Trailer For "The Legend Is Born: Ip Man"

I really have no idea they are making a prequel to Wilson Yip's "Ip Man" (2008) until I came across the trailer for "The Legend Is Born: Ip Man" a few days ago. The prequel is directed by Herman Yau and stars To Yu-Hang, Sammo Hung, Yuen Biao, Ip Chun and Fan Siu-wong.

"The Legend Is Born: Ip Man" focuses on the early life of Ip Man, before the events depicted in Wilson Yip's "Ip Man". The film centers on his romantic relationships while under the tutelage of 3 Wing Chun masters - Chan Wah-shun, Ng Chung-sok and Leung Bik.

First-time actor To Yu-hang portrays the young Ip Man. He has trained in Wing Chun for 6 years and received help from Donnie Yen on how to approach the character. Likewise, Sammo Hung gave him advice on how to act without over exaggeration by presenting him a copy of Akira Kurosawa’s classic "Sugata Sanshiro".

Sammo Hung will portray Chan Wah-shun, Ip Man’s first Wing Chun master while Yuen Biao will portray Chan Wah-shun's second eldest disciple and also Ip Man's mentor, Ng Chung-sok.

The film also features Ip Man's eldest son in real life, Ip Chun. He will play Leung Bik, his father's third Wing Chun master. Although he will be turning 86 this year, he reportedly has a few action scenes in the film. However, he found it really tedious and vows to never get involved in acting again.

As you can witness from the trailer above, the film’s fight choreography employs a high level of realism. Due to this, injuries on set were common. Yuen Biao, who goes up against Fan Siu-wong and Sammo Hung, suffered a rib injury severe enough he had to take time off from the shoot to recuperate. Fan Siu-wong got slashed on the head by Bernice Liu's katana on the first day she arrived, requiring 3 stitches.

"The Legend Is Born: Ip Man" will be released in Hong Kong sometime this year.

Source: Kung Fu Cinema