Review of Ip Man (2008) by Said C — 01 Nov 2011
I was pleasantly surprised by this martial arts thriller, one that is as entertaining as its plotless brethren but also dares to explore historical issues of war and nationality. I was immediately drawn to Ip, a real-life character (the guy who would go on to train Bruce Lee) who is played with a quiet intensity by Donnie Yen.
We are given a man who is torn between his uncontrollable passion to fight and his dedication to his family. His wife disapproves of his time spent practicing kung fu and his son is beginning to avoid him, yet the animal instinct in him keeps him divided.
It's only when Japan invades China that he has a chance to fight for honor and integrity. What follows is a series of intense, engaging and emotionally charged fight sequences with some of the most exhilarating martial arts choreography I have ever seen.
It's rare to see a movie that is at once so basically entertaining while also remaining conscience of its human characters.
This review of Ip Man (2008) was written by Said C on 01 Nov 2011.
Ip Man has generally received very positive reviews.
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