May 12th, Shanghai Recently, international Kung-fu star Donnie Yen showed up at the Shanghai New World, to unveil the wax figure of Ip Man, which is to be set at Madame Tussauds Shanghai, bringing a happy surprise to people in Shanghai at the debut of Expo and his new film "Ip Man 2". Fans who heard the news crowded around the New World court, trying to catch a glimpse of their idol.
When the curtain went up, Ip Man, legendary Kung-fu figure appeared in front of the public. Donnie Yen gladly put on the same “Wing Chun” posture as the wax figure did. People on the site highly praised the vividness of the wax figure and said it was hard to tell the difference between the true man and the figure. Donnie Yen also commented, “It’s very alike, especially the eyes. I feel I almost saw another me.” The lifelike figure slightly frowned, as if he was calmly facing strong enemies. The Chinese patriotic spirit Ip Man distributed deeply impressed everyone.
During the show, head of the New World gave Donnie Yen a 2010 Expo jade seal as a present. Receiving the gift, Donnie Yen gladly said, “I always have a deep feeling for Shanghai. I’m also willing to do something for the Expo. I hope the Ip Man figure unveiled today can be another tourist attraction for visitors to Shanghai. And I will also follow the Expo news and share the honor of all Chinese people.”
Bret Pidgeon, General Manager of Madame Tussauds Shanghai addressed, “Donnie Yen is one of the most stunning international Kung-fu super stars. His superb Kung fu will surely carry forward the Chinese traditional martial arts, and his strong will and perseverance enable lots of young people to learn much from it. The choice of character Ip Man to make the Donnie Yen wax figure is a coincident decision of both sides. Donnie Yen’s performance in Ip Man well shows the Chinese dignity and moral integrity. We believe the leading wax figure production technology of Madame Tussauds will not only impress people with the charm of super star Donnie Yen, but also make a good memory of the legendary figure Ip Man.”
It has been 26 years since Donnie Yen’s debut. He has been known for his superb Kung-fu and his spirit of persistent self-perfection. Said as “the Kung fu star most comparable with Bruce Lee”, Donnie Yen starred quite a few films like "Ip Man", "October Besieged City" and "Guard", which are big sale and critically acclaimed. His new film "Ip Man 2" broke several box office records once it was released. And the character Ip Man Donnie performed is gentle but not losing his dignity. Audiences are not only impressed by his splendid Kung-fu, but also touched by his excellent, whole-hearted performance.
It is said that the unveiling of Ip Man by Donnie Yen is another Expo gift presented by Madame Tussauds Shanghai after the unveiling of Beyonce figure and the exhibiting the three Expo ambassadors Lang Lang, Jackie Chan and Yao Ming. Moreover, in May, with the Expo ticket, visitors can enjoy a special 50% discount at Madame Tussauds Shanghai. Even more, several special exhibitions will also be held, hoping to bring more joy to the public and to make Shanghai Expo more cheerful.