Ip Man 2
Well Go | Release Date: January 28, 2011
7.6
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 99 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
83
Mixed:
14
Negative:
2
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8
MrSteerFeb 6, 2011
Not as good as the first Ip Man, however, still worth a watch. Seems a little bit more "hollywood" than the first film, particularly in the plot line, but again what do you expect? The fight scenes are still very good, so definitely worthNot as good as the first Ip Man, however, still worth a watch. Seems a little bit more "hollywood" than the first film, particularly in the plot line, but again what do you expect? The fight scenes are still very good, so definitely worth watching if you're into kung fu films. DVD Rental: Yeah, why not.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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6
tdkDallasJan 28, 2011
Ip Man was a breath of fresh air. Ip Man 2 is, for me, a huge disappointment (If you are a kung fu fan then you shouldn't need anyone to tell you anyway, because you will be going to see it regardless). It is pretty much the same as any otherIp Man was a breath of fresh air. Ip Man 2 is, for me, a huge disappointment (If you are a kung fu fan then you shouldn't need anyone to tell you anyway, because you will be going to see it regardless). It is pretty much the same as any other old kung fu movie you have seen and yes...the fight scenes are good. I saw it last year online right after discovering Ip Man and the difference in the two movies was shocking. I will be going to see it again in the theaters (because I love kung fu movies) and if I don't feel the same way as before I will come back to change or add a new review. If you have not seen Ip Man and enjoy kung fu movies (even a little bit) then go find it on dvd. I wish someone was playing them together as a double feature.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
1966ZodiacJul 8, 2011
Very Good movie. Not nearly as good as the first but still good. It felt like the second half of the movie basically just copied Rocky IV. I mean if anybody has seen Rocky 4 they would know what I mean. I still recommend this movie though andVery Good movie. Not nearly as good as the first but still good. It felt like the second half of the movie basically just copied Rocky IV. I mean if anybody has seen Rocky 4 they would know what I mean. I still recommend this movie though and would advise people to see the first one. Please don't listen to the critics despite the metacritic score the first one is better(in my opinion anyways).… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
GilgafishFeb 11, 2011
Ip Man 2 is a great sequel to the first. It has skillfully choreographed fight scenes mixed in with the history of Ip Man. I was happy and excited to see some familiar faces appear left and right. All in all, a great addition to the Ip ManIp Man 2 is a great sequel to the first. It has skillfully choreographed fight scenes mixed in with the history of Ip Man. I was happy and excited to see some familiar faces appear left and right. All in all, a great addition to the Ip Man track just falling right below the first Ip Man film.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
TapashDec 29, 2020
Is great I really enjoyed the last fight it's a great martial arts movie ever
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
duhhitscolinMar 9, 2011
Ip Man 2 lived up to the hype that followed after the success of the first movie. The suspense will never be as great as the first as the war is already over. However, the movie makers were able to successfully create a whole new feeling ofIp Man 2 lived up to the hype that followed after the success of the first movie. The suspense will never be as great as the first as the war is already over. However, the movie makers were able to successfully create a whole new feeling of "fighting for survival" that was the theme for the first movie, this time in a more subtle way. It wasn't literal anymore - to survive the war - but to be able to "live"… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
HalfwelshmanJan 27, 2012
Ip Man 2 delivers equal thrills in terms of perfectly choreographed, heart-thumping fight sequences, but steps up a gear from the first in terms of character development and drama. Donnie Yen is still brilliant as Master Ip, who becomes quiteIp Man 2 delivers equal thrills in terms of perfectly choreographed, heart-thumping fight sequences, but steps up a gear from the first in terms of character development and drama. Donnie Yen is still brilliant as Master Ip, who becomes quite a compelling protagonist who goes on a real emotional journey over the course of the film, and the dreams of many a martial arts fanatic are realised as Sammo Hung not only reprises his role as lead fight choreographer, but also fights Yen in a stunning sequence with Ip and Hung balancing on a loose tabletop. Like with the first film, the villains are laughably stereotyped - having demonised the Japanese in the first film, director Wilson Yip this time turns the judgemental finger on the British. I can understand the anger that many Chinese and Hong Kong people will have for the various nations that have victimised them over the centuries, but the idea of the fim's finale - an "Eastern vs Western" boxing match is a little too ridiculous for me to stomach. Ip Man 2 is still a thoroughly entertaining film as a whole though, and is much more developed and consistent than the first film. Let's just hope one day Bruce Lee's family give permission to allow someone to tell the story of Grand Master Ip training Lee - that's the story we all really want to see told on the big screen.