While some may have heard of Ip Man most will think he is
nothing more than a legend, a fable told to inspire children. The fact is that
he was an actual man who went through more adventures than most living in China
before his death in Hong Kong at age 79. A master of the Wing Chun form of
martial arts his story has been told in a series of films starring Donnie Yen
in the lead. Those films come to an end with this the fourth and final film.
Each film has focused on a different part of Ip Man’s life,
beginning with his time in China during WWII (IP MAN), his early days in Hong
Kong facing racism (IP MAN 2) and then his facing off against corruption and
crime bosses (IP MAN 3). There is little doubt that each film overplayed his
roles in what transpires but his real life was quite interesting. In IP MAN 4
we get the chance to see why so many remember him now, his involvement with his
most famous student, Bruce Lee.
It’s 1964 and Ip Man has settled in Hong Kong when he learns
that he is suffering from the disease, the disease that took his wife. Raising his son Ching on his own he finds
issues there as well. Ching is going through the standard trouble teen phase,
wanting to bypass school and just learn martial arts. Kicked out of yet another
school Ip Man seeks another avenue for his son, sending him to the US for an
education. He accepts an invitation from his student Bruce Lee to view a
competition San Francisco.
After arriving Ip Man meets with the members of the Chinese
Consolidated Benevolent Association. He will need a letter of recommendation
from them to allow his son to come to this country as a student. Meeting with
the members, each a master of a different school of martial arts, he is told that
his student Lee is teaching martial arts to non-Chinese students. They want
this stopped, feeling that it should only be taught to Chinese. Rather than bow
to their will, he refuses and seeks another way for his son to be accepted.
After talking to the principal of the school Ip Man sees a
young girl named Yonah being attacked and bullied by a group of white students
led by the jealous Becky. He comes to her aid and after the group leaves he
takes her home only to discover she is the daughter of Wan, the head of the
Association who refused his letter. Not listening to what happened Wan
challenges Ip Man to a fight, promising him the letter if he wins. Before they
can finish a minor earthquake hits San Francisco and the duel is called off.
Having been injured when she attacked her, she blames her
injury on Yonah and her mother tells her father, an immigration official, that
repercussions need to follow. At this same time a student of Lee in the Marines
is trying to get the Wing Chun added to their training but is faced by a racist
gunnery Sergeant who ridicules him in front of the troops. The paths of these
two men, the immigrant official and Sergeant will find them united against Ip
Man and a challenge will be met that will defend the honor of both martial
artists and the Chinese facing racism at this time.
As I said dramatic licensing is at play in all of the films
but they are based on a smidgeon of truth. There is little doubt that in 1964
there was still racial tensions at play in this country. Bruce Lee was a
student of Ip Man, who attended his funeral just 7 months before he too died.
And the acceptance of Lee’s teaching non-Chinese students was an issue. But the
movie plays with these facts and works to make an entertaining film out of
them, even if a bit off from reality.
What makes or breaks any film like this is the production
values seen on screen. In this film, as with the previous three, those are
outstanding. The cinematography is clean, crisp and well shot, with images
caught for all to see as opposed to action films with everything in close up.
Those fight sequences are amazing to watch, using the smallest amount of wire
work (hoisting fighters by wires) and allowing the actors in their roles to
honestly display some amazing fight sequences. The story is solid enough to
capture your attention and hold it from start to finish.
A lot rests on the shoulders of Donnie Yen. There have been
several martial arts stars attempt to fill the shoes left by Bruce Lee since
his death. Jackie Chan brought humor. Jet Li brought the historical aspects in
his films. But for me Yen has been the closest to Lee providing a sense of
humor when needed, a seriousness to the roles he takes and the technical
fighting skills and speed that only Lee seemed to possess. It’s a tribute for
him to play the teacher of Lee here.
I’ve been a fan of martial arts films since seeing my first
one years ago. These films have only solidified my view on these films as some
of the best action movies ever made. You may not know who Ip Man was but you’ll
be interested in him after watching this and the previous 3 films. If you’re
looking for action entertainment, this is your best bet this week.
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