Brother Ching-shan
You came here to Canton alone?
I am here with my mentor for the martial arts convention
Master Yu Fung-kau?
You are lp Man?
Yes he's lp Man
A buddy of mine in Foshan
He's something
Back then he cut of his queue without knowing the meaning behind it
But I did hence I cut it off
What did you know? You were barely ten How would you understand?
You actually were conned by Fu Hung-mo
Brother Fu said he didn't know whether a revolution would end up a good thing
He just knew no revolution and the country would be doomed
You sure knew something then
Ching-shan why did you play the prank on me?
Just for fun
It's not funny at all
Don't worry I knew what I was doing
I did it to let you know how powerful the gun is
Now you should know
You may be a delicate girl
But once you have it other people's life or death is at your mercy
Countless of our people were killed by such guns in the past few years
The years I spent studying overseas
I thought a lot about things and my eyes were opened
I keep thinking
Our country is riddled with problems
Do you know what the westerners are doing?
They do research on science and on ways to improve firearms
But what are we doing?
We still believe in martial arts
The wealthy still prefer rickshaws and sedan-chairs
Why won't they drive?
Because you get carried around on a sedan chair
You get pulled around on a rickshaw
It means deep down we Chinese like to enslave others
How can you count on such a country such a people to change overnight?
We can only do it incrementally One step at a time
Let them learn and improve however small each step may be
lp Man you agree?
Brother Ching-shan part of what you've said is right
Others... I'll have to think about them
I know a kid who practises martial arts in some rural region
It's too deep for you
Marshal have some tea
It's too kind of you to come to pay me a visit
We Chinese have this weakness
That we are modest to a fault
But... Master Yu
I have long admired your martial arts cultivation
Take it over
This katana sword is more than 500 years old
It was owned by a shogun during the Japanese warlord period
It later fell into the hands of the sea bandits
then Ming military leader Qi Jiguang got it
He took it with him when he was transferred to the northeast
And it fell into the hands of Hong Taiji who founded the Qing Dynasty
He took it to the capital
It was put in the care of the Internal Affairs Office
When the Eight-Nation Alliance captured Beijing
It was taken out of the court
And subsequently it fell into my hands
So it has bore witness to history
Exactly
But it's a silent witness
A sword only comes alive when it's with a martial arts practitioner
Master Yu just a little token
Marshal I don't deserve it
I forgot to introduce
Miss Cheung Wing-shing
We were playmates when we were small
How are you doing?
What? How come you are blushing?
It's my first time shaking hands with a girl
lp Man you have wasted your time staying in Sangyuan
The times have changed
I had never been out of Foshan before Don't you tease me
Wing-shing see?
Lp Man is like our country
The queue on his head may have been cut
But he still wears a queue in his heart
Well in Canton land is worth much more than gold
A premium location is hard to acquire
This deed is worth more than a mountain of gold
Master Yu is this good enough for you?
Marshal Chu you are making it difficult for me
Have you seen a world map before?
I know this is China
Where is the Great Britain you mentioned?
Bear it in mind this is Great Britain
I've heard that it's small in size
But I never thought it could be this small
China is easily tens of times bigger
How could China have lost in the Opium War?
Here here here and this big piece of land
You know what countries they are?
Brother Ching-shan I'll read more books
Canada and Jamaica in the Americas Australia in Oceania
Egypt in Africa South Africa Nigeria And Hong Kong in China
They are all British colonies
The British Empire covers every time zone
You know what time zones are?
No
Ask if there are things you don't know
lt'll be embarrassing if you are stumbled by such questions
Because the Earth is round
When it is night for us
It is daytime in other places
Hence there are time zones
I got it now
When the Sun rises in the East and it is morning in Foshan
It is still night in Great Britain
Smart you got it
There are British colonies in every time zone
This means the Sun never sets on the British Empire
Hence the British Empire is also called the Empire on which the Sun Never Sets
I have studied in Britain for so many years
I've seen things that ordinary people over hundreds of years have never seen
Ching-shan... cut it out
I...
Ip Man what do you think?
What do I think?
