Ip Man 2 [DVD]

The Plot This film is loosely based on a biographical account of the legendary Yip Man, hailed as the true master of the Chinese martial art of Wing Chun. He has even taught the likes of Bruce Lee, a world-renowned martial arts icon. It is in fact the sequel to Ip Man, and given that it is the second instalment, you would not think it would match up to the original but this one definitely gives Ip Man a run for its money. The creators were incredibly inventive and put together an uncommon and intriguing storyline. Firstly, I would say that the plot has some very realistic and believable elements. Ip Man's main student is an extremely enthusiastic, energetic youth who has an insatiable lust for life. You can imagine that a person with these attributes, if ever given a weapon, would find any excuse whatsoever to test it out. After learning the fundamentals of this new martial art, the student decides to test his new skills in a totally avoidable street fight, causing no end of troubles for Ip Man as his master. I would also like to mention that I felt quite emotionally connected to Ip Man's character as the movie gives us a glimpse into his family life and the struggles they endure alongside Ip Man's own martial arts related trials. This would also apply to other parts of the movie where, for example, Master Hung, a close friend of Ip Man's, suffers a horrible tragedy. On a more positive note, I loved the fact that familiar characters who made a big impact in the first Ip Man were re-cast, especially one humorous figure named `the Northerner' in the previous instalment whose insufferable ignorance had me keeling over time after time. The Action What makes this a great movie to watch is not only do you get to witness Ip Man's trademark, truly devastating rapid-fire punch combinations which made a tremendous impression on me in the first feature, but you also get the opportunity to see a variety of other differing martial arts of the era in action. The thing that astounded me the most though was how this movie challenges our perception of a typical martial arts physique. Personally I would expect to see a well-toned, muscular person with an athletic-type build. Master Hung, however, a very soft-looking, overweight man was performing inconceivable acrobatic manoeuvres and displaying a hand speed only rivalled by Ip Man himself. The fight scenes are frequent enough to keep you on the edge of your seat without taking away from the almost factual storyline making Ip Man 2 a fantastically balanced action movie if you ask me. The Conclusion I found this to be a deeply moving, thought provoking, adrenaline pumping film that portrays the story of one man who helped a nation to overcome oppression. It keeps viewers guessing at every turn. Even the ending gives you the impression that Ip Man may actually lose his fight with the world champion boxer, Twister, contradicting the usual happy endings of many movie genres. Although I do not consider this movie to be more enjoyable than Ip Man, I will certainly say that it comes an amazingly close second.

A great film. Many credit Bruce Lee to be the father of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), before the world was ready for it. I guess that Ip Man the grandfather of the theory. Some people are so passionate about their art they will not hear a word against it. MMA was created to truly see which art was superior. However that asks the question, is it the art that makes the person great, or the person who makes the art great? Now living in Hong Kong, times still tough for Ip Man, no money no marketable skills apart from teaching Wing Chun. He tries to open a school but does not have any students, till a brash 19 year walks in to see how good Ip is by challenging him to a fight, Ip realises how times have changed, where as before when he held back and did not deliver a punch the person was thankful now it is just assumed he can't. After soundly thrashing the youngster he becomes Ip's first student. As Ip's popularity grows, the other martial arts masters are threatened, they demand Ip prove himself by facing them in combat. Great fights, great to see Donnie and Sammo mix it up again. Starting as rivals then then earning each others respect. A boxing tournment has been set up, the world boxing chsmpion is an arigant brit, with no respect for other cultures or martial arts. Sammo standing up for national pride. The aged Sammo, is still technically superior but does not have the stamina or power to face an inshape champ. In Rocky IV style refuses to let Ip throw in the towel. Now Ip must fight where Sammo left off. With a whole country in his corner. Can Ip beat the younger, bigger, stronger champ. Great film. I really enjoyed it. Loved the mix of Rocky and MMA. Boxing has always been the anti martial art it makes the perfect style for the villan of the movie.

Okay, I wanted to add a review here because someone gave it one star, which it doesn't deserve, because it is a great film. This film is, underlined, based on the life of Yip Man and is again, based, on the western invasion of China. I'll agree that this film may not be historically accrete, but It makes sense to me that if, British service men suddenly were surrounded by a mysteries fighting style, that one of the British would have wanted to go up against that style. Also there's a great difference between a westerns body and someone from the east, so surly at some point in history, when the two came face to face, it makes sense that they would have gone toe to toe. Alright, so all that aside. I loved this film almost has much as the first. I loved the opening scenes with Ip's new students and the plight he faced when caught between passing on knowledge and making money. People have mention Rocky and yes... there is a similarity towards the end, and to be honest I LOVED IT, so much so that in the final fight, I was jumping round the room, screaming my head off, I don't think I've ever go that excited before during a fight scene. I've lent the first Ip Man to a few of my martial art friends, and it does seem to slip people down the middle. But you can't escape the fact that these films are beautiful made, well acted with great story's and it's got... Sammo Hung & Donnie Yen!!!!

