"The Iron Ladies" is my absolute favourite movie, so while I was absolutely thrilled to hear that a sequel had been made, I was hopeful that the sequel, frankly, wouldn't suck. The last thing I wanted was an awful sequel (remember "Sister Act 2"?) that would ruin my love for the original. Thankfully, I was thrilled with the results.
The acting is certainly better, but there are a few inconspicuous holes in the plot and the script is a bit lame at times (but then again, what movie has a completely engaging script?). A copycat team of "Iron Ladies" has been formed, and they've managed to steal away Nong, April, May and June from the original team, much to Jung's chagrin. In order to try and reunite the team, everyone heads in separate groups to China, where Pia is working as a cabaret singer...of course, each group does not know the other is going. Let the love begin again!
The movie successfully manages to tell the story of how each of the team members meet, so we get to learn a lot about the background of our favourite characters (with the exception of Chai, the resident straight guy). The prequel shows us Nong's coming out, the beginnings of Pia's transition to a woman, and how the team forms a true bond. The last forty minutes or so features the "sequel" portion, where the team is reunited and plays again as one.
The plot, again, has a few minor holes, but the movie is still funny and completely enjoyable. You definitely need to see this movie if you enjoyed the original "Iron Ladies".
The film has not been released in North America, but you can purchase a Thai or Hong Kong version at several online shops (the HK version is missing a few scenes from the original Thai release, just as the Strand Releasing U.S./Canada DVD is missing a few hilarious scenes that were in the original film), and the HK version has English subtitles. DEFINITELY worth seeing!!!!
