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Ip Man
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Ip Man

Ip Man

2008
Drama, Action
1h 46m
A semi-biographical account of Yip Man, the first martial arts master to teach the Chinese martial art of Wing Chun. (imdb)

Directed by:

Wilson Yip

Screenwriter:

Edmond Wong, Tai-lee Chan

Starring:

Donnie Yen, Simon Yam, Siu-Wong Fan, Hiroyuki Ikeuchi, Ka Tung Lam, You-Nam Wong, Xing Yu, Lynn Xiong, Yu-Hang To, Chen Zhi Hui, Li Chak, Calvin Cheng Ka-Sing

Franchise:

Ip Man

Genres:

Drama, Action, History, Biography

AKA:

Yip Man

Countries:

China, Hong Kong

Languages:

English, Mandarin, Japanese, Cantonese, Chinese
imdb IMDb
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Ip Man

2008
Drama, Action
1h 46m
Your probable score
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 62.37% from 3236 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

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doctor7doctor7
Rated 19 Feb 2009
80
72nd
Certainly one of the better kung fu movies to come out in the past while. It's got it's share of over the top melodrama but let's be fair, what kung fu flick doesn't? Donnie Yen kicks some major ass and actually creates a character with impressive depth and personally I think he's one of the best martial arts actors out there, specifically because he can actually act. If you like martial arts films this is certainly a movie to see.
Rated 19 Feb 2009
whatismynamewhatismyname
Rated 17 Feb 2009
65
63rd
Another martial arts film where the fighting is great, but the story is lacking. Semi-biographical seems to be a gross overstatement. To say this film is a Chinese propaganda film is too harsh, but at times, it did come off as just that.
Rated 17 Feb 2009
paxtonPaxton
Rated 28 Aug 2020
70
65th
I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 high-wire kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one high-wire kick 10,000 times.
Rated 28 Aug 2020
luna6ixLuna6ix
Rated 12 Jan 2018
77
62nd
"Ip Man" is guilty of things that a lot of historical movies do, it sensationalizes true events to kick them up a notch. And if you're open about it, I can get behind you. It succeeds, too, it's a fun movie with an interesting enough story to garner two sequels. The biggest downer is Donnie Yen, who I like, but the guy made absolutely no facial expressions during the entire movie. Now, go find a dozen pictures of Ip Man, what do you see? The guy loved to smile. Why change that, it's charming?
Rated 12 Jan 2018
miss_jesusmiss jesus
Rated 18 Oct 2010
70
67th
Donnie Yen is amazing as usual, coolly deflecting one strike after another and then snapping a leg in two. The choreography isn't always perfectly realistic, with subtle wire work here and there, but it does look great. It's an engaging story as well, though I'm deducting major points because for a true story, it seems as if it was cobbled together from too few historical records, and the editing doesn't cover up for that.
Rated 18 Oct 2010
leonardisLeonardis
Rated 12 Dec 2016
95
83rd
I'm still getting into martial arts movies, but of all of the ones I've seen, Ip Man is probably the strongest installment I've seen in the genre. The performances are all really good, the directing and writing are superb, and the fights are all well-done as well. I don't think I have anything to complain about at all. It's worth watching if you haven't seen it yet.
Rated 12 Dec 2016
okkervilOkkervil
Rated 14 Dec 2012
70
67th
Conflicted me a little bit because its nationalistic jingoism and melodrama grated with me. That said the fight choreography really is the dogs bollocks; in particular the scene with 'Yen v's the Ten' just totally blew me away. The embellished melodrama has mixed success in bringing an emotional edge to the action; it works sometimes, but not always. I enjoyed this alot, but Kar Wai Wong's Yip Man biopic staring Tony Leung Chiu Wai is due out soon, and that holds an awful lot of promise.
Rated 14 Dec 2012
calhardingcalharding
Rated 22 Sep 2011
79
63rd
An excellent bit of nationalist filmmaking by the Chinese. Aside from the Japanese being presented as almost comic book villains, the film is rather strong throughout. Solid acting and provocative drama are punctuated by excellently choreographed fight sequences. Donnie Yen is excellent as the tortured Wing Chun grandmaster.