Great Britain stole those places
It's no different from robbery
You've got a point
But many of those places have gained independence
China will get back on its feet again
China is like a rooster
When it crows it is morning
Well said
Ching-shan lp Man has a greater understanding than you do
Good how very good
Have you eaten?
But I am sure no men are devoid of desires
Master Yu it seems you care for your career more
I have a troop of tens of thousands
But the men are uneven in their abilities
I need a top-notch coach for their training
You command the respect of all in Foshan
And you have turned the place into a haven on your own
This is the experience I want
Marshal I am not a man of ambition
I am not worthy of such gifts
Please take them back
You won't work for me
But you should have the nation in mind?
The people look forward to the northern expedition
But its success hinges on you Master Yu
Marshal I am overwhelmed
I am leaving Canton tonight I am going back to Foshan
You can rest assured that
If I can't work for you I can't work for others either
Well then I'll leave you to yourself
Turn left turn right march
You are so shy
Should I hold your hand like Brother Ching-shan did?
Are you teasing me?
No of course not
He and I are just comrades in the revolutionary cause
Revolutionary comrades?
I got it now I knew the revolutionaries
But they used to call one another brothers Not comrades
You are funny
I really have met revolutionaries
Commander Fu Fu Hung-mo Fu Jing-wan Have you heard of these names?
Yes but Ching-shan seems to hate this man
lp Man Ching-shan may be a bit biased
But I still like to hear him talk about revolutions
I too want to be like him
able to see how we can strengthen our country
Brother Ching-shan has been knowledgeable since he was small
But what you just said was
an eye-opener indeed
You beat Ching-shan in some aspects
It's meaningful
You...
I'll leave you two to yourselves See you
How come you were with my sister?
We came back together from Brother Ching-shan's
Brother Ching-shan?
Do you find him a fine man?
Do you think he and my sister make a perfect pair?
What?
But don't let Dad hear that
I don't know why but Dad doesn't like him that much
But it's no big deal
We are in the modern age
lt'll come to a happy ending
What happy ending?
They are getting married?
Don't bother with them
Come on let's deal with our own first
Come on
I have asked my mentor to come He'll be here very soon
Master Yu? I have long heard of the Foshan Hero
Now I can meet him in person
Come on
What is this?
Western beer
Come on
Western beer? Blander than water in Foshan
Give way
What do you mean?
This is our table
What do you mean?
Wing-sing let's go to another table
It's no big deal
We'll go to another table
This is ours too
Let me tell you...
It's alright we'll sit somewhere else Rascals
Come on
Get him...
Halt!
Don't let him go away
Master Yu
Greetings from Mok Yan-chiu of the Mok's Family School
Mentor
Master Mok it's our first time in Canton We have never met
What do you mean by this?
Marshal Chu has always been my exclusive deal
Now you mean to take a bite off my pie
What do you mean?
I have declined his offer
So you have but still...
Take care of him!
Wing-sing run!
Master Yu run!
Chase!
Come on faster...
Sit down first
No water it'll make it worse
How despicable!
Lp Man this convention is full of danger
Be on the alert
Yu Fung-kau
Save it
Two boat tickets here
Leave here as soon as possible
I am here for the martial arts convention
I don't mean to leave before it starts
You won't go?
I'll burn this Foshan Guild Hall down
Set it on fire! Yes
Freeze!
Let me warn you! Dare you start it!
You thought I was kidding?
Master Yu let's see whether your martial arts can beat my firearm
How have I offended you?
Marshal Lo invited you over But you stood him up
He did?
You have forgotten?
Brother Lo
You didn't give him face
But Marshal Lo is a forgiving man
Still you can't be Marshal Chu's running dogs and be our enemies
It's your fault get it?
You are mistaken
Mistaken?
I have declined Marshal Chu's offer
My men saw him come here
I...
Cut it out
You only have one way out Leave Canton
Freeze...
Marshal
Ng Pak-lam what do you mean by this?
This is Canton. It is ruled by law Unlike your Hunan
Put your gun down
And get lost with your men
Get lost? Who? Says who?
