I understand your reluctance to believe this as I assert it for a second time, but I am really not a snob. So with everything that makes Ip Man great, and indeed one of my all time favorite martial arts films, one would think IРІР‚в„ўd be excited about its arrival on the Netflix Watch Instantly queue, right? Wrong! Like so many foreign films to make their way to this technological godsend, Ip Man is not subtitled but dubbed. Who couldnРІР‚в„ўt identify with that? The WWII context makes the film historically relevant while the fact that Ip Man went on to be Bruce LeeРІР‚в„ўs trainer gives the film a completely separate tangibility. The story of Ip Man is one of courage and honor that will not be deterred by tyranny, and yet he is never looking to be a hero and only wants to defend his friends and provide for his family. I honestly donРІР‚в„ўt think there is a wasted frame in this movie, and each shot has a grandeur and beauty that adequately serves its heroic subject matter. Martial arts legend Sammo Hung orchestrated the fight sequences and really did an amazing job.Р”В«ut what really sets Ip Man apart from other martial arts film is its beyond gorgeous cinematography and compelling story. I also love how grounded the fighting is, utilizing next to no wirework. Even though the Ip Man is throwing punches faster than the human eye can track, we nevertheless feel each one land as it finds its target, lending much of the power to the film. It is so fast - much of that a direct credit to YenРІР‚в„ўs ability - and yet there is no skimping on impact. The fight choreography in Ip Man is outstanding. But be not deceived by his humble demeanor, Donnie Yen - as Ip Man - will beat you into a coma with his bare hands. While, granted, a Chinese production of the Ip Man story is not going to allow its beloved hero to be portrayed as a reprehensible scallywag, Yen still brings a beautiful regality to the part. He plays the part with such grace, humility and empathy that itРІР‚в„ўs impossible not to love him. He is a symbol of national pride and strength, and this film beautifully canonizes his legend.Р”Вonnie Yen is sensational in the title role. When Japan occupied China during WWII, Ip Man refused to bow to its oppressive will and rejected demands that he teach the soldiers his techniques. To the Chinese people, he is a celebrated hero. Ip Man is based on the true story of Ki Man, a martial arts master skilled in the art of Wing Chun style. It was the last film of the event and didnРІР‚в„ўt start until dawn, but it effectively woke us all right the hell up.

I first saw this film in August 2009 at Cinemapocalypse, a 24-hour film festival at the Alamo Drafthouse.

Such is the case with Ip Man, a film recently added to the Netflix Watch Instantly selection. However, this means that when a martial arts film does strike my fancy, it is likely to be twice as fantastic. I donРІР‚в„ўt mean to sound pretentious, as I do not count myself among the connoisseurs. For those without the palate for them, martial arts films can seem a dime a dozen.

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