Rated 22 Sep 2011
hawkinsHawkins
Rated 23 Jan 2016
75
58th
Knowing next to nothing of real martial arts I loved watching the hyper-aggressive fighting styles play into the more patient, reactionary approach of Wing Chun. There are no underdog training montages to be found here, Ip is nigh unbeatable from the outset and the focus is not on attaining an ideal state, but preserving it while the world deteriorates. The dramatic aspect isn't terribly well executed save for Donnie Yen's winning smile and convincing tears, but you're not here for that.
Rated 23 Jan 2016
frederikaFrederikA
Rated 26 Feb 2014
70
67th
For fans of wellmade historical dramas and E Honda's Hundred Hand Slap special move from Street Fighter 2 alike.
Rated 26 Feb 2014
mentaculusMentaculus
Rated 26 Nov 2011
78
67th
Manipulative and nationalistic, sure, but the fight scenes overwhelm your intellect to a point you don't really care. Every part is also, thankfully, well acted by a who's who of Hong Kong character actors. Flawed and ridiculously fun - unless you're Japanese. Then you'd probably be pissed.
Rated 26 Nov 2011
barthalenBarthalen
Rated 14 Nov 2009
76
70th
It is a bit too pro-Chinese and at times overtly dramatic, but the end result is pretty satisfying, mostly thanks to the upbeat and colorful first third and fight scenes that are both smooth and very impressive.
Rated 14 Nov 2009
vandelay1Vandelay1
Rated 02 Oct 2017
70
76th
good movie
Rated 02 Oct 2017
kingjohnbbqKingjohnbbq
Rated 06 Jul 2017
80
37th
Really fun martial arts movie and it took a direction that I was not expecting which I was really happy with. The war interfering with everyones lives was really an interesting backdrop to a movie about a martial arts instructor. I was expecting a phoned in story line with lots of cool punching and kicking. Instead I got a decent drama with lots of cool punching and kicking.
Rated 06 Jul 2017
myfavchordsmyfavchords
Rated 27 Jan 2017
80
81st
This is a very entertaining film. Donnie Yen is fantastic in the lead role. The story is interesting and there are plenty of exciting fight scenes and moments in this movie. Overall I highly recommend Ip man.
Rated 27 Jan 2017
groovysoulsGroovy_Souls
Rated 07 Sep 2014
75
64th
As anyone looking at my ranked films could tell, I am not the biggest fan of kung fu movies; yet I am glad I watched IP Man. It sports fascinating characters and beautiful visual directions. Despite having a fairly shallow and unnecessary plot and plot points the movie as a whole survives, thanks to amazing choreography and over the top action. I am quite a fan.
Rated 07 Sep 2014
ocelotOcelot
Rated 07 Mar 2014
55
45th
Boom! Pow! Kablammo! Punch! Fuck the Japanese!
Rated 07 Mar 2014
ecitizeneCitizen
Rated 30 Sep 2013
92
94th
A good story based on true events. A skillful fighter is pit against the martial arts old guard establishment. In keeping with his code of ethics he alienates and distinguishes himself. A good movie with a decent message. A must see for martial arts fans.
Rated 30 Sep 2013
thedicemanTheDiceman
Rated 14 Aug 2013
70
82nd
Great film.
Rated 14 Aug 2013
kavuKavu
Rated 01 Jul 2013
64
37th
Great coreographies, sure, but the story is quite bad and the characters, even the nominal Yip Man, quite nonexistent.
Rated 01 Jul 2013
terrymacterrymac
Rated 12 Sep 2012
75
72nd
I took the story with a healthy pinch of salt, and was able to enjoy this as an effective and entertaining martial arts romp. Donnie Yen was an engaging lead man, and the fight scenes were very well handled. The nationalism and setting (the Japanese occupation) might seem a little over the top, but provide some useful motivation for our lead character, and provide plenty of people for Ip Man to use as punching bags. The key point is that the fighting scenes were done properly. Recommended.
Rated 12 Sep 2012
kramyessevKramYessev
Rated 12 Aug 2012
80
88th
Could this be the first martial arts film of the last decade that actually has something interesting happening outside of the fight scenes? Quite possibly. Donnie Yen gives the performance of his career and the sets and costumes are equally as amazing. I have no doubt the writers took some liberty with the historical facts but the character interested me enough to do some light reading afterwards.
