IP Man Reviews

90%

Ok, I’ll say this first: I’m not a big fan of Hong Kong movies. Which is probably blasphemous for me to say this because I’m FROM Hong Kong, but honestly, out of all the films made from that place every year, maybe ONE isn’t bad enough to melt your brain.

You might be wondering, while scoffing, why am I even reviewing a Hong Kong film then? Because "Ip Man" is probably one of the best movies ever made in Hong Kong. It’s a movie it can actually wave around and go "hey look! I made this!" without undergoing therapy afterwards.

Ip Man, widely known as Bruce Lee’s martial arts master, was born into a wealthy family, and inherited that fortune. The movie begins in Foshan with him and his family (wife and son), whom dislikes it when he spends too much time sparring with friends. The movie doesn’t really go into why his martial arts is so advanced, but leaves the audience with an explanation like "he was filthy rich and had lots of time on his hands".

Then suddenly comes WWII and Japanese invasion, and Ip Man loses all his money and glamor, BUT luckily gets a job at a coal mine because the manager there recognizes him, teaching the valuable lesson that networking is important in any day and age.The rest of the movie follows his life and conflict against the Japanese army, up until before he goes to Hong Kong.

Probably one of the biggest factors that make this movie so great is Donnie Yen (main male character who plays Ip Man). How is it possible for a 45 year old man to look that good? And is there anyone better suited for a role like Donnie is for Ip Man?

Then there is the cinematography - it’s GORGEOUS, and works really well with the battling scenes. It’s really one of those movies you should see on the big screen. If you can’t, you should really buy a big screen TV. GO.

And to sound like a totally anti, I had to pinch myself a couple times while watching this and go "HK really made this film? REALLY??".

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