Ip Man (2008) [Martial Arts May]

A Chinese martial artist in the 1930s during the Sino-Japanese War must fight his way out of Japanese oppression, and attempt to protect his family and friends, in the shocking biographical film, Ip Man.

Everyone has heard of Bruce Lee. Everyone. He’s just one of those ensuring celebrities who has been cemented into the history of the world. But perhaps just as incredible of a story is the one of the man who made the idol, and that man is the titular Ip Man. In this fantastically stylized and wonderfully choreographed dramatization of the incredible true story of Ip Man’s life, we’re treated to an intense, and at times overwhelming, trip through heroism, brutality, war and the fight for freedom in the midst of the Sino-Japanese War.
Shot masterfully by Wilson Yip, IP Man is a taut, thrilling ride from beginning to end, with touching moments of grief, familial bonds, long-standing friendships, and the absolute beauty that is the martial art of Wing Chung. From the intense attention to detail to the weeping and desaturated visuals that perfectly illustrate a world torn apart by war, Ip Man is by far a quintessential martial arts movie that’s not to be missed. Though I will suggest watching the original dub with subtitles if possible. Nothing beats the feeling of being fully immersed into the lives of these incredible, and real, characters.
And while the film it’s absolutely phenomenal from behind the scenes, it wouldn’t be quite so amazing without the incredible performance of Donnie Yen. The entire film seems to ebb and breathe with him, following his every move in a way that shows how masterful he is as both an actor and a martial artist. Yen deserves his very own idolization status, after years of performances that have impacted not only martial arts films, but action films in general. I mean, who can forget about his awe inspiring turn as Caine in John Wick 4? Supported by stellar performances from Lynn Hung, Hiroyuki Ikeuchi and Louis Fan, the cast is well rounded and highly skilled, and only helps build the engrossing world of this period piece.
Combined with the moving score of Kenji Kawai, and with the award winning choreography from Sammo Hung, Ip Man is a great feat of creative collaboration and dramatic retelling, with all elements culminating together into a truly phenomenal project. Every flight feels real rather than staged, and you might even find yourself wanting to learn some of the art for yourself after watching. I know I certainly did. I might enroll in some classes this week.
The film is a treat to watch from start to finish, with only a minor moment or two of pacing issues that are quickly forgiven the moment the action picks up again. It’s fun, gritty, action packed and emotional, and shows just how incredible of a life the real Ip Man lived before teaching our beloved Bruce Lee what he knew, and impacting the world for decades to come.

 

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