Rated 12 Aug 2012
kasperlKasperL
Rated 26 Mar 2012
80
86th
The fight sequences in this are kick-ass.
Rated 26 Mar 2012
mchaleMcHale
Rated 19 Jan 2012
88
81st
First this then Pearl Harbor? Man, the Imperial Japanese were kinda jerks.
Rated 19 Jan 2012
catscandalCatScandal
Rated 10 Feb 2011
56
64th
a little too much wire work for my tastes, but donnie is awesome and the film has really good pacing, with just the right balance of story and fights to make everything seem very climactic but not get bogged down in political intrigue like so many of these nationalist historical kung fu movies do. better than most of what's been coming out of the genre in the last ten years.
Rated 10 Feb 2011
prowlerprowler
Rated 17 Sep 2010
50
47th
For its epic scope, the storytelling isn't quite up to par. The awesome fights and charismatic lead make it really fun to watch though.
Rated 17 Sep 2010
coffeecoffee
Rated 26 Jun 2010
60
32nd
Boy!.. Who cares about kung fu, karate, wing something or who invented them.. So, if I didn't care about those martial so called arts why I watched this is beyond me.
Rated 26 Jun 2010
beneBene
Rated 06 Apr 2010
74
56th
The best kung fu movie to come out of HK in ages. Great production and excellent choreography.
Rated 06 Apr 2010
cinemaasiaCinema_Asia
Rated 15 Jan 2010
75
71st
This movie is more of a a re-envisioned myth of Yip Man than a factual bio of one of China's contemporary heroes. The movie may have all the predictable dramatic turns but the action is decent (if a little heavy on wire stuntwork) plus Donnie Yen has good screen presence. The Japanese officers in the movie are also relatively believable and not entirely two dimensional caricatures which adds to the film. Overall it's an entertaining movie and it was shot for less than $5 million U.S.
Rated 15 Jan 2010
nathandarkoNathanDarko
Rated 31 Dec 2009
92
87th
A Movie about Yi-Man the man who trained Bruce Lee and inventor of the martial art style wing tsun. Awesome choreography makes this one absolutely worth to watch.
Rated 31 Dec 2009
teknicolorteknicolor
Rated 17 Nov 2009
81
79th
While I missed out on the translations of the written text in the movie, I still really enjoyed it, and didn't really need it in the end. Great movie, really enjoyed seeing Donnie Yen and will definitely follow-up with more of his work. Looking forward to Ip Man 2 in 2010. The Japanese actors were lolstereotype but who can blame them. For the people saying how this is a propaganda movie, uh yeah. It's about one of China's greatest modern martial arts masters. No shit they're proud.
Rated 17 Nov 2009
peaceanarchyPeaceAnarchy
Rated 18 Oct 2009
86
84th
I'm not big on martial arts movies, but this was some pretty impressive stuff. Not only was the fighting a lot of fun to watch, the film had very nice flow to it and the acting was pretty good. I was a bit disappointed that it got a little preachy towards the end but I can forgive that.
Rated 18 Oct 2009
thedenizenTheDenizen
Rated 19 Jun 2009
80
84th
Donnie Yen continues to impress. I'm sure plenty of creative liberties were taken with this pseudo-biographical account, but the story hits all the right emotions to give the fight scenes extra weight. The Wing Chun choreography is lightning fast and sublime.
Rated 19 Jun 2009
chemical404chemical404
Rated 17 Feb 2009
55
47th
(SPOILERS!) The most awkward thing in this movie for me is the character of goofy teep-canto-pop idol looking guy, who undergoes huge character transformation when he gets pants-down treatment from his brother, and becomes a villain. but then his character transforms again, after he learns, that his brother was killed. Real hitchcockian touch. Multi-punches in the face when Donnie Yen in RAGE mode are nice to look at, but that's about it.
Rated 17 Feb 2009
notoriousegbNotoriousEGB
Rated 09 Sep 2024
90
91st
A martial arts classic with some of the best fighting sequences ever captured on film. An unforgettable experience for action enthusiasts and film lovers alike.
Rated 09 Sep 2024
dowd-prospectDowd Prospect
Rated 25 Jul 2024
