It's years after the teaming of Mark (Yun Fat), Ho (Ti Lung) and Kit (Leslie Cheung) ; Ho is still in prison and Kit is a prominent figure on the force.  Unbeknownst to Kit, Ho is approached by the police to investigate a good friend of his by the name of Lung (Dean Shek), and is released to perform this task.  In a deal gone wrong, Lung is framed for murder and must flee to the U.S.A. to escape the authorities.  Whilst he is away, his daughter is murdered causing Lung to go temporarily insane with grief.  Mark's twin brother Ken (an excuse to bring CYF back) is running a restaurant in the states and goes to his aid.  He helps Lung regain control of his life and the two return to Hong Kong to team up with Ho and Kit to take revenge for his loss.

Devising a sequel for a classic film like 'A Better Tomorrow' and producing the goods for a second time is no easy task.  Unsurprisingly, for just that reason Woo was reluctant to make this follow-up, especially considering that the first film had such a fitting end.  However, despite lacking the heart of the first film and possessing a slightly incoherent plot, 'A Better Tomorrow II' really is the best effort you could hope for with charming performances from Ti Lung and Leslie Cheung as well as some interesting character developments.  Chow Yun Fat also pulls off one of his most charismatic roles to date using his established image from the original combined with his ability to display different personality traits within his character.

What this film lacks in plot, it sure makes up for in action and the finale of the film is a brutal display of guns, grenades and swordplay.  Woo's usual style of balletic gunplay is on show to the max here and doesn't disappoint.  Well worth seeing for the action alone but make sure you see the first film to understand the story.