Let me tell you Old Chu
You invited me to come
Hence I am here to give you honour and to talk with you
Now you're telling me to get lost?
Good you will see
I'll get lost
Ng Pak-lam let's go
Hold it! Old Lo the big picture first
You're asking for outside help What big picture?
Well you go ask Master Yu
Marshal Lo I have declined Marshal Chu's offer
Well... what about mine?
We are here to attend the martial arts convention as spectators
Not as participants
Please spare me your offers
Your mentor won't take part in it
What about you?
If you join my side
You will find me very generous
I do what Mentor says
Good
Old Lo tame your temper
Don't keep saying you'll burn people's houses down
If you are so temperamental
You can't run the country even if you win it
So what? I'll have you run it for me What's the big deal?
Alright it's over now
Put down your guns
Old Lo
Be my guest have a drink with me
Let's go
I can't stand people who don't keep their words
We have a deal
You said you wouldn't take part in it Then you are not to
Let's go
Mentor what's it all about?
This martial arts convention
Is actually a tug of war among the warlords
You mean... the side that wins will get the country?
This sounds absurd
But it may really be the case
Not bad at all
Wing-shing...
Ching-shan
Wing-shing let's go
Come on
You are not up yet?
What is it?
Nothing
I woke you up from your sweet dream?
Marshal Chu is hosting a dinner for all martial arts convention participants
Invitation cards for you and Master Yu
What's behind this convention?
Why were Marshal Chu and Marshal Lo fighting for Mentor?
Go to the dinner and you will get the answer
Oh yes it's important to me personally
I will propose to the girl I love
She has been waiting for me to pop the question
Will she say "yes"?
Be punctual
Brother Lo...
Thank you
Brother Lo...
Master Li it's chaotic times
The martial arts world order is upset
See? Even some nobodies are here
Master Mok my martial arts cultivation is deep and my heart big
I won't be provoked by petty remarks
But let me tell you
Don't drag Master Choi and Master Li into it
They are true masters
They don't see eye to eye with you
Lo guy want a beating up?
Yes so?
How dare you...
Sir
This way please
Young man here you are
Brother Lo hello
The Foshan Young Hero But where's your mentor?
He is taking a rest I'm here on his behalf
I don't know what else this Yu Fung-kau is good at
But he sure is second to none in cowardice
It took him so long to pluck up courage to come to Canton
Now he's scared into hiding
Master Mok you are the best in lime throwing we are not your par
Boy I can easily kill you here and now
Bring it on come on
Master Mok we are in a classy joint
Marshal Chu is up there
If you upset him you can kiss your meal-ticket goodbye
Young man this man doesn't make the cut
Come sit with me
Bravo
Look what a young turk
He has more drive than you do
Come on cheers
Mr Lam a toast to you
The greatest tragedy is attending the wedding of the girl you love
Wedding?
Engagement
How did you know I...
My men have been tailing you
lp Man
How come you are here?
Congratulations to you
Me?
Brother Lo another picture
On what?
Congratulations on...
Just congratulations...
How funny others are made to drink
You mean to drown yourself with wine
I am not in a good mood
Then go freshen up come on
Well I have no idea...
Are you feeling better?
Much better thank you
Guys back then in order to overthrow the Manchu Government
You pulled all the stops for the revolution
The Beiyang Government however is just old wine in a new bottle
The country is in a mess
It's about time we had another revolution
Gentlemen marshals now we are here together
Let our ideas flow...
Old Chu I'll march to your order You say fire and I'll shoot
Good!
Old Chu so what should we do?
What else? Just two words Northern expedition
Uncle's here as well
This is our last gathering... in Canton
Next time it'll be in Beiping
We'll count on you Marshal Chu
What? Old Chu's calling the shots?
But if I don't give the go-ahead
What can you guys do?
Baldy Lo what do you mean?
What do I mean?
If I withdraw my troops
If they are replaced by the northern troops
What about it?
Baldy Lo revolution is the trend
We should be united
Old Chu the ones present here all know what it is about
Spare us the rubbish
Revolution? Northern expedition? My foot!