63
39th
Pleasant
Rated 25 Jul 2024
cromcrom
Rated 29 May 2024
75
80th
This movie is a real Martial Arts movie in the best and authentic degree!! Many really cool fight scenes, and the story fits the whole thing really well. Awesome work by the crew and Donnie Yen.
Rated 29 May 2024
brrrpbrrrp
Rated 19 Feb 2024
70
63rd
The slow pace only belies some unsuccessful aspiration to be more than it is. The action is great, and there should have been more of it. Donnie Yen is pretty awesome, but one dimensional, as are most relationships, so the film kind of fails as an historical drama and as biography.
Rated 19 Feb 2024
yoshinarutoYoshinaruto
Rated 19 Jul 2023
65
55th
Starts out a bit rough, but recovers well with the tonal shift after the first act. While the villains are at times cartoonishly evil, and the film makes little effort to be an effective biographical drama, the action is pretty fun. The last fight scene in particular makes this worth seeing. The direction is mostly good, and Donnie Yen turns in a good performance. It’s certainly not dethroning “The Raid 2” for me, but it’s an enjoyable martial arts film.
Rated 19 Jul 2023
alsweiderAlsweider
Rated 04 Jul 2023
80
72nd
Exzellente Kämpfe, die Dramaturgie ist auch gelungen. Die Techniken sind authentisch, so sieht man etwa Szenen mit den Formen Siu Nim Tao und Chum Kiu (beim Training in der Fabrik), die Holzpuppe und den Langstock (Luk Dim Boon Kwan). Allerdings nichts für einen gemütlichen Filmabend mit japanischen Freunden. Die Darstellung ist in dieser Hinsicht schwarzweiß, was in China jedoch kaum anders zu machen ist, wenn man weiterhin Filme produzieren möchte.
Rated 04 Jul 2023
oplarsoplars
Rated 18 May 2023
78
65th
If I hadn't been interested in Chinese martial arts earlier in my life, I probably would not have found the movie interesting. This martial arts movie stands out with its unparalleled authenticity and visual appeal, although Ip Mans powers are highly exaggerated. It exaggerates in an agreeable manner.
Rated 18 May 2023
scuffedScuffed
Rated 17 Mar 2023
50
19th
Punch
Rated 17 Mar 2023
bencgauldbencgauld
Rated 21 Feb 2023
68
34th
Contains some great fight scenes but the uneven pacing, uninteresting story and woefully anti-climatic ending dock it points. Donnie Yen is no Jet Li or Jackie Chan or at least he hasn't shown as much in this movie.
Rated 21 Feb 2023
sweekodenSweekoden
Rated 14 Jan 2023
70
63rd
Watched this around 2008ish. Fun for what it is.
Rated 14 Jan 2023
war_machineWar Machine
Rated 28 Aug 2022
60
25th
35+sparringbodies/nohit+pushsbarrelout:P+Vbeatallmasters-fightinhouse-soncomeonbikehorsemomsaidfightbeforehousebreaksetclool-sword-featherlol-noyou'retheproblem+37marcopoloincident/japaninvades-nuffkilled-IMhomeless+generalbodyingguys+dumbiekilledonesobodies10+trainsabunch-defendoppressor+confucian-japdontdeserve-winsoshoot-riot-flee+45japsurrender-49IMschool-67association-2mildisciples-brucelee
Rated 28 Aug 2022
letterdiefLetterdief
Rated 17 Jun 2022
80
66th
Good fight and unique? It feels like it's lip synced maybe that's the purpose? I don't really mind it. The film got me hooked.
Rated 17 Jun 2022
li0lili0li
Rated 01 Mar 2022
55
29th
Started out well but took a steep dive after the Japanese invasion. The fight scenes were ok but not great, it was all quick cuts and close ups, with flashy set-pieces rather than an actual choreographed fight. Also became silly commie propaganda at that point, before that it was just a peaceful guy who got forced into fighting almost against his will.
Rated 01 Mar 2022
mojojoestarMojoJoestar
Rated 09 Feb 2022
65
41st
For years, I've heard about how great this movie is supposed to be. I finally watched it and... yeah. It doesn't live up to the hype. The story is weak and clearly at least 75% fiction. There's SOME good choreography in the fights, but... too much wire work for my taste.
Rated 09 Feb 2022
glumpy99glumpy_99
Rated 19 Sep 2021
68
33rd
Passable martial arts actioner (and loose history lesson) is perhaps predictably at its best during the fight scenes which strike the right balance between the lithe, graceful, balletic moves and the bone-crunching/mangling violence which accompanies them; it's a shame that the screenplay is a murky and ungainly consideration of Ip's life and times, and wartime experiences; it never quite reconciles his personal story with China's national one which makes the narrative a confusing one at times.
