While the Ip Man series featuring Donnie Yen is the most notable there have been other films featuring the iconic martial arts master. Actor Dennis To has not only appeared in some of those films he has taken on the role of Ip Man himself in The Legend is Born: Ip Man, Kung Fu League and Ip Man: Kung Fu Master. Now he is stepping into the role once again with Ip Man: Kung Fu Legend, a direct sequel to Ip Man: Kung Fu Master co-starring Zhou Xiaofei, Zhang Tingfei, Wan Wanzhong, Zhao Jingshuyu, and Steven Dasz from returning director Li Liming.

 

Ip Man: Kung Fu Legend follows the Wing Chun icon as he attempts to open his own martial club after leaving his police career behind. When a western boxing gym buys up all of the property belonging to the local martial community, it’s up to Ip Man to save this tradition from destruction. 

 

While this is a sequel to Ip Man: Kung Fu Master, you can still dive into this one without needing to know much. Sure, it enhances the journey, but it is crafter in a way that is easy to jump right into. This next chapter kicks off with Ip Man facing off against the Martial Arts Association and his right to reach Wing Chun before a curve ball is thrown in that kicks off this story filled with betrayal, murder, vengeance and everything else you can throw in.

 

The story works and keeps things serious and while has some familiar tones to other Ip Man features it still walks its own path. To is great as Ip Man once again and steps back into the role like he never left. I know most will only look at Donnie Yen in the role and he is iconic, but I also really like To in the role. He brings an innocence and everyman to the role that allows him to carry himself in a way that you want to support while bringing the fierceness when needed.

 

As expected, there is plenty of action here with most of it well done, but there