With the success of the film IP MAN the makers and star of
the film, Donnie Yen, carried on his story. A life so full and filled with so
much that took place it would take 4 films to complete. This second one follows
his movie from Foshan to British ruled Hong Kong.
Having left his small town after the invasion by the
Japanese, Ip Man is now living in Hong Kong with his family. There he decides
to open his own martial arts studio. The only problem is that he has no
reputation yet and is having difficulty finding students. A young man named
Wong Shun Leung thinking Ip Man will be an easy win and challenges him to a
fight, only to be easily defeated. He returns with his friends and they become
the first of many students to follow.
While hanging posters promoting the school Wong is kidnapped
by the members of the Hung Ga school who demand ransom from Ip Man. He goes to
the location provided but rather than hand over their captive he and Wong are
attacked. Far outnumbered they fare well but it is with the help of former
bandit and friend Jin Shanzhao and his men that they are saved.
Only after is Ip Man approached by Hung Chun-nam (Sammo
Hung), the master of the gang’s school as well as the head of the coalition of
Hong Kong martial arts clubs. He informs Ip Man that before he can be allowed
to open his school he must show his worth by attending a special ceremony.
Afterwards Ip Man and Wong are arrested by police Officer Fatso for disturbing
the peace. At this time we also learn that Hung and Fatso are both on the
payroll of Superintendent Wallace, a corrupt British Hong Kong officer.
Ip Man and Wong attend the special club ceremony where
members are tested on their ability. Ip Man easily defeats all opponents but if
finally faced with a challenge from Hung himself which results in a draw. Hung
grants him the opening of his school as long as he pays his monthly protection
fees which Ip Man refuses to do. In retaliation Hung has his students harass
anyone wishing to attend Ip Man’s school. When Ip Man confronts him on this the
two battle once more stopping only after Ip Man prevents Hung from accidentally
striking his own son. With newfound respect the two come to terms and Hung
invites him to a match with a British fighter the next day.
The competition is intended by the martial arts schools to
promote their art form and culture. Instead Wallace has set things up to keep
his foot on their throats, bringing in Taylor "The Twister" Miller, a
brute fighter determined to do as much damage as possible and a racists to
boot. Taking down the various members it results in Hung having to defend the
honor of the Chinese by facing off against Miller. Weakened by asthma as well
as his fight with Ip Man, Hung loses the bout as well as his life. Wallace then
issues a challenge to anyone willing to take him on.
Spurred on by the Chinese who are reasonably upset by the
sheer brutality with which Hung was dispensed they call on Ip Man to take up
the cause. Waiting for his wife to give birth, she gives him her blessing to
fight. He trains and accepts Wallace’ challenge and the two face off against
one another. Only one man, one race will win this battle.
The movie follows the footsteps of its predecessor by
combining factual information with film fantasy to tell the story of a man
whose life was an amazing set of circumstances. It also brings in those
elements of history to present a story of what was transpiring at the time and
how the people of Hong Kong were being treated. Combine that with the superb
fight choreography and cinematography and you have yet another movie that
deserves repeated viewing. It also proves that Donnie Yen remains a star worth
watching no matter what he’s involved in. It also pays tribute to one of the
earliest stars of Chinese martial arts films Sammo Hung placed in a role that
doesn’t require him to be funny but serious for once. That was a nice change to
see.
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