Rated 19 Sep 2021
greerdoggygreerdoggy
Rated 14 Jan 2021
75
49th
It gets great reviews but I don't know, kinda boring.
Rated 14 Jan 2021
hakkanarejohakkanarejo
Rated 03 Jan 2021
100
91st
Donnie Yen is legendary actor. A true story set in Fuoshan (China) in the 1930s Ip Man is admired throughout city for his fighting skills & his upright way of life As the only master in town he does not take any apprentices & lives quiet happy life When invasion of Japan ends his blissful life & lives of all his fellow townspeople, things change. A Japanese general challenges the various masters from the town to a battle. Ip Man is reluctant and finds it more important to support his family.
Rated 03 Jan 2021
gabrielpGabriel_p
Rated 18 Dec 2020
60
23rd
Decent, not great. If you enjoy martial arts, you'll enjoy this. Otherwise, just skip it.
Rated 18 Dec 2020
magdabagmagdabag
Rated 01 Oct 2020
88
71st
Ip was really good.
Rated 01 Oct 2020
capodelnullacapodelnulla
Rated 20 Aug 2020
65
48th
bu bağlamda dahi olsa milliyetçi tonunu veya aşırı geleneksel ve basit dramatizasyonunu hoş bulmak mümkün değil. ama bunları bir kenara bırakabilince fazlasıyla eğlenceli bir dövüş sanatları filmi kesinlikle. filmin asıl odağı olan dövüş sahneleri çok iyi yönetilmiş - hatta o kadar başarılı ki bir noktadan sonra dublajı bile umursamıyor, keşke sesli çekselermiş diyip durmuyor insan.
Rated 20 Aug 2020
solomonburrrSolomonBurrr
Rated 31 Mar 2020
82
81st
82
Rated 31 Mar 2020
augusteauguste
Rated 19 Feb 2020
75
40th
Kanal D bayram etmiştir film çıkınca.
Rated 19 Feb 2020
evilmangoesEvilMangoes
Rated 03 Nov 2018
93
78th
A-
Rated 03 Nov 2018
rottentRottenT
Rated 21 Mar 2018
84
63rd
At once beholden to the established conventions of the genre and delightfully subversive of them, Ip Man is one of the most exciting -- and refreshingly character-driven -- martial arts films in years.
Rated 21 Mar 2018
nathanbatesNathanBates
Rated 27 Jan 2018
80
78th
The martial arts genre certainly has its tropes, including the constant battles between rival schools and the one-man-against-the-world fight sequence. But in Ip Man, these fit neatly within the slightly-fictional biographical story set in the first half of the twentieth century. Donnie Yen is outstanding, using a new style (and choreographed by Sammo Hung), and the story is a little more than just filler around those fights. This is worth watching even if you're not a fan of the genre.
Rated 27 Jan 2018
petrostserPetrosTser
Rated 12 Sep 2017
70
70th
First things first: the choreographies are simply amazing and that surely is the main attraction of "Ip Man". Yet this film is not all about ass-kicking as it works well as a biopic too, especially when covering the first years of the Sino-Japanese War. The narrative as well as the more intimate moments are competently made, the ending being particularly moving. But they're far from groundbreaking too and that leaves the fight scenes as the movie's biggest triumph.
Rated 12 Sep 2017
synthonosynthono
Rated 30 Mar 2017
78
38th
Great action scenes, but it feels like a propaganda movie.
Rated 30 Mar 2017
morbleMorble
Rated 04 Sep 2016
78
89th
Great depiction of a number of different kung fu styles; the fighting in this movie is just so stylish and intense and great, how can you not love it?
Rated 04 Sep 2016
backwardsuitbackwardsuit
Rated 06 Aug 2016
69
44th
Goes a bit overboard with simplistic melodrama and patriotism but very decently made overall. Looks nice and the fights are mostly excellent.
Rated 06 Aug 2016
darkcloudDarkCloud
Rated 30 Dec 2015
90
83rd
"To me, the extraordinary aspect of martial arts lies in its simplicity. The easy way is also the right way, and martial arts is nothing at all special; the closer to the true way of martial arts, the less wastage of expression there is." -- Bruce Lee This movie is a homage to this spirit. After all, Bruce Lee was the disciple of Ip Man.
Rated 30 Dec 2015
ehk2ehk2
Rated 28 Nov 2015
12
16th
Martial arts look silly from a distant of ignorance and indifference.
Rated 28 Nov 2015
cevendustCevendust
