I was waiting for some real footage before covering Wilson Yip's upcoming 葉問2 (Ip Man 2), sequel to last year's madly energetic biopic of the Wing Chun pioneer, but today's press conference and a few words by Donnie Yen himself are worth mentioning. We'll leave details about the film to when we can actually show you something (this second installment will focus on Yip's days in Hong Kong, and a younger, pre-legendary status Bruce Lee), and Yen said himself the series is likely to stop at 2. But this we can certainly say now: he's not retiring. Not next year, and not at 50.
Donnie commented that considering his body is not what it used to be, and that he's been shooting action films non stop - just this year, 十月圍城 (Bodyguards and Assassins), 錦衣衛 (14 Blades), and this - the fatigue and pain are starting to seriously take their toll, so he gets the urge to quit every time one shoot ends, energy which comes back right away, after a little rest and some time to recharge his batteries. Seems like it was just something said in the frenzy of the moment.
So the idea is... we might not get a third installment of the Ip Man series, and Donnie might move to slightly less demanding work down the line - next is Andrew Lau's 夜行侠陈真 (The Legend of Chen Zhen) - but he's not leaving us anytime soon. That's your good news of the day...
[Mtime]
Donnie commented that considering his body is not what it used to be, and that he's been shooting action films non stop - just this year, 十月圍城 (Bodyguards and Assassins), 錦衣衛 (14 Blades), and this - the fatigue and pain are starting to seriously take their toll, so he gets the urge to quit every time one shoot ends, energy which comes back right away, after a little rest and some time to recharge his batteries. Seems like it was just something said in the frenzy of the moment.
So the idea is... we might not get a third installment of the Ip Man series, and Donnie might move to slightly less demanding work down the line - next is Andrew Lau's 夜行侠陈真 (The Legend of Chen Zhen) - but he's not leaving us anytime soon. That's your good news of the day...
[Mtime]
You know how it is. When you're among the very, very best, you can't just sit back and let others get all of the glory. Donnie is always going to be remembered as a legend and it's good that he's enjoying his peak of success now.
This won't be a Michael Jordan thing where he retires for a bit and then comes back as an embarrassment. He knows what he's doing...
I watched Ip Man last night on blu ray and loved it. He has an awesome presence and obviously is an incredible fighter. Good news.
He can't retire yet. He still has to face Tony Jaa in their supposed match up!
Yes, i knew he would`t retire that soon. I hope Donnie is wrong about not making a third Ip Man film. I want to see a trilogy.
Excellent news!
Ip Man totally blew me away I must say, after hearing the news of his retirement I was really worried, you just cant retire after making such a fine movie.
Donnie Yen has renewed my faith in Hong Kong, they are back on the rise and thanks to great films such as this HK is relevant once again.
As a movie I don't think "Ip-Man" was too great but it was a terrific showcase of different martial arts styles, almost like a catalogue of this-flashy-move-belongs-there.
Donnie Yen ruled as a Win-Chun performer and made it look damn sexy, pulverizing people with row upon row of multiple tiny strikes. I hope he'll be along for a long time yet...
This is kind of old news (it's been reported before). But nonetheless, it's a relief to hear this.