Ip Man 2

In the 1950s, master Ip Man settled in Hong Kong to teach the Wing Chun style, nurturing many students and contributing greatly to the eventual establishment of the style's worldwide reputation. In the film, Ip (Donnie Yen) teaches Wing Chun on the rooftop of his apartment. While gaining respect from other local masters, Ip refuses to pay protection fees to the foreign police officer and is forced to move his class to the park. A British boxer openly scorns Chinese martial arts and Hung Kuen master Hung (Sammo Hung) challenges him but loses. Ip steps up to protect the dignity of the nation and Chinese martial arts. The film depicts in detail Ip's unique qualities—a gentle peacemaker, but also resolute and unyielding when national pride is at stake. Hong Kong was a very hardworking city, and there were some rules still practised with racial prejudice. Master Hung's fate in the film is a vivid illustration of that situation and Ip's forthright call for equality a rightful approach towards it. This Ip Man sequel extends the contemporary wuxia cinema practice of upholding national pride and standing up against racial justice. Together with depictions of old Hong Kong and nostalgic animation of family values, a humanised image of a grandmaster is fostered.

# Post-screening talk with David Chan

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