Rated 21 Sep 2015
90
92nd
If you like kung fu movies, this one is definitely worth the watch.
Rated 21 Sep 2015
dresd_r_e_s_
Rated 27 Aug 2015
3
65th
The story is pretty bland, but the martial arts sequences are more or less flawless and makes it worth it. *Good
Rated 27 Aug 2015
redactedredacted
Rated 04 Jul 2015
47
20th
I suppose the Western comparison for this would be a Chuck Norris film, although I haven't seen one similar (or any) to offer up an accurate mirror. Look for something with a humble patriot lead and a laughably impossible finale..what is missing though, is a tonne of opium abuse on Ip's behalf. Then again, this is one of the loosest bio-pics out there.
Rated 04 Jul 2015
talvitieTalvitie
Rated 09 May 2015
89
89th
Very awesome! Best fight scenes for very long time and the story works!
Rated 09 May 2015
stevensydanStevensydan
Rated 18 Dec 2014
80
58th
Action packed with the most satisfying and entertaining martial arts.
Rated 18 Dec 2014
mkellinsmkellins
Rated 25 Aug 2014
35
16th
Laughable right from the historical "facts" to gender roles and characterisation, and I don't think comedy is what they were going for. Acting isn't great either, but this may just be due to the terrible script. What made the film watchable were the beautiful cinematography and skillfully choreographed fight scenes.
Rated 25 Aug 2014
vdecraimVdecraim
Rated 24 Aug 2014
70
42nd
More a series of highly entertaining and expertly made action sequences/set pieces than a true biographical account of Ip Man. Its overdramatic tendencies and over-the-top action make it a great action flick, but the story greatly suffers because of it.
Rated 24 Aug 2014
roonay3kroonay3k
Rated 10 Aug 2014
73
75th
If you can look past the part that this is not a true story then it's great! Probably 90 % is pure fiction but the character is based on a real person. I was entertained!
Rated 10 Aug 2014
falconheartfalconheart
Rated 29 Jun 2014
97
81st
Fantastic story. Fantastic martial arts. Recommend the subtitled version for the most authentic experience.
Rated 29 Jun 2014
jschlanskyJSchlansky
Rated 27 Jun 2014
84
84th
Video review of the trilogy: https://youtu.be/RDOzqn8LqD4
Rated 27 Jun 2014
whotempwhotemp
Rated 15 Jun 2014
96
98th
- 11/8/10
Rated 15 Jun 2014
letskillrobotsletskillrobots
Rated 12 May 2014
23
67th
Japan gettin' a real bad rap here.
Rated 12 May 2014
matija_dMatija D
Rated 11 Apr 2014
81
78th
Donnie Yen , apart from awesome martial arts scenes, puts one really good performance as well. Great fight scenes, good cinematography and very good music that goes perfectly with certain parts of the movie. Last fight was brilliant.
Rated 11 Apr 2014
glm01glm01
Rated 15 Mar 2014
87
91st
87.000
Rated 15 Mar 2014
haruhiHaruhi
Rated 01 Feb 2014
60
69th
Highly entertaining, I have a weak spot for martial arts.
Rated 01 Feb 2014
naikounaikou
Rated 27 Dec 2013
50
41st
I know nothing about kung fu movies, but I enjoyed the fights in this. The story, however, is a clumsy, awkward excuse to get from fight to fight (the side story about teaching the cotton mill workers kung fu is especially stupid). Wouldn't be a bad thing if it didn't take itself so damned seriously. The hyper Chinese-nationalist/anti-Japanese sentiment is equal parts hilarious and terrifying. Its representation of international politics is roughly as sophisticated as Rocky IV.
Rated 27 Dec 2013
wwallce4prezWWallce4prez
Rated 14 Dec 2013
77
64th
The historical liberties Ip Man takes (and that's being nice) detract from an otherwise very solid martial arts film. Donnie Yen kills it.
Rated 14 Dec 2013
martrynmartryn
Rated 14 Dec 2013
88
90th
As a biography, it utterly fails, but... whatever. There are better straight martial arts films, as well. But this happens to be set in the era of Japanese occupation of China, and that makes the film much more relevant. Donnie Yen also makes for a very good lead. Combine Donnie Yen, the setting, and the half truths regarding Yip Man's actual life, and this made for a very high quality martial arts film.
Rated 14 Dec 2013
moribunnyMoribunny
Rated 08 Dec 2013
63
60th
