Two years ago we were treated to Ip Man, the story of the first martial arts master to teach the Chinese martial art of Wing Chun, also the same man to teach Bruce Lee. The lead role was played by the great Donnie Yen, also appearing in the film was Simon Yam. And on top of that it was directed by Wilson Yip. This very quickly became my favorite Donnie Yen film, which, if you know his work, is an amazingly high compliment. Now we’re faced with the sequel. I was really excited to see this but feared it would let me down because the first movie was such a masterpiece. Back again we’ve got Wilson Yip in the director’s chair. Simon Yam is returning in the same, but smaller role. And Donnie Yen is once again Ip Man. However this time around we’ve got an added bonus, and holy shit what a bonus. Sammo Hung is in the sequel! Here’s the story of Ip Man trying to get his school together, he’s running into problems with money, getting students and finally a corrupt ring of martial arts masters in the area. After some pretty badass fights Ip Man earns the respect of the other masters but refuses to pay money in order to teach so problems continue. This all comes to a head when a western boxing match is arranged. An english boxer is flown in and of course starts shit with the chinese students. A massive brawl breaks out leaving the Englishman the victor, but this is the spark for the boxer’s showdown with Master Hung Quan (Sammo). We get an amazing fight of Rocky IV proportions, in for the rematch is Ip Man vs the boxer. This is easily the best movie fight I’ve seen all year, and maybe even the year before. It’s that goddamn good. This movie isn’t as good as the first, because that may be impossible, but it does come close. If anyone is a fan of martial arts movies in the least bit you MUST see this.
Filed under: Action, Drama, Movies/Shows, Reviews | Tagged: Bruce Lee, Donnie Yen, Ip Man, martial arts, movie, review, Reviews, Sammo Hung, simon yam, Wilson Yip, wing chun | Leave a Comment »
