Ip Man 2 (2011)

Better Late Then Never

Clever, believable, and super fun to watch. It totally has replay value.

True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.

Great movie. Not sure what people expected but I found it highly entertaining.

Ip Man 2 (2011) is a worthy sequel that continues to bring the same charisma as the first. In a familiar fashion, this movie brings thrilling action while also having an emotional side to it. We also get to see more amazing fight choreography. While I did enjoy this movie a great deal, it felt a lot like the first one. The structure, the directing, the way dramatic events unfold, etc. It didn't feel unique, nor did it feel as enthralling as the first one was. Still, it was undeniably exciting, there was some great acting, the plot was pretty good, and I was never bored. I understand that this movie was "based on true events", but there are a striking number of similarities to the first one when it comes down to the narrative. As a whole, it isn't as good as the first one, but 'Ip Man 2" still brings charm, emotion, and excitement.

I'm not really a fan of martial arts movies , but I liked the first one , so I had to give this one a chance too. The movie is kinda less interesting than first one , because it's not set during the war (which made the first movie so interesting). It feels more like a standard kung fu movie , yet the story has some interesting twists that make it interesting to watch. Since this is the sequel it does follow the familiar path sometimes and obviously isn't that fresh.This movie is based on real story , yet I'm not sure if the portrayal of Brits in this movie is accurate . They are here very one dimensional, arrogant and evil. Simple villains. Just like Ivan Drago in "Rocky 4" . Actually the movie quite easily turns into a cousin of "Rocky 4" near the last 40 minutes. Since I like the Stallone movie I didn't had any problems with that.The fight scenes are just as impressive as in the first one. There is a good portion of drama and some well placed humor moments . The music is still epic and acting is good. The ending is predictable , but cute.I give it 7/10.

Directed again by Wilson Yip (for the last time in the series) Ip Man 2 continues the tale of Ip Man and his rise to worldwide fame. There have been less complaints about the film makers "frugality" with actual events this time around. Picking up where Ip Man finished, the film takes place in Hong Kong.Donnie Yen reprises his role as the modest yet powerful Wing Chun master Ip Man. But he is not alone, he's got company from several actors from the first film. Actors Simon Yam, Lynn Hung, Siu-Wong Fan, and Li Chak are all back reprising their roles from the first film.One very delightful addition to the cast is Sammo Hung, who choreographed Ip Man 1 and 2, playing the overbearing martial artist master Hung-Chun Nam. Despite recovering from major heart surgery just prior to filming, Sammo gives his usual level of acting and (performing all his own stunts and getting injured in the process) fighting.This time around it's not just other martial arts masters that Ip Man has to deal with, it's the occupational British who have claimed Hong Kong for their commonwealth. With an overbearing attitude, which to be far the English in those days practised wherever they happened to occupy, and a clear distaste for the new British commonwealth citizenry; the people who "run" Hong Kong are equal to the Japanese in their attitude if not their actions.Despite this being the real focal point of the film, the actors playing the snobby and dislikable English overseers of Hong Kong are abysmal. Not one of them can decide which accent to use sounding like a strange combination of Australian, quasi-English, American, and God knows what else.Bad accents aside, the acting level was such that I harboured suspicions that the film makers had grabbed foreign tourists off the street to plug into the roles of the villainous British leaders. In a film where most of the climatic scenes take place against these oppressors, it really hurt not only the credibility of the film but it marred the film's message as well.Still, the fight scenes were impressive, the students were likable, irritating and endearing, and Ip Man's wife was a lot more understanding this time around.I need to say a quick word about Siu-Wong Fan who got to reprise his role as Jin from the first film, his character is a reformed man after the experiences from his interactions with Ip in the first film. He gets more of a part to play in the proceedings as a good guy, but then, he practically disappears for the rest of the film. I loved what he did with Jin and he was easily my favourite character besides Ip and Hung.Donnie Yen has gone on record as saying that this is the definitive Ip Man film and that it easily overshadows the first film. I disagree. While he does a brilliant job, again, as Ip; the film doesn't have quite the same structure or fluidity that the first film offered. The scenes of Ip fighting Master Nam (and his sycophants) could have been a lot longer although, admittedly, the premise of fighting on a loose table top was pretty damned impressive.When Ip Man 2 was in its pre-production stage, it was going to focus on Ip's relationship with famous pupil Bruce Lee. Due to their inability to get legal clearance from Lee's family in time, Lee's "appearance" in the film is shortened to just a few seconds of a very young Lee "meeting" Ip Man. A short sequence that was amusing, but intimately un-needed, I thought.Overall, despite Yen's assurances that this the Ip Man movie that will gain legendary status, I did not enjoy the film nearly as much as I did the first one. Consequently, I've given it a 4 out of 5 stars after taking a full star off for the un-even acting skills of the non-Chinese actors in the film.Although I am sure that all the "foreign" actors in the film were hampered somewhat by working in a film that doesn't feature English as its main language, a problem that I've noticed in most Asian films that feature English or American actors/characters. I hope that the next project they work on doesn't handicap them as badly as this film did.This is available on iTunes at the moment.

To start, the camera and artwork is done beautifully. I felt that every second was thought out carefully. The perspectives of the shots and what was happening fit very well together. Although those with "lazy eyes" may disagree, the subtitles seemingly disappeared within a few minutes. This effect is only achieved (for myself) when all details, large and small, fall nicely into place. In a way, subtitles can enhance a film. Not a word is lost due to volume imbalances. Despite the rough translations in many movies, the spirit still comes through strongly.The action is executed with obvious expertise, ensuing moments of "OUCH!" and "NICE ONE!" Some may feel much suspense, others will find the conflicts somewhat predictable. For this, I will subtract one star. Now, the most important part; the lesson. There are certain lessons that drive any film to success when finished properly. The movies I adore most are the ones in which I learn the most. I'm sure there are other films that teach this lesson just as well, if not better. I must say though, my throat knotted up and I bit my tongue to hold back tears near the end.My sense of this word (the word being the lesson and also spoken) has greatly attuned. What this movie has taught me is permanently etched into my soul. Hint: The practical wisdom is translated in the last eighth ;)