For all the trappings of the invincible, irreproachable male action hero movie, which certainly prevent this from being convincing as biography and as history, Ip Man is still a nice film. By mixing dazzling fights, folksy humor and quaint Chinese nationalism, it harks to Bruce Lee films (Ip Man's most famous student). In terms of cinematic craftsmanship it is much better, boasting expert cinematography and a great performance by Donnie Yen.
Rated 08 Dec 2013
calmenvyCalmenvy
Rated 26 Oct 2013
8
78th
Great Film!
Rated 26 Oct 2013
anomalyAnomaly
Rated 27 Sep 2013
67
43rd
The action is great, but the emotional content (which it spends so much time on) is poorly done and makes everything a drag to get through.
Rated 27 Sep 2013
sirstuckeySirStuckey
Rated 05 Aug 2013
85
87th
It started out rather silly and while I wasn't disliking it I thought it wasn't going to be as good as people were saying, then the Japanese showed up. Some absolutely great martial arts work here. Sort of weird, as an American, to be rooting for the Chinese over the Japanese but why not?
Rated 05 Aug 2013
bcfilmsbcfilms
Rated 11 Jul 2013
80
26th
Don't like the aesthetic. However the story is decent, the main actor plays his role effectively and the fighting sequences are top notch without being super unrealistic.
Rated 11 Jul 2013
sirrobbieSirRobbie
Rated 09 Jun 2013
50
8th
I'm not a martial arts fan, therefore I didn't apreciate the best aspect of this movie.
Rated 09 Jun 2013
broodfath3rBroodfath3r
Rated 19 Dec 2012
80
89th
best martial arts film i had seen..... i realize thats saying alot.... but man oh man was this movie well made... way to bring back the franchise
Rated 19 Dec 2012
ag0stomesmerAg0stoMesmer
Rated 21 Sep 2012
4
91st
Hugely enjoyable mix of family-film style fun and (at times brutal) martial arts violence. Fantastic sets and athletic performances.
Rated 21 Sep 2012
mattorama12mattorama12
Rated 22 Aug 2012
78
85th
Phenomenal martial arts, with a strong story and good enough acting to keep you genuinely invested. The non-fighting scenes are more much memorable than most kung fu films, too.
Rated 22 Aug 2012
willsunWillsun
Rated 05 Aug 2012
85
88th
Probably what shot Donnie Yen to popularity with people who don't typically follow martial arts films; Ip Man does a good job setting up the biographical and time piece feeling. However, there is very little based on the actual life of Ip Man in this movie, as everything was dramatized and almost none of those events happened.
Rated 05 Aug 2012
ewp805ewp805
Rated 25 Jul 2012
85
85th
Overtly nationalistic and melodramatic, but whatever. There's a great story here, and some mesmerizing fight choreography. Donnie Yen is absolutely lightning with his Wing Chun.
Rated 25 Jul 2012
jack_parsonsjack parsons
Rated 08 Jul 2012
10
92nd
Oh boo hoo, it's pro Chinese. Who gives a shit. The story is solid, the choreography is fantastic, Donnie Yen has incredible screen presence. The cinematography is beautiful and haunting. Great film, I loved it.
Rated 08 Jul 2012
hotsakehotsake
Rated 26 Jun 2012
93
99th
I thought it was intense and introspective but also showed a realistic fighting style that hasn't been showed in movies in a long time. Donnie Yen is very impressive for being 50 years old.
Rated 26 Jun 2012
neonmanNeonman
Rated 17 Jun 2012
56
11th
Nothing special, though I think this film is unfairly overpraised. Watch it with a bunch of mates and see how horrifically unintentionally hilarious it is.
Rated 17 Jun 2012
kusanagiKusanagi
Rated 14 May 2012
85
86th
A bit of tongue in cheek humor kept things light through the first half, but when the guns finally come out, it's hard to do anything besides sit and watch in awe while someone takes fifty slaps/punches to the face. Other high points: some nice costumes in the first half, another excellent soundtrack from Kenji Kawai, Donnie Yen.
Rated 14 May 2012
the_pirateThe Pirate
Rated 18 Apr 2012
97
99th
Finally! A Martial arts film that has the perfect balance of drama and action! The characters are interesting, the story (a more or less true one) is inspiring, and the prowess of these fighters is extraordinary!
Rated 18 Apr 2012
frankhowleyFrankHowley
Rated 04 Mar 2012
75
69th
The overly nationalistic story is a little silly, but the cinematography and fight scenes are incredibly slick.
Rated 04 Mar 2012

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