O Grande Mestre 2

I somehow doubted that IP MAN 2 would compare to the general excellence of the first film, but to my surprise and delight it does! It's a cracking little action movie that tells an involving, true-life story that doesn't just repeat the same kind of stuff we saw in the first film. This time around, Ip Man must test his mettle against a series of Hong Kong martial arts masters before taking his talent to the world stage.

The film displays exactly the same kind of sumptuous production values as the original, with Wilson Yip's expert direction combining with Sammo Hung's beautiful fight choreography to startling effect. Hung himself appears as a rival master and his various bouts with Yen are awe-inspiring, and there's a mid-way set-piece in a fish market that has to be seen to be believed – one of the greatest large-scale fight scenes ever put on film. By the time we reach the events of the last reel, involving a nasty British boxer, I was fully behind the film and loving every action-packed minute. It goes without saying that Yen gives a seemingly effortless performance and that the film provides real heart as well as top-notch action. Outstanding!