owe it to yourself to watch this over and over again with your friends, by yourself, with estranged family members Because no one should be without knowledge of the greatness that is Sonny Chiba

Return of the Street Fighter (1974)

[SnakesOnAnAfricanPlain · 8/10 · 31 December 2011]

Return of the Street Fighter avoids the trap of many sequels, by actually simplifying procedures. The plot is much easier to follow and there are less characters to concern yourself with. Return of the Street Fighter is completely filled with action sequences, the plot is laid out early on to give us 80 minutes of ferocious action. It's all really well shot and Chiba brings his inescapable talents to the role. There are some stranger aspects to the film, such as outrageous examples of super strength and agility. Chiba can now hit people so hard that their eyes pop out. He even stabs people with guns. It's more tongue in cheek than the original. The twists are really unexpected, but sometimes reintroduce characters for no reason, other than yet another fight scene. The film also uses two fight scenes from the original as flashbacks. However, they are the ENTIRE scenes. It's not as though this film was lacking action scenes.

A SO-SO SEQUEL

[EL BUNCHO · 13 March 2002]

After the visceral dynamite of THE STREETFIGHTER this one comes as a bit of a disappointment, but check it out for a couple of outrageous sequences. What really sucks is the overdependence on flashback footage from the original and some truly nonsensical plot points (*SPOILER* When escaping from a police station, rather than use the door, Chiba kicks through a wall and runs away!!!). The fight on a ski slope is worth waiting for though, and the end of that fight will make you do a double-take. Points are subtracted for Chiba's incredibly annoying "hipster" girl sidekick. Halfway through the film you'll want to see him knock her teeth out! Overall, not a bad way to waste an hour-and-a-half, but do not expect anything near the original.

Violent comic book style action - what's not to love?

[Leofwine_draca · 9/10 · 31 October 2016]

This immediate sequel to the cult and violent classic from the same year doesn't bother changing the formula in any way, shape or form. Instead director Shigehiro Ozawa gives us exactly the same kind of movie as before in mood, look and plot. The plot itself is the weakest aspect of the film, and seems like a weak rerun of the original movie's storyline. Indeed many of the same things happen to the characters. Another annoyance is the inclusion of some unwanted long flashback scenes, made to pad out the already short running time. Ignore these grievances and you'll find yourself watching another good old ultra-violent tale of action, revenge and much kicking. Another welcome return is the funky score, complete with a highly memorable theme tune which grows on you every time you hear it.

Sonny Chiba is back as Terry Tsurugi, once again on top form and seemingly enjoying himself in the multiple action stakes. Once the action begins - pretty much from the first scene - Chiba takes on assassin after assassin before finally deciding to attack the bad guys himself, with the film culminating in an exciting massacre that very nearly equals the legendary finale of the first movie. There are some nicely varied locations - the fight on the ski slopes is great, and the attack in the bedroom is a fun touch. As well as the returning Chiba, chief villain Junjo (the sickly-looking guy) also comes back, minus vocal chords but with a brand spanking new electronic voice box, leading to a couple of cool showdowns between the two larger-than-life characters.

What of the old ultra-violence you may ask? Well, it has been toned down here, but only slightly. Expect to see lots of bloody shootings, impalements, bone breaking, and a shock gore effect to outdo the first film's infamous X-ray moment. Add a touch of pathos here and there as minor characters are killed and Chiba is forced to emote a little before getting back to his job, killing many villains. Don't let the lapses in logic dissuade you - this is still a fantastic action film at a comic book level, highly watchable and 99% engaging. Lovers of the first film, check it out!

A bad ass bash with a punch!

[Zarathos-5 · 26 August 2000]

A very entertaining, and funny Sonny Chiba-flick, which is the sequel to his legendary movie "Street Fighter", where he played the hitman Terry Tsuguri. The first one was the only movie rated 'X' from violence at the time. Sadly, this sequel doesn't contain as much gore and guts as the first one, but it still has some nice Karate-scenes. Sadly, when the movie has begun, we will have to wait over 40 minutes that the fighting starts, but soon the storms will rise, and bones will crack! The legendary villain, who supposedly died, from the first movie, is back...with a vengeance! Has some funny scenes (the scene in the sauna), some dramatic scenes (the b&w flashbacks from Terry's childhood), some very good fight-scenes (the scene in the alpes, the fínal battle), some groovy martial arts weapon-scenes (the training in the Karate-school), and the theme is a classic! I rate it **½ from ****. Be sure to watch it in it's full widescreen ratio.

Return to Sonny

[NoDakTatum · 8/10 · 8 November 2023]

Chiba is back, hacking and coughing all over the Far East. Sonny Chiba is Terry Sugury, a hired killer for a business tycoon who is building a giant karate academy. Sugury dabbles in the hitman trade, while his old karate instructor finds out the tycoon is using the instructor's name to procure "donations" for the mob. After an honest cop is killed and the instructor injured in a hit, Chiba contorts himself all over the tycoon, the mafia, and an old villain we thought was dead in the first "Street Fighter" film.

This film is definitely an improvement over the original "The Street Fighter," whose plot I was never able to figure out. Chiba does that thing where he calls up inner strength through breathing exercises in the middle of some fights. They call it inner strength but someone must have let the producers knows this was kind of funny in the first film because it is kept to a minimum here. Sadly, Chiba is also saddled with yet another "funny" sidekick, this time a young woman who speaks like a hippie. There are a few major fight set pieces here, with the best being a chaotic fight at a spa, just ignore the weak comedy relief in the form of a whiny fat guy. I do recommend "Return of the Street Fighter" over the first one, and to any martial arts fans.