Review of Ip Man (2008) by Martin B — 14 Aug 2011

Although understandably ... polished, the story of the Ip Man's life and his family's struggles under the Japanese occupation are appropriately presented in traditional Hong Kong cinema set pieces. The duels, the establishment of status, the symblic-if-inevitable single confrontation in which he champions his people through both victory and dignity. Its true that its a formula, but it does serve to dramatize a life that is worth knowing more about.

If its not posible to enjoy it for these reasons, the action and direction should suffice to place Ip Man over the typical kung-fu fare, and it does serve to shine light on a the sadistic nature of the Japanese occupation that is not often seen in flim of any kind, mainstream or otherwise.