IP MAN 2 (2010)

 

Ip Man 2 (2010)

Genre: action, thriller, biography

Director: Wilson Yip

Writer: Edmond Wong (screenplay)

Stars: Donnie Yen, Lynn Hung and Simon Yam

My score 3/5

If you have read my Ip Man review here then you will be definitely waiting to read Ip Man 2 review as well. However like in most sequels I’m afraid I have to give a low rating for the second edition of the well-loved Ip Man. Not because it’s a bad movie at all but because comparing the first movie its missing a little bit of ‘heart’.

Starting from the end of the first movie Ip Man moves to Hong Kong and ambitiously looks forward to open up a wing chung martial art school. Having a financially difficult life with his son and wife who is now expecting her second child Master Ip stands strong and calm as he always is in front of the challenges he have to face day in and day out. While trying to establish his school he have to prove his skills to the other martial art masters in the area and deal with gangs and untamed disciples as well. On top of all that keeping his pride and path as a Chinese in front of the English ruled country seems to be the biggest challenge he have to face.

Master Ip’s character is more developed and well-constructed in this second chapter. However if you really missed the first movie then you will not get some of the things straight on the second one. As I mentioned earlier this movie lacks a little bit of emotions comparing with the first edition. But as a movie of martial art its way above many unwanted knuckle braking action flicks.

There are several well-made action sequences as well. But too many cable work than the first movie which eventually may label this as a mundane kung fu movie when it comes to action. But the plot and the rest is very nice to see and experience. 

 At an age where Chinese martial arts were dying and seems to be breathing its last breath, what Master Ip did to bring it back with dedication is truly admirable. Both the Ip Man movies are extraordinary and heroic on its own cause. Must watch!