Few had any hope that the “Ip Man” sequel would compare to the original 2008 film, which featured a career-best performance. Donnie Yen. But, filmed by the same team, in addition to changing the time period, “Ip Man 2” turned out to be even better than its predecessor. Director Wilson Yip and screenwriter Edmond Wong still use the theme of the classic martial arts films of the '60s and early '70s, with a story of rival schools, plenty of stoic Chinese patriotism, and exaggerated portrayals of racist villains (the Japanese are British instead). , and characters expressed through deftly shot fights with superb choreography in the purist style of Sammo Hung. But by shedding the burden of having to introduce their hero against the backdrop of detailing the Sino-Japanese War, they improved the storytelling.
The highlight of the film is Poon Hang-sang's widescreen cinematography, which is much smoother and finely structured than the less experienced Oh Sing-pui in the first part. Despite its apparent simplicity, Poon's camera brings out the best in Kenneth Mak's temp designs and Lee Pik-kwan's costumes, which are eerily reminiscent of the work of Hong Kong studios 40 years ago.
Donnie Yen is once again superb in his role, mixing ascetic calm and righteousness with impressive fighting skills, leaving no screen space even for Sammo Hung, whose arrogance adds an element of comedy to an ailing rival master with a family as big as his waist. .
Even though Yen and Hungg's relationship begins with rivalry, it is easy to guess that everything should end with a team against the evil British policeman and the boxing champion he brought, as well as the fact that Chinese ethics and martial arts will triumph. The events leading up to this are also extremely entertaining, with frequent classic fights accompanying it (at the Kwue Chung fish market; on a wobbly table; twice in the ring).
The only shortcomings are Simon Yam's performance, this time as a deranged drifter, and the underutilization of Fang Xiu Wong's character Jin Shanzhao, one of the most energetic fighters in the first film. In fact, the scenes with Yam should have been cut entirely, since several episodes with his participation simply slow down the development of the plot for no reason. Chinese actress Lynn Xiong, in the role of Ip Man's pregnant wife, also showed her best side. Other actors are no worse chosen, for example, Chinese youth Huang Xiaoming in the role of Ip Man's student looks like he came straight from the film Golden Harvest of the 70s.
“Ip Man-ia” is in full swing: Herman Yau’s prequel “The Legend Is Born: Ip Man” is due out in June, “The Grand Master” by Wong Kar-Wai is at the end current year. As a result, Donnie Yen, Wilson Yip and Edmond Wong will be under enormous pressure to maintain the same level of quality while detailing Bruce Lee's training years in the inevitable sequel, Ip Man 3.
Derek Alley's score: 9/10
Author: Derek Alley
Source: filmbiz.asia
Translation: EvilDollaR
Home » Reviews » Translated reviews »
Tags: Donnie Yen, Ip Man 2, Sammo Hung, Wilson Yip
Tags: Donnie Yen, Ip Man 2, Sammo Hung, Wilson Yip
I didn’t finish writing... Well, the attack occurred due to poor nutrition and excessive smoking. So even in his youth, Sammo smoked like a locomotive. Yes, even now. Previously, I didn’t even think that he smoked until I watched SPL. (I wouldn’t be surprised if Sammo also has asthma.) And Donnie Yen is not far behind. Like the masters of the East. Doesn't smoking interfere with martial arts? Well, okay, our judokas smoke there, they don’t care)))
I was so worried about Sammo, because during the filming he had a heart attack, and in the hospital they found a blood clot in his blood vessels. Fortunately, everything went without complications. Joyce, I read, hid honey. face with a mask of tears, I was very worried. (((Timmy sat the entire time Sammo was in the hospital, at his father’s bedside with his future wife, a model. (I also read that Sammo, apparently, is not yet ready to become a grandfather, so he is all in work, just so as not to talk about it think. ))))) )
cdem daty oficialnogo filma na dvd
Yes, the author is most likely not aware of Donnie's statements.
As far as I know, Donnie Yen was not going to make the 3rd Ip Man with Wilson Yip, but the article says otherwise.
Were there any official statements???
Slav - take the 2nd parts as one whole, in fact that’s how it is.
> When is the official release date on DVD unknown?
The Chinese license with English subs is on Amazon.
The first film was still stronger. Although the fighting here is tougher and the Wing Chun technique is presented more vividly, rope technology is sometimes disgusting, especially for Sammo Hung. The plot is also weak. The character of Simon Yam really could have been thrown out - because it’s nonsense..
In general, it’s ok, as they say, fights take you out :)
By the way, they cut out some of Donnie’s movements in the fight at the market, which I liked so much in the trailer... It’s a shame...
When is the official release date on DVD unknown?