Ip man is about Master Yip, a Kung Fu teacher in 1930s small town (Foshan) China. There are many competing Kung Fu houses in this small town and a few thugs come through to challenge the Masters. One thing leads to another and the Japanese invade. Modestly, some of the Kung Fu Masters are challenged by the resident Japanese General and well,
Master Yip humbly requests to fight 10 men. Well, that story goes on, he ends up fighting the General in a public bout ... aaaand we come to
IP MAN 2
based in Hong Kong, Master Yip starts his own kung fu school. Again, lots of houses competing, but in this cliquey little town you need to pay dues and join the business owners association...by fighting each other.
this was a pretty great scene, but only to be overshadowed by another scene where Master Yip takes on a whole wharf of kung fu fighters (and some past rivals as well) fending off foes with wooden pallets, among other things.
The climax of the film comes when the master takes on a totally racist British prize fighter, for the honor of the Chinese warriors. Then Master Yip makes a really touching speech about how Chinese people are modest and that we all need to be accepting of each other. Also, baby Bruce Lee shows up.
Fight choreography: awesome
Protagonist likeability: i want to take this guy out for a cup of coffee and discuss things, maybe share family pictures
Story believability: negative. This man is a super man.
What can we learn from this movie? Even though we are all different, we can respect each other. Master Yip is an admirable role model and a global treasure.