Brilliant Martial Arts Drama

Rating: 9/10 (9 March 2011)

I was very surprised how good this movie was as I randomly picked it from DVD rentals. Normally one does not believe the critics testimonials or taglines, but in this case, they were accurate. Ip Man is probably the best modern martial arts movie ever and surpasses Enter the Dragon (Bruce Lee), Legend of Drunken Master (Jackie Chan), Fist of Legend (Jet Li), etc. Why? Most martial arts movies are rated on their action. Not overall filmmaking. And I do mention modern (meaning taking place in the last 150-200 years)...not classic wushu movies (e.g., House of Flying Daggers).
The film is about Ip Man, the founder of Wing Chun, who is a reluctant teacher but proud family man. The action soars when he is challenged by visiting martial artists or rival schools. Some movies are rags-to-riches but this film witnesses a hero born in affluence but drawn into poverty by war and misfortune. The drama soars when he labors hard under Japanese rule in order to feed his family. Or when he trains the factory workers to resist bullying gangs. It shows the human side of a martial artist who is humbled through a difficult war but protects his family and friends.
The action is nearly as vibrant as Bruce Lee's or Jackie Chan's best. But this film surpasses them in cinematography, directing, acting and drama. The newer Hong Kong films, admittedly are better visual quality than the older films which were cheaply made. Donnie Yen brilliantly achieves the zen of acting in serious drama with his passion and calm something which Jackie Chan always seriously wanted to achieve despite his amazing comedic skills. Jet Li is a solid actor and Bruce Lee, although we respect him as a legend, wasn't a great actor. Instead Donnie Yen portrays Ip Man passionately as a family man with silent pride and inner strength.
For action and Wing Chun, I'm no real expert but I've seen enough to know and I would rate the choreographed fight scenes as very good although maybe not as exciting as some other films. The most interesting fight scene was in the house with a rival teacher when Yen has to make a promise to his wife. Lightly but masterfully done. Having Sammo Hung helping out in the stunts and choreography is always an asset.
Wilson Yip does a terrific job of directing if not at times a bit melodramatic but passionately done. Sing-Pui O does brilliant cinematography with subtle filter (more tastefully done than the blue of Underworld); Kenneth Mak recreates a beautiful artistic feel much like a traditional wushu film (e.g., Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon). Kenji Kawai produces a wonderful soundtrack and Ka-Fai Cheung edits smoothly.
Sadly it doesn't hit a heart in the west as it gather awards for best picture, action choreography and actor from the east. Most traditional awards (e.g, Academy Awards, BAFTA) don't know how to judge this type of film and competing in technical achievement or visual effects or choreography doesn't quite fit the western type (e.g., imagine comparing choreography of a musical like Chicago).
As for the overall feel, it hits that wonderful, soaring note when you cheer for the underdog or the unstated hero. It's easy to stand up and cheer for this film, which is several times better than Rocky or Rudy. Several people criticized the film for historical accuracy but really, since when are movies that accurate? It's the storyline that grabs us. Real history sometimes is a bit boring. This film isn't.