Crows Zero II

Karozu zero II (Japan)

By RUSSELL EDWARDS

Proving that he would rather fight than quit, prolific Japanese helmer Takashi Miike dishes up "Crows Zero II," the second installment in the manga-inspired schoolboy-gang-war franchise. Sequel adds some new wrinkles to the two-hour-plus slugfest but essentially sticks to the required formula of yakuza codes being played out in an apocalyptic schoolyard. In April, the pic powered its way to a socko $29 million, outclassing the first by $4 million. Miike's international cult following will ensure equally robust ancillary. MORE HERE.