Ameriatch One of the best films i have seen

Stoutor It's not great by any means, but it's a pretty good movie that didn't leave me filled with regret for investing time in it.

Nicole I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.

Gary The movie's not perfect, but it sticks the landing of its message. It was engaging - thrilling at times - and I personally thought it was a great time.

classicsoncall I saw the original "Ip Man" movie about five months ago, and on the strength of that film, decided to watch this sequel. I enjoy the occasional martial arts flick for the action and excitement and on that score, this one delivered. However I still maintain the reservations I have about single individuals in stories like this that can take on ten men at a time and come out victorious, or have the ability to absorb the kind of punishment these fighters do and still be able to walk around afterwards with little or no effect. And unlike the first movie, this one included some entertaining wire work that allowed it's principals to defy the law of gravity in interesting ways. The table fight between Ip Man (Donnie Yen) and Master Hung (Sammo Kam-Bo Hung) being a case in point. The story line, following up on "Ip Man", had it's title character relocating from the Chinese city of Foshan to Hong Kong during a political purge. Ip Man finds himself in a situation similar to saloon owners during Prohibition, having to pay monthly protection money to a local gang lord. In this case, the gang lord is Master Hung, the recognized Grand Master of all the martial artists allowed to offer training to prospective students. What I found somewhat unlikely was Ip Man offering his opponents a conciliatory "Thanks for letting me win" each time he defeated one of them in order to earn his own school. Even though I didn't like his character, the British boxer Twister, portrayed by Darren Shahlavi, had one of the most incredible physiques you're likely to find anywhere; almost to the point of making me wonder if there was some sort of CGI enhancement used for his rugged features. He was as ripped, or maybe even more so, than Stallone in "Rocky III", and that's saying something. His arrogance and condescending attitude toward everyone he came in contact with made him a superb villain. But with pictures like this, you have to know going in that in the final analysis, he's going to meet his defeat at the hands of the movie's star, so no exception to the rule there. So as I say, I thought the film was an action packed, entertaining film with plenty of exciting fight sequences, both one on one and in one particular case, a massive street brawl between rival gangs that virtually destroyed an entire village block. Only trouble is, one must suspend disbelief and consider only the athleticism and physical skills involved in choreographing those battle scenes. Reality doesn't play a large part in establishing winners and losers here, so if you're OK with that, then you'll have a fun time with the movie. I also liked the way this one came to a close, with Ip Man meeting a young, arrogant lad who would one day become his most famous pupil - Bruce Lee.

Peter Lorme 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.

jeff light Firstly, I think some people will look at any martial arts film, even one based on a real person's life, and say "What does the story matter? As long as there's good action!" Even if that's you, do not waste your time on this film.Donnie Yen is amazing, and Sammo Hung is also a legend, they both do great work. There is ONE scene with them that is worth looking up on Youtube. However, there are many other scenes in the film that focus on other martial artists, or more likely actors who TRY to do martial arts. The quality level just isn't there. There is a lot of use of wire-work, and lots of quick editing to make it look like there is power and speed to the fights when actually there is none (even for some of Yen's moves). There is even a fight in the movie with a character wearing boxing gloves, and this is portrayed as not making him any slower or less-damaging to the other fighters. Not only is it a fair fight, he's even MORE powerful than them. Most of the fights are just ridiculous, not close to the level of the first Ip Man film.Another comparison to be made to Ip Man 1 is that these films both claim to tell a story based on Ip Man's life. Now, while the first film showed Ip Man doing manual labor and having a public fight with a Japanese general (which weren't true), the film was at least based on truths from the real time period. Many Chinese were impoverished, were victims of Japanese brutality and atrocities. It was modern Chinese propaganda, but it had a historical basis.Ip Man 2 is just blatant propaganda. Ip Man did move to Hong Kong and open a school. There was a boxing match between his STUDENT and a Russian boxer. And.....those are pretty much the only parts of the film that have any basis in reality. Every British person in the film is only interested in exploiting the Chinese and keeping them making money for them. I actually looked online to find any basis for this and couldn't. All the main roles are such one-dimensional, raging, racist assholes that it's hard to believe they wouldn't be killed in their sleep their first night in Hong Kong. The Chinese characters, on the other hand, do some pretty horrible things to each other, and show zero concern for the lives of other Chinese. But the message in the film is that if you unify against non- Chinese, then you prove your worth and all will be forgiven.This is a 2 hour piece of propaganda, plain and simple. "Hong Kong, don't fight China! Our real enemy is the foreigners who hate our skin color and history! It is what binds us together, so ignore any oppression by Chinese in power, and instead tell the foreigners that they must respect us!"The EndP.S.- For a good Yen/Hung film, watch S.P.L! It has awesome fights AND an actual plot!

dracotestudo 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 ;)