Ip Man

[4.0
stars] [IMDb Link]

[Amazon Link]
(paid link)

Yes, this is yet another based-on-true-story movie. In my defense, I wasn't aware of that before I saw it. Netflix just assured me (correctly) that I'd like it, and I didn't look too closely. And the semi-apocalyptic cover art seemed interesting. (Disclosing just how this is a true story would slightly spoil the plot, however.)

It's set in 1930s China. Ip Man is a master of the Wing Chun school of kung fu, but has (apparently) retired from whatever it was Wing Chun masters did back then. His character is impeccable. His house is huge and impeccably furnished; he has a beautiful loving wife and a cute son. His activities are limited to taking on challenges from occasional wannabes: the master of a local kung fu studio, or the leader of a gang of thugs; they are handled with humor and honor. Life is good.

But then the Japanese invade China, and life gets very very bad for Ip Man, his family, and all the other Chinese. He's thrown out of his house, and forced to work in the lung-clogging coal mines. But as it turns out, the Japanese general running the show has a martial arts fetish as well, and becomes obsessed with setting up fights between his guys and the Chinese. Which sets up an inevitable conflict.

The filmmakers had a big budget, and spent it well; attention was lavished on the sets, and many of the scenes are absolutely bee-you-ti-ful. Sammo Hung, fondly remembered from the old Martial Law TV show, is credited with directing the amazing fight scenes.


Last Modified 2024-01-28 2:35 PM EDT