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
RobinsNestFeb 28, 2012
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I very much liked Ip Man giving it an 8. The mystique surrounding this melodrama of a real figure drew me into the character. IM2 focuses more in depth on IM's assimilating to his new life. The story with the corruption of the police by the British was hokey and predictable. While I enjoyed the fight scenes there were too many and always the same, save for the final fight, which reminded me of Rocky. The eastern vs western match did not distinguish the styles and why one might be better than the other. There was nothing surprising, none of the characters did anything but what I expected. Overall I was disappointed.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
Matty_KJan 15, 2012
An awesome follow up of the first movie. I thought that maybe the second movie would be a bit stretched out, but they seem to have a great formula for great kung fu movies. Hopefully they make another
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
OfficialNov 4, 2013
"Ip Man 2" is equally as good as the first one. The fight scenes are entertaining and are very well choreographed by Sammo Hung. But what both "Ip Man" and "Ip Man 2" needs to work on is the script.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
Compi24Nov 19, 2018
Wilson Yip may be laying the pro-Chinese underpinnings on a little bit thick in this follow up to his 2008 martial arts achievement, "Ip Man," but that doesn't mean "Ip Man 2" isn't the almost ceaselessly watchable, largely enjoyable watchWilson Yip may be laying the pro-Chinese underpinnings on a little bit thick in this follow up to his 2008 martial arts achievement, "Ip Man," but that doesn't mean "Ip Man 2" isn't the almost ceaselessly watchable, largely enjoyable watch that it is. Donnie Yen proves once again that his likability and physical prowess can know no bounds. And with Sammo Hung returning to provide the legendary choreography that made the first "Ip Man" so transcendent in quality, you've got yourself a must watch. Again, it's a bit over-the-top in its representation of Britain's dealings in Hong Kong during the 1940's, but a terrific piece of popcorn entertainment overall.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
ToffenuffNov 3, 2013
Good sequel, but not as great as the first. The fight sequences are still excellent and well worth watching this film for if nothing else. But the story is still decent and as usual the characters and acting are well done (for a martialGood sequel, but not as great as the first. The fight sequences are still excellent and well worth watching this film for if nothing else. But the story is still decent and as usual the characters and acting are well done (for a martial arts-centric film).… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
RAEDALSDIMay 15, 2013
Less than the first part, but it does not mean it was bad true that there greatly exaggerated in strength and a goodness of the teacher ip and the story looks traditional and non-new seems in many cases similar to the film FEARLESSLess than the first part, but it does not mean it was bad true that there greatly exaggerated in strength and a goodness of the teacher ip and the story looks traditional and non-new seems in many cases similar to the film FEARLESS representative of China Jet Li and then the other can be predict eventually the film is a beautiful trip in the love of others tolerance and not to surrender and defend the homeland… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
JB562Jan 23, 2016
A great sequel to its predecessor and ups the ante by showing the problems of the Hong Kong Chinese people being oppressed by foreigners. It's an epic struggle for survival in this Kung Fu film.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
EpicLadySpongeApr 28, 2016
Stays in the same shape as its predecessor. However, things are expected to change for the good of the production company and distributor. Ip Man 3 will possibly be interesting, right?
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
BroyaxAug 28, 2017
La suite de la vie mouvementée du Maître de Bruce Lee (une pointure donc, excusez du peu) qui vient de s'installer à Hongkong pour ouvrir sa propre école de Kung Fu...