Thought I'd pop in a quick review - as I reviewed Ip Man, which I loved - but will try to be brief as many recent reviews - esp Mituns' have pretty much covered most things. The Blu-Ray transfer on the whole is crisp and sharp, with good sound and music throughout. The original score returns from the first film, but if it ain't broke don't fix it - it still works - in the continuation of the story. Its great to see Donnie Yen back in the role of the famous GrandMaster - who still brings enormous gravitas and quiet charisma to the role. It also a treat to see Sammo Hung in front of the camera - he truly is one the true HK cimema legends now - who also brings great charisma and steely conviction to the role of the HK grandmaster. Its just as enjoyable to watch him fight as Yen himself. An interesting addition was his Ip mans' first senior student Wong Sheun Leung - who went on to become a true grandmaster in real life - he is likeable enough in the film, but at times the "getting into trouble" scenario does feel a bit contrived and strained at times. On to the critique.....firstly the fight scenes...I myself am a dedicated practitioner of Wing Chun myself of some 11 yrs now, and what I most loved about the first film was how it brought to the screen some of the most true/accurate interpretation of 'traditional' Wing Chun I have seen on a film...captured in all its no-nonsense, bone-crunching detail. I feel in IM2 something has been lost, the techniques seem more convuluted, showy and less effective. Plus this seems to extend to some of the fight scenes in general, Ip man against 20 people in the fish market was pushing it, plus the fighting-with-a-crate, just smacked of Jackie chan tomfoolery. It just seemed to all be more flashy for the cinematic effect in a more hollywood-esque way....where IM 1 made no excuse, wasn't trying to please anyone - just depicting Wing CHun as it is....Shame though as the second film loses something in this. My only other real big complaint is the british actors and their "brit/cockney" accents...I'm british and even I cringed especially at the Police/army officer. When the rest of the cast commanded such draw and empathy....all realism was lost with the brit contingent - embarrassing to watch. The Twister was an interesting concept the actor did well in the fight scenes, but his acting and bizarre accent left a lot to be desired. Plus the in the ring fightscenes still seemed strangely unbalanced - one fighter gloved up, one bare-handed - you don't see that happening very often!!! So yeah sorry said would keep it brief and failed as usual....its another great film, if you haven't seen the first one watch it then watch this - if you have seen the first, you may feel like me, IM2 is very good with lots to like as with the first, but it is just not as good as its original effort.

Along with Ip man 1 this film has the same kind of story line which is very well told. Great fight scenes, good score and you get very entertained in both movies. Donnie yen plays Ip man very well.

Well only just watched it tonight and thoroughly enjoyed this latest installment of the Ip Man films, And I for one was pleasently surprised... I do agree with some other reviews that the english actors were a little bit not up to par with the rest of the cast, However the story flowed well from the first Ip Man movie, And the characters had really kept up their good performances. Donnie yen vs Sammo Hung must not be missed by any martial arts enthusiast, Not quite as energetic as their scene in "killzone" but nethertheless as a person training in wing chun i deeply respected the fact they stuck to the correct styles as oppose to an all out MMA fight. In closing although there are a few slight little grumbles i give this a 5* for keeping to the wing chun form, for develping the characters well and just for the fact that 99.99% of the time sequels tend to be appauling, This for one is certainly not in that catagory, very good indeed! well done donnie and co

I think that this is a good movie, though I am not sure how true it is. I know it is based off a real person and there are some things that are true about this movie, but I don't know how much. It is pretty much like the first one, only with a different story. What I mean by that is if you are a fan of martial arts movies, then regardless whether you have seen the first one or not I would definitely recommend this one. Although you will get to know the story a bit better if you watch the first one before this one. All in all great movie with lots of action.

