Ip Man

Biography loosely based on Ip Man, grandmaster of the martial art Wing Chun and early mentor to actor Bruce Lee.  Hong Kong action star Donnie Yen plays the legendary martial artist.  He presents him as a humble man who lives in an unobtrusive manner.  His understated performance adds significantly to this character driven film.  Yen’s subtle interpretation is diametrically opposed to the story’s oversimplification of his life, however.  The narrative can be rather fawning at times.  The script glorifies him as an invincible saint.  Any viewer will be able to predict how the showdowns will end even before they begin.  Nevertheless, the fight sequences are highlighted by choreography that is nothing less than extraordinary.  They are a definite high point.  In one particularly stunning scene, Ip Man chooses to battle ten men in retaliation for the death of his friend.  It’s an exhilarating display worth the price of admission.  If you’re looking for a penetrating historical biography, look elsewhere, but if you desire an entertaining story with astonishing action, you won’t be disappointed.