Mouvementée, car naturellement le Maître va devoir se coltiner tous lesLa suite de la vie mouvementée du Maître de Bruce Lee (une pointure donc, excusez du peu) qui vient de s'installer à Hongkong pour ouvrir sa propre école de Kung Fu...

Mouvementée, car naturellement le Maître va devoir se coltiner tous les cadors du coin et distribuer des patates à la cantonnade (3615 kinenveu) toujours dans le respect et la bonne volonté (les enseignements du Bouddha sans doute).

Il tombe éventuellement sur un os avec le gros Sammo Hung, lequel avec l'âge n'a rien perdu de son embonpoint ni de sa vélocité : toujours aussi impressionnant avec en prime de son expérience une intensité dans son jeu (en dehors des gnons) étonnante. Sammo n'est plus un rigolo comme jadis, c'est un caïd et tu ferais bien de pas le faire chier.

Donnie n'est pas en reste et interprète toujours avec à-propos et sobriété l'humilité des arts martiaux chinois faite homme, une légitime fierté nationale. A propos de fierté, Ip Man 2 dérape un peu trop souvent dans la propagande du parti communiste revancharde -pauvres Chinois opprimés, méchants Anglais corrompus- quitte à mettre sur le même pied l'envahisseur japonais d'antan et l'ex-colonie britannique !

Voilà qui énerve sensiblement alors que le film propose par ailleurs de belles bastons et un peu moins de guimauve que dans le premier opus. On regrette néanmoins une réalisation perfectible avec des plans trop resserrés et un montage souvent trop nerveux pour être honnête.

Cette suite reste cependant et globalement agréable à suivre malgré ses vicissitudes regrettables.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
SoulWarfareMay 25, 2020
I remember watching Ip Man 2 and loving it after watching it. Now after rewatching it again, I came out feeling rather different than the first time I watched it.

Starting with what this movie improves upon is the much bigger action. SammoI remember watching Ip Man 2 and loving it after watching it. Now after rewatching it again, I came out feeling rather different than the first time I watched it.

Starting with what this movie improves upon is the much bigger action. Sammo Hung returns as the choreographer for this movie but also as a new character "Hung Chun-nam" who is an arch-nemesis of sort and rival for IP man. For example, in the first film IP man fights 10 people but what if fought dozens of them or the fight against the martial artist on the table. These fights are exciting, thrilling and very creative such as in the fight above with the use of the environment and wooden board to create interesting choreography. The introduction of western boxing against Chinese martial art makes for an amazing fight and Sammo Hung utilize both styles in a great way for fluidity vs brutality. The different styles of Chinese martial arts are also blended very well which allows for fluid interplay between the contrasting styles.

Another improvement is that within these fights, IP Man feels like he is in danger. In the first movie, IP man always dominates every fight without any real issue which worked for the movie but as the audience, we never really felt like IP Man was in danger. He fights the martial art master Hung Chun-nam (Sammo Hung) who rival IP Man in speed and power. When IP Man was fighting dozens of men who had knives at the same time it felt to us the audience that it was even too much for him to cope as he had to try and retreat. The boxer "Twister" played by Darren Shahlavi (who sadly passed away January 2015) is more ferocious and physically stronger than IP Man. I give props to Darren for giving a very arrogant and narcissistic performance to make him very hateable to the audience. The final fight against Twister is 11 minutes of fist curling excitement and is an amazing fight.

While the fights are "bigger" there not necessarily better per se. IP man 1 had a more grounded and realistic fight which is what made the first movie very unique whereas IP Man 2 uses over the top and cartooney sorts of fights. IP Man 2 utilizes a lot more wirework which is very noticeable. Additionally, a fair amount of supporting character's performance (especially the British actors) are cartoonishly bad and just feel dumb.

