Kung Fu reborn

Rating: 10/10 (23 April 2011)

I was never a fan of Kung Fu and Bruce Lee - Jackie Chan kinds of entertainment. What's more, the very concept of a martial arts action movie was seen as pathetically shallow and dim witted. A cheap and flashy form of entertainment for kids... Well, that's how things were before I saw "Ip Man". I do still think that most of hit-smash-thud movies are junk, however, "Ip Man" showed a truly different side to it all.
I got acquainted with Yip Man quite unexpectedly, without much hope and expectations. It was a TV premiere on a boring night, and although I seldom watch at the magic box, somehow the move hit me. And man did it hit... First, the thing which left a deepest impression was the historical background. Certainly, the story is loosely based on Yip Man's life, but still, the feeling of reality and real life where "Ip Man" takes place is far better than any of the Mortal Combatish trashy fantasies. China suffered a lot in the first half of the 20th century and destiny of almost every Chinese was affected at some point, just as Man's was. Second, the Wing Chun itself was portrayed not only in a flashy visual splendor, but a twist of art and philosophy in a certain way. Naturally, none of this wouldn't have been possible without the brilliant skills of Donnie Yen and other protagonists who showed the essence of fighting, not only as a physical display of might, but a true struggle between beliefs and understandings.
I short - a good frame, very decent photography, historically based story, personal drama, touching music and a brilliant display of martial arts earn "Ip Man" 10 points on my behalf.