Ip Man (2008)
Director: Yip Wai-Shun
Starring: Donnie Yen, Simon Yam, Xiong Dai Lin
Language: Cantonese
I’d heard whispers of how good this movie was, and my expectations soared. I was afraid they might have been too high, but Ip Man proved its worth and honoured those expectations.
About Master Ip, the Kung Fu master who taught Bruce Lee, this movie is filled with dazzling action sequences that my martial artist friend tells me are quite realistic. Unlike similar films, which rely on strings to amaze you, the Wing-Chun in Ip Man is mind-blowing for its simplicity and strength up against other forms of Kung Fu fighting.
Master Ip is a highly respected figure in Foshan, China, being the only undefeated martial arts master. However, he refuses to take on pupils, so he can spend more time with his family. He is able to avoid opening up a school, until the Japanese invade in the late 1930s, forcing him out of his own house and into abject poverty. In order for the Chinese to defend themselves against the Japanese army and powerful robbers, Ip Man shares the art of Wing-Chun with them.
The story, though nothing new, is potent and inspiring. There are some dull moments, and unsatisfying pieces of characterization (though I wonder if it was just bad subtitles), but that doesn’t stop your heart from soaring at the end. It will make you want to learn the secrets of Wing-Chun, and see the sequel.
A solid 4 stars **** from me! 
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