The story is also very weak when compared to the first movie. The movie centres on IP Man's struggle to start a martial art dojo in Hong Kong as he is challenged by cartooney martial art masters. The second half then becomes a Chinese remake of Rocky IV with his fight against the British and racist boxer twister. IP Man also gives a speech that ends racism which is similar to Rocky ending the cold war in Rocky IV. Some of the returning characters from the first movie such as Chow Ching-chuen (Simon Yam) IP Man's friend who is now amnesiac and Kam Shan-Chau (Louis Fan) a robber who has now mended his ways feel very irrelevant in the overall narrative. They don't add much to IP Man's character and honestly just feel like they are there to make people go "oh remember him from the first movie!" and that is rather disappointing. Furthermore, the first movie invoked a more intense struggle with the World War 2 invasion but this movie focuses more on Chinese pride and that results in a cliche message at the end. IP Man never really goes through a character arc like the first movie which makes the story irrelevant for his character as well.

There is one good aspect of the story that I wished was kind of explored a bit more or focused upon which is the relationship between IP Man and Wong Leung (Huang Xiaoming) his first student. His student actually goes through a character arc with his relationship with IP Man causing him to improve himself. There is only a couple of scenes where its just IP Man and Leung but they are great non-action moments that show IP Man's wisdom being used to help others. Sadly, this is kind of tossed away once the boxer Twister comes though...

Overall, I am surprised after rewatching this movie. It was not as great as I remember it. While the fights are more flashy and bigger, it doesn't have the same charm as the more brutal and grounded fights of the first movie. The story was surprisingly not great but despite all that I kind of enjoyed this movie still. This movie is more reminiscent of older martial art movies instead of doing something different like the first movie. Doing something that is already done but doing it great isn't necessarily bad. This movie has it's own charms and if you just take it as its own thing then its a really good martial art movie. However, it is a sequel and when I think of it like that then it does make me feel slightly disappointed. In the end, its a good martial art movie and you will still come out of it having a good time.… Expand
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6
clem666Feb 2, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Watch out: this review contains spoilers from the first movie!
Ip Man character did not evolve a lot since the first movie. His gunshot wound in his shoulder is totally healed and even seems to make him stronger than before. He is still this so-called pacific humble man trying to be and appear to be wise. The peaceful temper remains but Ip Man here avoids less battles and hesitate less to beat people's faces up. I found him more violent than ever even if this movie defends the idea that 'martial arts are here to protect yourself and not to attack others'.

Scenario is interesting even if the end is really predictable. The way to achieve it and the events happen are original. The fact that we witness a fight between chinese kung-fu and occidental boxing is both original and boring since we all know there is few you can actually do against a mountain of muscles. I truly wanted to believe in the story but the movie insists way too much on injustice and unfair hits to make the hero's victory more valuable that it all becomes ridiculous.

Once again we follow a bit of the chinese history as the story is nested in the colonial times. Ip Man's wife and child are once again way too underrated according to me and the movie would have been much better if more attention had been paid to them. Choregraphies are good in overall but sometimes are a total laughable mess when actors use their arms like if they wee in a childish fight. However I found acting was great in overall. Music is okay. The very ending with kid Bruce Lee is cool and quite unexpected.… Expand
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9
DiptanshuMay 5, 2020
Epic,action-packed entertaining sequel!Great music and theme,amazing acting,story was Decent nice follow up to prequel and screenplay was great unlike 1st one this felt engaging and nice certain flow to story,Action scenes were MasterpieceEpic,action-packed entertaining sequel!Great music and theme,amazing acting,story was Decent nice follow up to prequel and screenplay was great unlike 1st one this felt engaging and nice certain flow to story,Action scenes were Masterpiece every fight was awesome specially the table master fight the jumps,the fast-paced hand to hand punches that was another level of intensity.the another master change of mind was amazing and nice side elements like news papers and whole foreigner conflicts and school.ending was great death was sad,win was great and That Cameo literally I was surprised and chilled it was awesome!Overall it was action-packed Entertaining Amazing Sequel!… Expand
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