EDITOR’S NOTE: As the journey through Cannon continues, this week we’re exploring the films of 21st Century Film Corporation, which would be the company that Menahem Golan would take over after Cannon. Formed by Tom Ward and Art Schweitzer in 1971 (or 1976, there are some disputed expert opinions), 21st Century had a great logo and released some wild stuff.

This movie answers two questions.

How do you have a sequel to a movie where the main character, Chen Zhen, is executed?

How do you make a sequel to a Bruce Lee movie with no Bruce Lee?

Filling in for the gone before his time actor is Bruce Li, playing Chen Zhen’s brother Chen Shan. The Japanese who killed his sibling are worried that the martial arts schools will unite to fight back against them in Shanghai, so they send Miyamoto (Lo Lieh) to close down the schools. When Chen Zhen’s Ching Wu School refuses to close, it is forcibly shut down. But now Chen Shan is in the country and after visiting his brother’s grave, he is ready for revenge.

Also known as Chinese Connection 2, this is the second attempt to make a sequel to the original. Lo Wei’s New Fist of Fury starred Jackie Chan and was not as well regarded. This would be followed by another sequel, also starring Bruce Li. Li Kun and Tien Feng would return for this film, but Nora Miao is in New Fist of Fury, which was considered an official sequel. Oddly enough, Chris Hilton dubbed the hero in the English dubbed soundtracks for both movies.

21st Century released this and man, they gave a disco record to the first fifty people at each show. I can only dream that it was a Bruce Li-themed record.