Prison on Fire II (1991)

Prison on Fire II Poster
Original Title: 監獄風雲II逃犯

Ching is a prisoner in a Hong Kong jail that has a large population of Mainland Chinese prisoners. Ching escapes to see his young son, who he has been put in an orphanage. He surrenders himself to authorities, but the vengeful chief of security, Zau, arranges for Ching to be set up in the eyes of the Mainland gang.

Film Overview
"Prison on Fire II" is a Hong Kong crime drama film from 1991 directed by Ringo Lam, continuing the social and delicate jail theme from its prequel 'Prison on Fire'. The movie stars Chow Yun-fat, Sung Young Chen, and Elaine Jin. The movie checks out the inner operations of a brutal and corrupt jail system and follows the story of 2 prisoners attempting to survive in an environment filled with injustice, treachery, and violence.

Plot Summary
In "Prison on Fire II", star Sung Young Chen plays Ching, a prisoner who accidentally eliminates another inmate in self-defense. Ching is filled with guilt for his actions and as punishment, he receives an extended sentence. This unfortunate turn of occasions puts him directly in the sights of the harsh and corrupt warden, Zau (Elizabeth Lee Meudt).

Chow Yun-fat represents Dragon, a fellow prisoner who befriends, and in time looks to safeguard Ching from the harsh truths of prison life. Dragon, however, has issues of his own and is tormented by the reality that his young son is experiencing leukemia on the outside and he can do absolutely nothing however worry and feel defenseless.

Obstacles and Conflicts
Throughout the movie, Dragon and Ching deal with various difficulties and hardship both from the administrative staff and fellow inmates. The corruption in the system appears with the prison administration making use of the inmates for their own gain. The frame of mind of survival appears to be the only secret to endure such harsh conditions.

The detainees are routinely subjected to inhuman punishments by ruthless Warden Zau. All at once, they also should browse the bitter rivalries and deadly politics amongst the inmates. Dragon and Ching battle to support each other in the middle of the turmoil, constantly combating to keep their self-respect and sanity.

Climax and Resolution
The climax of "Prison on Fire II" comes when Dragon, desperate to save his son who requires a bone marrow transplant, reaches out to his separated better half and pleads her for aid with the contribution. Concurrently, the prisoners stage a revolt against the corrupt and cruel prison officials changing the power characteristics and bringing the climax to a thrilling high.

Dragon successfully overcomes his individual problem when he finalizes the bone marrow contribution, and Ching's character displays enormous development as he discovers to stand up against his oppressors. The film concludes with an effective message of hope and survival versus all odds.

Final Thoughts
"Prison on Fire II" is a hard-hitting, poignant drama that starkly portrays the grim realities of the jail system. The movie impressively balances the frightening authenticity of incarceration with the emotional human stories enclosed within the prison walls. It's the personal narratives of Dragon and Ching that make the viewers purchased their journey of self-discovery and resilience.

All in all, "Prison on Fire II" isn't almost violence and survival, however it is likewise a tale of relationship, empathy, and the indomitable human spirit. The dazzling performances by Chow Yun-fat and Sung Young Chen contribute substantially to the psychological depth and trustworthiness of the film, making it an engaging watch well-worth a revisit.

Top Cast

  • Chow Yun-fat (small)
    Chow Yun-fat
    Chung Tin Ching
  • Chan Chung-Yung (small)
    Chan Chung-Yung
    Dragon
  • Woo Yiu-Chung
    Skull
  • Yu Li (small)
    Yu Li
    Ms Wong
  • Tommy Wong (small)
    Tommy Wong
    Bill
  • Victor Hon Kwan (small)
    Victor Hon Kwan
    Chiu Chow
  • Elvis Tsui (small)
    Elvis Tsui
    Prison officer Zau
  • Vincent Wan Yeung-Ming (small)
    Vincent Wan Yeung-Ming
    Fa Chi
  • Terrence Fok Shui-Wa
    Yung
  • Frankie Ng (small)
    Frankie Ng
    Blind Snake
  • Roy Cheung (small)
    Roy Cheung
    Prison Officer Scarface