A story with punch

Ip Man is widely known as the man who formed the legend of martial arts Bruce lee in Wing chun, but his legacy goes far beyond. The biographical film Ip Man aims to introduce the great master to the world, with Donnie Yen in the lead role. No one could have described the legend quite as well as Donnie, who is, of course, an accomplished martial artist himself.

The film takes us back to the time when Ip Man had not yet established himself as a grandmaster of Wing Chun. Donnie, who is an action choreographer, stuntman, and world tournament champion in wushu (full contact sport), plays Ip Man with consummate ease, perhaps given his pedigree.

But, Donnie’s portrayal of the Grandmaster goes beyond kung fu fighting. He’s absorbed Ip Man’s ways so well that it seems we’re looking at the legend himself in the flesh.

Donnie, who was already a popular actor when playing Ip Man, soared to global stardom after playing the role. The biography is set in Foshan in the 1930s, when the city was a center for martial arts.

Although Ip Man was a formidable Wing Chun master, he was humble, which is why he always kept a low profile. Never the type to get involved in fights to prove the superiority of his style, he was respected as a master.

But trouble comes one day when a kung fu master proves himself and challenges all of Foshan’s masters to a duel. Ip Man is also on his list. However, Ip Man proves to be far superior to the troublemaker. The Japanese, however, are invading China, making people’s lives difficult. General Master of Japanese Karate Miura especially hates Ip Man, having discovered that he is a highly skilled Wing Chun Grandmaster.

Ip Man beats all of General Miura’s students, which makes Miura hate him even more. The Japanese general swears to see him defeated. You should watch the movie to see what happens next and learn a thing or two about one of the greatest martial artists of all time.

Broadcast on: Amazon prime

Kind: Biographical film

Duration: 108 minutes