Movie Report: Armour of God II: Operation Condor (English Dubbed) Armour of God II: Operation Condor
is a 1991 Hong Kong action-adventure film directed by and starring Jackie Chan. It is a sequel to the 1986 film Armour of God and is widely regarded as one of Chan's most ambitious and expensive productions. 1. English Dub Variations
There are two primary English dubbed versions available, which differ significantly in content and tone:
Classic Export Dub (1991): Featured in the original international release and the 88 Films 4K Ultra HD collection. It typically accompanies the uncut 107-minute Hong Kong version.
Dimension Films/Miramax Dub (1997): Produced for the U.S. theatrical release to capitalize on Chan's growing Western popularity. This version includes a new music score by Stephen Endelman and has approximately 15–20 minutes of footage removed for pacing. 2. Plot Summary
Jackie, also known as the "Asian Hawk" or "Condor," is a treasure hunter hired by the United Nations to locate 240 tons of Nazi gold buried in a secret base in the Sahara Desert. He is joined by: Ada (Carol Cheng): An expert in African geography.
Elsa (Eva Cobo de Garcia): The granddaughter of a German commander who originally hid the gold.
Momoko (Shôko Ikeda): A Japanese backpacker they encounter in the desert.
The group battles mercenaries and desert bandits across Spain and Morocco, culminating in a massive fight within a secret underground Nazi base. 3. Iconic Stunts and Scenes
The film is famous for several high-risk sequences performed by Chan:
Film Report: Armour of God II: Operation Condor (English Dubbed) Armour of God II: Operation Condor
(1991) is widely considered one of Jackie Chan’s most ambitious action-adventure films. Originally titled Fei ying gai wak (Project Eagle), it was the most expensive Hong Kong production at the time of its release. Dubbing Versions and Global Distribution
The film exists in two distinct English-dubbed versions, which can lead to confusion for viewers:
Classic "Export" English Dub (1991-1993): Featured on early 90s UK VHS and international releases. This version is often praised for its "hilarious" or "classic" feel and typically accompanies the uncut international version of the film.
Miramax/Dimension Dub (1997): Produced for the North American theatrical release. This version features Jackie Chan voicing himself in English but includes a new musical score and approximately 15–20 minutes of deleted footage. This cut is simply titled Operation Condor. Current Viewing Options
The film is available on several platforms, though the specific cut (Uncut vs. US Theatrical) and dub version vary by region:
Armour of God II: Operation Condor is a classic action-adventure film starring Jackie Chan as "Asian Hawk," a treasure hunter tasked with locating 240 tons of Nazi gold hidden in the Sahara Desert. Originally released in 1991, it was the most expensive Hong Kong production at the time.
The English dubbed versions of this film are particularly notable due to the existence of two distinct variations: English Dub Variations
The Original International Dub (Early 1990s): Featured on early UK VHS releases, this version utilized a classic voice cast that many long-time fans prefer for its "funny" and nostalgic tone. It typically retains the film's original score.
The Dimension/Miramax Dub (1997): Created for the film's North American theatrical release, this version features Jackie Chan voicing himself in English. However, this version is controversial among fans because it cut approximately 15–20 minutes of footage, replaced the original music score with one by Stephen Endelman, and changed the title simply to Operation Condor. Core Movie Information
Plot Summary: Gold, Nazis, and Desert Mayhem
The story follows Jackie Chan as Jackie (named "Condor" or "Asian Hawk" depending on the cut). He is a fortune hunter and mercenary hired by a United Nations–like organization to recover millions in stolen Nazi gold hidden somewhere in the Sahara Desert.
He is joined by:
- Ada (Carol “Do Do” Cheng), a clumsy but brave German archaeologist.
- Elsa (Eva Cobo), a Spanish fighter pilot whose grandfather hid the gold.
- Momo (Shoko Ikeda), a Japanese assassin turned reluctant ally.
The plot is classic Indiana Jones meets James Bond. The trio must navigate underground tunnels, treacherous sandstorms, and a gang of Moroccan smugglers. The climax, featuring an underground wind tunnel with massive industrial fans, remains one of the most inventive set pieces in action history.
Why This Film Deserves a 4K Remaster (With Both Dubs)
As of 2025, there is no 4K Ultra HD release of Armour of God 2 on the market. This is a crime. The film’s cinematography, especially the golden desert landscapes and the claustrophobic underground sets, would shine in HDR. Fans have long petitioned for a definitive collector’s edition that includes:
- The original 106-minute Cantonese cut.
- The 85-minute Dimension English dub (warts and all).
- A new, re-synced English dub that corrects the music errors.
Until then, the Armour of God 2: Operation Condor English dubbed version lives on as a beloved orphaned cut—imperfect, but full of heart.
The Good: Accessibility and Pacing
- No Subtitles Required: For family viewing or casual fans, the dub removes the barrier of reading subtitles during high-octane chase scenes.
- Removed Slower Moments: The Western cut tightens the runtime. The original Cantonese version spends more time on side characters. The dub gets to the action faster.
- Jackie Dubs Himself (Mostly): In many English versions, Jackie Chan personally re-recorded his dialogue. While his English accent is thick, it adds an authenticity that cartoonish voice actors cannot replicate.
