Yip Man 2 (2010) Reviews

• Where action becomes an art form.

  loccomotive20002010-04-28

  Donnie Yen returns as the titular kung fu grandmaster in Ip Man 2, with Wilson Yip reassuming his directorial duties and, most importantly, Sammo Hung back in his role as action director, and also as a main character. The story picks up from where the first movie left off. Ip, having survived the war period in Foshan, moves to Hong Kong with his family and attempts to make a living teaching his beloved art of Wing Chun boxing. However, he is met with opposition and hardship in the form of rival martial arts schools and the atypical British oppressors, and finds that even his formidable martial arts prowess may not be enough to resolve these problems. But the story aside, anyone with a little background knowledge of this film should know what to expect; a dose of intense Hong Kong kung fu film action. As the story begins to drag, at some point even a unsuspecting viewer should have realized that all the plot devices and dialogue serve little purpose other than as catalysts leading to the combat scenes. And at helm of the fight scenes is none other than the legendary Sammo Hung, in familiar territory choreographing the Wing Chun style, which he made a name for himself in movies such as The Prodigal Son in the 80s. With some creative input of his own, he manages to compose complex and graceful fight sequences that stays true to traditional kung fu styles, from Praying Mantis to Hung Gar Kuen. And who better to bring his imagination to life than the ever reliable Donnie Yen? What Hung designs, Yen executes with masterful control and precision. And in the movie when the former steps up to challenge the latter in a sparring session, we witness two of Hong Kong's greatest kung fu stars pushing themselves doing what they're best at in a brilliant exchange of strikes and blows. Absolutely a sight to behold. In the end, the typical viewer is unlikely to be captivated by the highly borrowed storyline, save for some who still enjoy the cinematic display of Chinese pride that is rather blatant and unsubtle. But you will be blown away by the fights, you will be in awe of the moves, and, if you're able to, appreciate the action scenes not as the mindless, disposable portion of the movie, but rather the core of it, carefully thought out, executed, and filmed as a true form of art. With that, forgive the storyline, and enjoy the film for what it is.

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• Please do homework before giving your comments

  chinahengst2010-07-04

  Overall, Ip Man's series has been a very inspirational trip for me. I grew up with Bruce Lee and from the direction of the director, I see where the movie is going to, whether it's historic or not. Before anyone else say anything about the western boxer in this movie, I lived through the end 70's of Asian martial arts world and I must say it has has it's share of "to the death boxing matches". Growing up in asia, we have had our share of nonregulated matches where contestant signed papers which declared their fight to the death. So it is no surprise that in this movie such a scene would occur. Not having TV at that time, the thrill of hearing such a match from radio (I remember my first Ali match and it was also on Radio, not TV) I can sympathise for the director's broad representation of history. On the whole, when Ip Man told his disciple Leung, that he wasn't trying to teach him how to fight but to teach him the values of "martial morals", reminded me of my martial arts training under my master. Movies reflect life and in this moment of the film, I totally understood what the movie was going to. I can only say, seek the truth and not be blinded by what is presented.

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• Exciting action sequences marred by weak third segment

  Akira-362010-05-13

  Ip Man 2 contains top-notch action sequences from the beginning to the end. It is a befitting sequel that is almost on par with the first movie. However, it is unfortunate that some of the action scenes rely too much on wire-works. The battle between the masters for example, was inventive but a bit on the fantastical side. Looking back at the first movie, all of the best action sequences were much more grounded in realistic portrayal, as the Wing Chun style looks good in this manner. It was good to see some cool style vs style fights though, as we get to see Animal Style, Baguazhang and Hung Gar vs. Wing Chun. A friend and I were wondering though if it'd be more accurate to present Preying Mantis, Taiji and Choy Li Fut in the mix as these styles are well established in Hong Kong. In terms of plot, Ip Man 2 transitions nicely from the first movie, where we get to follow Ip Man as he establishes and propagates Wing Chun in Hong Kong after escaping Communist persecution in 1949. A fact that was obscured by making the character look like he's escaping the Japanese Army instead. No doubt this is a marketing ploy to make sure the movie would not upset the powers-that-be in China. And like the first movie, Ip Man 2 takes liberty with many facts and plot to condense the essence of Ip Man's characters and what he stood for. It is interesting to note that little is mentioned about his sibling and extended family who helped him in some capacity during this difficult period of time. One of his first pupils was loosely based on a real-life counterpart, the late Master Wong Shung Leung. In Ip Man's old life, he'd often send Wong to successfully answer challenges. Sammo Hung has delivered yet another amazing feat with choreographing this movie, despite his declining health during production. My biggest disappointment has to do with the blatant stereotype and one-dimensional characterization of the British colonists and the Twister character. It's a lazy writing that may excite a certain segment in the Chinese market, but in my eyes this serves only to bring down the movie to B-grade martial art flicks of bygone era. There's no denying the populist appeal of this method considering the main target market. All in all, this has been a fun movie to watch, and I hope the prequel will be as fun, if not more mature in its storytelling.

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• I am impressed

  dusan-222010-05-13

  After I wrote my comment on Ip Man part I, I said I have not seen such action movie since Bruce Lee. Well, here is another movie of the same kind. No mistake. Afer we saw all the Stallones, Van Dammes and Schwarzeneggers we finally got one more film milestone. I really cannot find anything bad about this film. Except maybe ... the first part develops the characters more carefully, so if you have not seen the first sequel you might not recognize some fun in numb 2 ... But, everything else is a work of a masterpiece!! Acting, costumes, development of the action plot and emotional plot as well ... Just keep on working, seriously - I have not seen such a good action movie serial made anywhere else in the world for a very long time, especially not in Hollywood. After Kurosawa and Bruce Lee, this is the name you suppose to remember!!!

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• I can't wait for the part three

  senator-travian-s52010-05-13

  What a movie! It was long time ago since I watched movie that triggered so many different emotions in me. I honor the director for daring to shoot the movie which shows the real face of foreign colonizers and their disrespect for the local culture. After flood of very bad and shallow movies which Hollywood machinery had spit out in the last decade, Chinese movies are real refreshment which break the western pattern- sex with pretty girls, bad jokes and "spreading of democracy" by any means necessary. That is why I respect Chines culture the most. Anyway, Donnie Yen is the perfect guy for this job. His moves are fluent and perfect, but it is his facial expression that impress me the most- I am peaceful, I do not want any troubles, just let me be, otherwise... The story of this movie is almost perfect, no matter what other people here say. Certain characters are little pushed to the extremes, but that is exactly what gives this movie a charm. Nevertheless, I find the story told in the first movie little more original. After watching Yip Man 2 I was really sorry that it had to end. You cotton with the characters in some way and I can not wait for the part three. It would be the trilogy better than Godfather, I dare to say! This is the movie you have to watch and, after that, I am sure that you will want to watch it again. But, de gustibus non est disputandum! At the end, who can satisfy everyones appetite!?

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