Ip Man (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Great film biography of Bruce Lee's teacher, Yip Man. This is by far Donnie Yen's best acting performance to date. He gives us an all too human Yip Man full of quiet inner strength with just the right touch of humility.
The supporting cast from top to bottom helped to make this one of the best movies of the year. Last but not least is the wonderful fight choreography by Sammo Hung. Sammo has shown us that he just gets better with age. This movie has it all: great acting, lots of drama, and great fighting!
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Make no mistake - this was no biography (far from it)! But can't agree with you more on every other point!
"Ip Man" is a piece of somewhat fictionalized history propagated by the mainland government. Do not reference this movie as an accurate portrayal of Ye Wen's (Ip Man's) pre-Hong Kong life. It is common knowledge in the martial arts world that Ye Wen left Foshan (Fatsan) in 1949 due to his abhorrence of Communism, not because of Japanese aggression. While Japan's wartime atrocities should never be forgotten, there is never a need to twist facts (particularly in such a blatant way as in this film).
Regardless, this is still an excellent film that depicts the fascinating science of Wing Chun Kuen (Yong Chun Quan) on a level not seen since "The Prodigal Son" and "Warriors Two". Donnie Yen's acting is flawless, in that he convincingly transforms himself from his usual Hong Kong "cool young guy" into a conservative, serious Chinese gentleman (such as was Ip Man). The fight scenes, while a bit fantastic, were exiting, true-to-form Wing Chun, and not overly ridiculous.
Additionally, speakers of conversational Guoyu (Mandarin Chinese) will find this film easy to understand. It is an excellent teaching aid for both Wing Chun and Mandarin students.
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You have articulated exactly what i would have said had i more time to waste. Well said!
Ashes Of Time (product link) Swordplay/Sword(s) / Art I don't think so. I'm sorry, that was rude, let me rephrase that. Piss on this.
Immensely pompous art house regurgitation that may double as a sleep aid. Barely. Any. Fu. This flick lacked a pulse but seems to be pretty popular with complacent drones who would be content with watching paint dry. You can make the movie as "beautiful" as you want, but if the shit is boring the shit is boring. FOR: "people" who like soap operas. NOT FOR: People.
When I first watched it I wanted it to be a thrilling wuxia film, which it is not. It is, instead, a fascinating art film made by an artist with little real interest in swordplay.
Too bad these guys didn't put as much effort actually watching the movie as they did submitting reviews and comments! This movie was obviously much too complex...
I totally agree. I would rather eat a sh**-burger than sit through this horrible movie again. This movie is for people who want others to be impressed by the fact they own it.
The art house Kung Fu flick that every art house buff talks about- Personally I hated this flick w/ a passion-I agree with your review it's for soap oprea fans.
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