Movies - IP Man

Artistry: High

The film is set in China, both before and during the Japanese invasion in 1937. Donnie Yen plays an implacable yet peaceful master of Kung Fu called the 'IP man'. He is an honorable man, an almost aristocratic man, and yet he is a Chinaman at heart. Although he has no ambitions for glory, the IP man is repeatedly called upon to redeem China's honor - and he does so by defeating China's oppressors, from Chinese hooligans all the way to a cruel Japanese general at the end.


Donnie Yen's acting is smooth and admirable, but his martial art skills are the focus. The fights are all mesmerizing, even though you know who will win. Moreover, effective cinematography and music effectively enhance the drama of the fights. For a martial arts movie, the artistry is good, and most of the characters are sympathetic or intriguing. The weakest point is Donnie Yen's artificial relationship with his wife, whose protestations of love never seem sincere. And at times, the film is too self-serious.


Morality: Decent

The film is deeply patriotic, as it condemns the Japanese invaders and celebrates the IP Man's symbolic victory over them in a martial arts fight. Towards the end, though, the film's patriotism takes on a tinge of nationalism. Nevertheless, the nationalism is kept subdued, and while the Japanese are clearly villains, they are given at least some self-respect.


However, as with many martial arts movies, the film focuses more intently on the deeper meaning of martial arts, that is, its honor, discipline, and ultimate benevolence. The film's message is by no means profound, but it is conveyed effectively. There is no sex or profanity, and the bloodletting is minimal.