Well Go Picks Up ‘Ip Man’

27 Apr, 2010 By: Chris Tribbey

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Well Go USA has picked up the North American rights to Ip Man and Ip Man 2, two Chinese martial arts films starring Hong Kong action star Donnie Yen.

Semi-autobiographical in nature, the films are based on the life of Ip Man, a martial arts master who was the first to teach the Wing Chun style openly. He was teacher and mentor to Bruce Lee.

“Ip Man is an amazing story, and the film has had such a phenomenal response overseas from critics and audiences alike that I am so proud to be able to bring it to the American audience,” said Doris Pfardrescher, Well Go president of home entertainment. “This acquisition is a big move forward for Well Go USA especially as the popularity of Asian cinema continues to grow in North America.”

The first film pulled in more than $21 million at the Asian box office and won Best Film honors at the Hong Kong Film Awards. Well Go will release it on DVD July 27.

The second film will see a limited theatrical release in the United States in early 2011.

“No one ever imagined that Ip Man would be such a huge sensation,” said producer Raymond Wong. “The box office success and public praise of Ip Man did not only create a public longing for the sequel, it also inspired the production team to work together again.”

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