Summary
- Dennis To reprises his role as Ip Man in the upcoming film, Ip Man: Kung Fu Legend, continuing the franchise tradition.
- The new movie will focus on Ip Man's life in Hong Kong and his encounter with the British-backed crime syndicate.
- To's performance was praised for its realism and staying true to Ip Man's legendary character.
Ip Man will bring more action to the big screen when it returns. A martial arts pro is also returning to the franchise to reprise the titular role.
Ip Man is a hit biographical martial arts franchise that has produced several movies. It is based on the life of Ip Man, a grandmaster of the martial art Wing Chun. He was the teacher of martial artist legend Bruce Lee. There are two main sets of Ip Man films — the first one is by Donnie Yen and the second by Dennis To. Yen appeared in four films — Ip Man (2008), Ip Man 2 (2010), Ip Man 3 (2015), and Ip Man 4: The Finale (2019). To leads the spinoffs — The Legend is Born: Ip Man (2010) and Ip Man: Kung Fu Master (2019).
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To is set to return and lead the next movie, Ip Man: Kung Fu Legend. He will return to portray the titular character for the third time. His casting was confirmed at the Cannes Film Market, Variety reported. To was a former Wushu champion, so he is perfect for the role because he delivers a realistic performance during the fighting scenes. To’s Ip Man movies are focused on the early training and development of the legendary martial artist before he became a grandmaster. Beijing Huiyong Film and Television Media Co. Produces the film with Well Go as the distributor. The film is currently in production and is expected to wrap up filming in the third quarter.
To’s third film will reportedly follow the events in his second movie, Kung Fu Master. The second film was set in the late 1940s when Ip Man served as a police captain in Foshan. He used his skills in martial arts to serve justice, and while it earned him respect, it also gained him enemies. He was framed when a powerful crime boss was arrested and mysteriously killed while in police custody. Ip Man was forced to resign from the police force because he was being targeted and he had to clear his name while protecting his family. At the same time, the Japanese army began invading Guangzhou, adding a new layer of conflict. Kung Fu Legend will reportedly follow Ip Man’s life after he left Foshan and relocated to Hong Kong, where he established a martial arts school. However, he will find himself at odds with a British-backed crime syndicate. Regardless, Ip Man will continue to protect the people and serve as a symbol of resistance.
To is a great pick to portray the legendary martial artist because of his background. As a real-life martial artist, himself, and a Wushu champion, he delivers raw and grounded performance for the fighting scenes. This is among the things fans love about him — the precision and realism. Fans have also been attached to him since he first portrayed Ip Man in 2010. They saw Ip Man in him from being a disciplined student, a notable police officer, and now, as an influential teacher in Hong Kong. To has grown into the role, and his subtle and respectful performance stays true to Ip Man’s legendary character of calmness, humility, and strength.
Ip Man: Kung Fu Legend has no official release date yet.
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Source: Variety