Having purchased, watched and enjoyed the first movie on Blu Ray, I just had to get this one. It is a good movie and I enjoyed this one too but not quite as much as the first. The quality of the Blu Ray is exceptional and the story is ok but I couldn't help feeling that they'd gone a bit "Hollywood" on this one. I remember making some comment in my review of Ip Man that the fight scenes were superb and believable because no wires were used. This was unlike some movies of this genre where they fly some twenty feet in the air still fighting! There's clear evidence in this one that wires were used and no clearer than in the scene where he fights on a round table in order to appease the locals in allowing him to set up his own club if he can pass their task. The way that they jump through the air over upturned stools to get on this table looks totally ridiculous, especially the bit where Sammo Hung does it. It's an enjoyable film but just how close this film follows the real life events it's supposed to be based on is beyond me. The story is ok but I'm sure that they beefed up the 'killer western boxer' part to give the film a more "hollywood" feel. I've given this movie 4 stars but only because I didn't think it was bad enough to just warrant 3. I think 3 and a half stars would probably be a more accurate reflection. All that aside, it's a decent movie, most of the fight scenes are really good, fast and well staged and if you just treat it as pure entertainment then it still comes out as a winner. If you like this type of movie then I'm sure you'll enjoy it just as I did - but not quite as much as the first Ip Man.

Just finished watching Ip Man 2 on Blu-ray, and I'm very happy with my purchase of the film. Donnie Yen has got to be my favorite Chinese and/or martial arts actor. Jackie Chen, Jet Li, Bolo Yueng and Bruce Lee are also at the top, but there's something about Yen's ability to method act in both Cantonese and English films that sets him apart from the rest. And I can hardly wait to own Ip Man 3 on Blu-ray when it releases on the home video format later this year (it's currently playing in theaters). Overall, Ip Man 1 is better than its sequel, however, Ip Man 2 is certainly no slouch. 8.5/10 - Apparently Ip Man 3 is supposed to be far superior to Ip Man 2 (can't wait to find out).

Ip Man 2 is the sequel to the Ip Man movie once again directed by Wilson Yip.This is now the 5th collaboration with Donnie Yen.Their credits include SPL aka Killzone,Flashpoint (rumored to be a prequel of Killzone),Dragon Tiger Gate,Ip Man.The movie has most of the returning actors from the first Ip Man. Sammo Hung,Lo Meng (Five Venoms,Kid With Golden Arm),Fung Hak On(Magnificent Butcher,Last Hurrah for Chivalry,Five Shaolin Masters),Darren Shalavi,(Mortal Kombat Web Series,Tai Chi Boxer)Kent Cheng(Once Upon a Time in China),Dennis To Yue(Ip Man Legend Begins),Huang Xiao Ming (Sammo Hung's son). After years of Ip Man's escape from Mainland China.He relocates to Hong Kong to live in poverty.Ip is trying to make ends meet and wants to teach Wing Chun to students.After he has some recognition he must get permission from the other masters to teach and prove himself that he can.One of the masters is played by Sammo Hung who is an expert at Hung Fist.At the same time Hong Kong is ruled by the British and make the Chinese work for little money.There is an event boxing match of Britain's famous Boxer Twister (Shahlavi) who is an arrogant selfish bully.He ridicules the Chinese martial artists at the boxing event and ends up hurting a couple.Master Hung decides to counter and go into a match with Twister.Twister has killed Master Hung in the ring and now Ip Man must prove that Chinese martial arts can defeat Western boxing. The fighting is superb.Combines both Wire Fu and Kung Fu and the editing never looked better.Donnie gets to fight with Shaw Brother's legends Lo Meng and Fung Hak On,even though the fights were short and they are both in their 60s,they are still in top form.Sammo's fight with Donnie is different from the one in Killzone because they fight in a round table and have very limited space.Later on they become friends instead of wanting to kill each other.Huang Xiao Ming plays Donnie's disciple Wong Shun Leng.His fighting isn't bad but to be Sammo's son he's got to prove himself.Dennis To from the Ip Man prequel plays Sammo Hung's main disciple.It is one of his first films and he later proves in the prequel that he can throw down some serious Wing Chun and can also be a major kung fu star like Wu Jing.This movie put Darren Shalahvi's career on the map.Appearing in the Webisode of Mortal Kombat playing Kano and fighting along with Michael Jai White.Darren had more roles in B movies with Steve Austin and Steven Seagal.At least he is out there being recognized instead of being in crappy cameos in Zack Snyder movies like 300 and Watchmen.If you blink you probably missed his cameo appearance.This is one of the best Kung Fu movies in years along with True Legend,Ip Man prequel,Reign of Assassins.Donnie is in talks to do more Ip Man movies so stay tuned.

Très beau film de Wing Chun, action, arts martiaux avec Donnie Yen, Sammo Hung. Je suis très contente et je recommande ce film.

I own all four Ip Man DVD's and can recommend owning all of them.

I enjoy washing donnie yen.