It's just a land grab
Now that we are all here
Let us be frank
After we have fought our way to Beiping
Who will be president?
This Marshal Lo is a bad guy
None of them is good All cut from the same cloth
Baldy Lo Mr Cheung is here with us Mind your words
Mr Cheung do you find this Old Chu a hypocrite?
He's no different from us just as rough
The more pretentious he is The more hypocritical it feels
Yes I am not some refined man
I share your shortcomings
Oh...
Baldy Lo let me tell you
I am a bigger womaniser than you are
I am fonder of mahjong than you are
But I differ from you in one thing
I believe in Mr Sun Yat-sen
I believe in every word he says
I'm taking part in the northern expedition for the country
For the promotion of the Three Principles of the People
How wonderful...
Mr Cheung you are smart
I am sure you don't believe a word he said
Gentlemen this is my Deputy Chief Secretary Mr Lam Ching-shan
He's Mr Sun Yat-sen's disciple
He has been Mr Sun's follower since his overseas days
You are Cannon Sun's man?
Marshals I have been Mr Sun's follower for more than ten years
I was responsible for overseas fund raising
I should have taken part in the Huanghuagang Uprising
But... I was intercepted by the Qing court and thrown into prison
I missed the chance
Gentlemen this northern expedition is for the country for the people
It's not about self-interest
If it's not for the country for the people
May my family line be broken
Marshal Chu no need to swear on it
Please sit down
Anyway I won't do anything that will only benefit others
Marshal but you marshals have made a deal
The martial arts convention will soon begin
Whoever's coach wins will become chief coach
All the troops will be under his training and command in the northern expedition
So let it be decided in the ring
Alright
Baldy Lo I am not giving in to you
I put the country first
Since you won't budge let's settle it in the ring
Good it's a deal
Mr Cheung what do you think?
Settling it in the ring
means a rift can be avoided and no lives will be lost
It sure beats resorting to guns and cannons
I find it a good idea. It's so settled
lp Man
It's really never crossed my mind
The fate of a country could be hinged on a combat
It's just a game
To them the country is like a cake
They will use all sorts of ways to get the cake
It's combat today or a drinking game tomorrow
If we leave the revolution to these people then it is doomed forever
But Marshal Chu has a point
The northern expedition has to take place
Don't believe what those politicians say
Northern expedition indeed It's for their own gain only
What about Uncle?
He has made a mistake
What mistake?
I'll talk him over
Miss Cheung congratulations
Congratulations
Congratulations?
Girls are shy come on
You...
Sis
Wing-sing what is going on?
It's a great day today
Where's Brother Ching-shan?
What has he got to do with it?
Sis you know what is going on No more playing the ignorant
You look so happy
Others may not know but you sure do
lp Man let's go get a drink
Halt! Make it clear with me first
Come on
Wing-shing
It seems she really has not a clue
Girls are shy and so play ignorant
Miss Cheung congrats...
Ladies and gentlemen
Let's welcome the marshals
Marshal Chu Hello...
Marshal Lo Hello
Hello all welcome
The wine I've prepared for you may not be good
But you have to drink to your fill...
Bravo...
Marshal Lo please be seated
Here?
Let me sit here more comfortable here
Sure...
Guys please be seated
Come on...
You are Miss Cheung?
Uncle
I am so glad to meet you
Mr Cheung mentions you all the time
Please... Thank you
Young man sit with me
Sure
Young man it's you
There happens to be a vacant seat here Come sit here
Just go
It's my honour
Please be seated
Let me introduce
This young man by my side
He's the Foshan Young Hero lp Man
It can begin now
Ladies and gentlemen I am Lam Ching-shan
Deputy Chief Secretary of the Provincial Government
I am honoured to be your host of this feast
China has a history of over 5 000 years
However we have suffered humiliation since late Qing
We Chinese have been called Sick Men of East Asia
I am sure it fills you all with indignation
Hence Mr Sun has called forth the slogan Sound physique strong country
Zi your goddess Cheung Wing-shing is getting engaged this evening
Wake up she's a rich lady