Having defeated the best fighters of the Imperial Japanese army in occupied Shanghai, Ip Man and his family settle in post-war Hong Kong. Struggling to make a living, Master Ip opens a kung fu school to bring his celebrated art of Wing Chun to the troubled youth of Hong Kong. His growing reputation soon brings challenges from powerful enemies, including pre-eminent Hung Gar master, Hung Quan.
"Ip Man 2: Legend of the Grand Master" is distinguished by a string of stylishly choreographed martial-arts combat scenes, though barely serviceable in its storytelling.
– Ted Fry,
Seattle Times,
27 Jan 2011
fresh:
The film's fight choreography is again handled by the legendary Sammo Hung - he also now has a supporting role and incredibly shot his own fight scenes while recuperating from heart surgery - and that alone makes the film worth checking out.
– Mark Olsen,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Jan 2011
fresh:
Director Wilson Yip keeps the movie moving as fast as the whiplash action.
– Manohla Dargis,
New York Times,
27 Jan 2011
fresh:
"Ip Man 2" has eye candy to spare. But it is lacking in formalities such as character development and plot coherence, and the stereotyped Brits are straight out of central casting.
– V.A. Musetto,
New York Post,
28 Jan 2011
rotten:
One of the highest-grossing films in Hong Kong history, but it doesn't add much to the crowded history of martial-arts movies.