Ip Man 2 received 15 rounds of applause at Beijing University Student Film Festival
On April 7, the 17th Beijing University Student Film Festival began at the Haidian Theater by showing its opening movie,
Ip Man 2. Director Wilson Yip, producer Raymond Wong, screenwriter Edmond Wong, and lead actor Donnie Yen were present, and not only talked with the university students, but also stayed to watch the screening. Donnie Yen admitted that this was the first time he had seen the movie in its entirety.
The audience's reaction was extremely intense; throughout the screening, the entire audience applauded more than 15 times, and many female viewers were moved to tears. Both Raymond and Edmond Wong wept while watching the movie as well.
To many university students and movie people, the Beijing University Student Film Festival is not at all unfamiliar. For 17 years, every spring season, the Festival offers, to all those who take pleasure in movies, a movie feast. To uphold the goal of "the students do it, the students watch it, and the students discuss it," bright flags bearing the message "youthful passion, academic quality, cultural awareness" are waved from beginning until end. The Festival also bears the weight of each generation's dreams, and offers a platform for university students to discuss and showcase creative works of art.
As this was the only mainland showing of the movie before its official April 29 release date, more than 100 security troops were enlisted to prevent the possibility of piracy. All the viewers and staff had to give up their cell phones, cameras, and other electronic equipment. Nevertheless, these strict security measures, coupled with the cold wind in Beijing that day, were unable to conceal even the slightest amount of enthusiasm from the young people at the theater. Three hours before the screening began, there was already a long, long line in front of the theater, and excited students were discussing the movie in twos and threes. They were all very understanding about the security measures. Many young people who were waiting said that after the movie was officially released, they would go with friends to support the movie watch it a second time -- "or more times!"
Thanks to the extremely cold weather, the theater was not at all warm. Many students were bound tightly in clothes, but they were still unable to take their eyes off of the movie. Whenever the movie reached a good part, they would excitedly clap and cheer, and became completely absorbed in the movie. The part where Yip Man was engaged in a fierce battle with the Western boxing champion aroused these young people's patriotic fervor. According to one male viewer, "The second episode had laughter, had tears. Those who watched the fighting sequences were full of hot blood. There was truly no place where it wasn't good."
Throughout the screening, everyone present applauded at least ten times, and the students' passion ran high. When the movie ended, many of the audience members were reluctant to part.
For the first time, the media and movie fans were of the same opinion: Great movie! One female viewer, her face stained with tears, said, "The second episode was too splendid, too touching. It completely surpassed [my expectations]!" Then, in a both cute and embarrassed way, she said, "Up until now, I haven't been able to stop crying."
Last year,
Ip Man was the opening movie for the sub-venues of the 16th Student Film Festival; in the community of student movie fans, it attained much popularity. This year,
Ip Man 2 comes again to the Film Festival, this time as the opening film, undoubtedly making history for the Festival. Wilson Yip, Raymond and Edmond Wong, and Donnie Yen came to publicize the movie. When Donnie Yen merely waved a hand at the audience, it caused thunderous cheers, which goes to show that
Ip Man and its lead actor are extremely popular in the university student crowd.
The frequent applause was undoubtedly the best encouragement and comfort to these hardworking film people. While talking about box office expectations, director Wilson Yip said, "To be able to open the Student Film Festival already gives me much confidence." And about the possibility of a third film, Donnie Yen solemnly expressed, "You'll have to ask the director about this." Wilson Yip then laughed and replied, "Then you'll have to ask the boss about this." This caused everyone to turn and look at Raymond Wong. Faced with 1000 youthful faces full of anticipation, Wong sincerely said, "Of course we have to look at the box office results. In addition, there are too many 'Yip Man' films in the market right now; we have to wait until the market finishes digesting until we can consider doing a third part." He encouraged the young people, saying, "The movie's future is yours,
jiaoyou!"
Although Donnie Yen said that, for the time being, he wouldn't be filming another "Ip Man" movie, he added that he would definitely continue to film other outstanding movies that allowed Chinese culture to emerge. Since this was his first time watching the movie, he spoke very excitedly after the viewing. "While watching a few sections, I myself wept. I also saw Mr. Raymond Wong weeping too. Everyone invested a lot in this movie. When we watched it, it was like we were watching someone else's movie, like someone else was acting. We were completely immersed in the story." He also said that although Yip Man's story is very plain, he believes that it is that is more able to touch the public: "A complicated and profound story is not necessary. On the contrary, a simpler one can be more touching."
The audience praised Donnie Yen's performance without end, calling him a five-star actor and "the Wong Fei-hung of the 21st century." One viewer expressed, "Watching the fight scene between Sammo Hung and Donnie Yen alone was worth the price of the ticket."
Sources:
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