CREATION OF THE GODS II: DEMON FORCE (�神第二部：战火西岐) (2025)

Genre: Fantasy/Action
Director: Wuershan
Cast: Huang Bo, Yu Shi, Naernaxi, Chen Muchi, Kris Phillips, Naran, Wu Xingguo, Han Pengyi, Ci Sha, Wu Yafan, Xia Yu, Senggerenqin, Ailiku, Zhang Yilong, Nayintai, Chen Kun
Runtime: 2 hrs 25 mins
Rating: PG13 (Some Violence)
Released By: mm2 Entertainment
Official Website:

Opening Day: 29 January 2025

Synopsis: In the second instalment of the Fengshen Trilogy, "Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force", the Kingdom of Xiqi falls under attack by the Shang Dynasty army. Now Jiang Ziya and Ji Fa, with the help of the Kunlun immortals, must gather civilians of the entire country to defend their homeland. The two camps are engaged in a fierce battle of magic, and the competition for the Fengshen Bang (The Investiture of the Gods) continues...

Movie Review:

The last time we saw the villainous King Zhou, he was seriously hurt after engaging in a battle with Prince Ji Fa. The tyrant king’s beloved fox spirit was trying to heal him with her magic power, and the post credits scene marked the arrival of a mighty army led by Wen Zhong. With him are Deng Chanyu, a female general, and four brawly giants which look like they are going to cause some serious destruction.

More than a year after the release of the 2023 movie, we are now treated to the sequel where even more awesomeness awaits. And we are happy to report that we did not leave the theatre disappointed.

No idea what we are talking about, and scratching your head over who’s who? You may want to do yourself a favour by watching Chinese director Wuershan’s first instalment of an epic trilogy to fully appreciate this second part. But if you are familiar with the classic Chinese novel The Investiture of the Gods (more affectionately known by its Chinese names “Fengshen Yanyi” or “Fengshen Bang”), then these characters would ring a bell.

The frail King Zhou still wants to get his hands on Fengshen Bang, a divine decree that assigns titles to spirits, warriors and fallen heroes, transforming them into gods after they die. Essentially, it is a very powerful item that will make one invincible. Su Daji is getting increasingly feeble as she has used much of her strength to keep King Zhou alive. The couple is very much scowling in the background this time round, as the action is focused on Ji Fa as he tries to protect his hometown, the Kingdom of Xiqi.

Throughout the 145 minute runtime, Ji Fa finds himself engaged in battle after battle, and one worthy opponent is Deng Chanyu, and the story naturally gets the two of them to develop feelings for each other. Fighting alongside Ji Fa is the deity turned mortal Jiang Ziya, and also Yi Jiao, who was died in the first movie (no thanks to his father King Zhou) and has returned as a blue three headed demi god.

Yup, you read that right – a blue three headed demi god. And this is just one of the many out of this world creatures that you will come across in this fantasy movie, all created by a capable visual effects team. The movie successfully creates a world where gods and humans pit their wits and skills against each other, and it is a visual spectacle that you can immerse yourself in on the biggest screen possible.

The ensemble cast returns, with Kris Phillips exuding a commanding presence as King Zhou in every scene he is in, with Su Daji (Naran) hangs on to him seductively. You know these two are up to no good every time they appear. Yu Shi gets more screen time this time round as Ji Fa, and is a worthy protagonist you want to root for. The actor even finds time to show off his abs by appearing topless in some sequences.

But it is Naernaxi’s Deng Chanyu who will leave a deep impression in this sequel. We first see her as a no nonsense and fiercely loyal general of the antagonist army. The way she leads an army and engages in combat will put most guys to shame. As the movie progresses, she begins showing a softer humane side which moves the story forward in an unexpectedly emotional way.

Other returning actors include Huang Bo (Jiang Ziya), Chen Muchi (Yin Jiao), Ci Sha (Yang Jian), Wu Yafan (Ne Zha), Xia Yu (Shen Gong Bao) and Chen Kun in not one, but two different roles. Wu Xingguo’s portrayal as Wen Zhong is also a memorable one, as the actor channels his gravitas into a character that is committed to his cause of bringing down the enemy.

Wuershan does it again with this sequel, delivering a visually stunning saga that features extermely high production values and breathtaking larger than life battles. More importantly, he is telling an emotionally engaging story that has left us eagerly anticipating the explosive finale in the concluding chapter of the trilogy. 

Movie Rating:

(Breathtaking in every way, this gripping second instalment of the trilogy brings the world of gods and humans to life on the big screen in the most epic way possible)

Review by John Li