60
Yip's chop-socky sequel does manage to up the (admittedly modest) ante of the original.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
50
San Francisco Chronicle by Amy Biancolli
If the movie packs a weaker punch than the original, it has less to do with the action sequences than the script (by Edmond Wong, son of Raymond, who wrote the first), a flimsy affair with subpar villains.
60
New York Daily News by Joe Neumaier
With action this strong, the script just needs to be serviceable - and that's exactly what it is.
80
The New York Times by Manohla Dargis
Choreographed by the film martial-arts veteran Sammo Hung, the fights are spectacularly designed and performed, relying more on muscle and skill than wirework.
70
A redundant if nonetheless occasionally thrilling follow-up bolstered by star Donnie Yen's precision combat skills.
83
Portland Oregonian by Shawn Levy
An energetic, witty and altogether well-built martial arts drama that is familiar in many ways but distinguished by its high level of craft, its sincere sentiment and drama, and the forceful charisma of its star, Donnie Yen.
63
The piéce de résistance is a "Rocky"-ish battle between bare-fisted Ip (Donnie Yen) and a racist Brit who uses boxing gloves and goes by the name Twister.
70
Boxoffice Magazine by Wade Major
A superbly well-crafted film, faithful to its cultural and cinematic heritage, and easily one of the most enjoyable entertainments of a still nascent 2011 post-holiday season.
As is consistent throughout the entire Ip Man series, the action in Ip Man 2 is the standard to beat in martial arts films. Donnie Yen continues to showcase his talent as a martial artist and even an actor, playing the reserved but confident Ip Man. Ip Man 2 however really goes above and beyond with the story, with compelling motivations and clear stakes that are impossible not to get invested in.