Creation of the Gods 2: Demon Force (4 Stars)

This is the 13th film in the Stuttgart Fantasy Film Festival.

It's the second part in a trilogy based on a 16th Century novel by Xu Zhonglin. The festival hosts described the trilogy as the most expensive films ever made in China. Unfortunately, I missed the first part when it was shown at the festival last year. I always skip the last film of the day, because I don't want to miss the last bus. Apart from this, I need to sleep, and I would have difficulty watching five films in a row.

It's an epic film about a war between the city Xiqi and the Shang Dynasty. Various Gods participate on both sides in the war. There are many characters in the film who are introduced by their names and military rank being written on the screen when they first appear. That's a good idea, but there are simply too many characters. I can't remember 20 or more names, and when they return I've already forgotten who they are. There are also frequent references to the events of the first film. Not having seen it puts me at a disadvantage.

I was so impressed that I've already decided to buy all three films on Blu-ray after the third film is released next year.

When the final credits began a message was shown in the top left corner: "Please remain seated for three after-credits scenes". That's wonderful. More films should have this message. The three scenes were significant to the plot, introducing new characters who'll be featured in the third film.