Sunday, May 15, 2016

Review of IP MAN 3: Invigorating, Intense and Intimate

May 14, 2016




Two big Chinese language films are being shown in local cinemas this week. While "The Mermaid" is being shown in only three theaters, "Ip Man 3" is being shown in a lot more theaters. It really is not any wonder why. This is already the third film of a familiar franchise. The first two films (especially the first one) I would consider to be among the most elegant martial arts films I have ever seen. (My review of "Ip Man 1" is posted HERE. My review of "Ip Man 2" is posted HERE.)

Ip Man tries to live simply in Hong Kong with his wife and young second son. However, their son's school is being threatened by a ruthless gang of bad guys who wanted to gain the school's property for themselves. Ip and his students were asked to serve as security guards to safeguard the school, taking up a lot of his time. Meanwhile, a talented local fighter Cheung Tin-chi challenges Ip to a duel to prove who is the real Wing Chun master. However, because Ip's wife Wing-sing develops a serious health condition, he was forced to reconsider his priorities in life.

This third Ip Man film certainly brings back the fond memories of watching the first Ip Man film that started the ball rolling. It has that gentle family story to counterbalance the bone-crunching action scenes. It also had elements from the second Ip Man film, particularly in that scene where Ip Man had a three-minute intense fight scene with a brutish American real estate developer named Frank, played by boxing champion Mike Tyson. 

Instead of Sammo Hung, the fight choreographer this time is Yuen Wo-ping, who regaled us before with those sublime fight scenes in diverse films, from "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" to "Kill Bill" and "The Matrix," While the fights seemed to be toned down compared to the second film, they do achieve an unprecedented poignant elegance of fluid action.

Donnie Yen seemed to not age a bit since we first saw him in the first Ip Man in 2009. He is still the same neighborly good guy we admired and rooted for to win as he fights for the oppressed underdogs of society. There was really an effortlessness in his fight scenes, so cool yet so powerful. Lynn Hung is as elegant as ever as Ip's wife and mother of his two boys. She was the emotional core of this film and we suffer along with her. Zhang Jin was also very good as the noble fighter Cheung Tin-chi, who got swallowed by his pride. He also had that calm demeanor of fighting like Yen, though he got to do more violent bone-breaking moves with the bad guys. His final showdown with Yen was a fight in manifest grace.

Still under the skillful direction of Wilson Yip, "Ip Man 3" captures the best of the first two Ip Man films and adds a distinct character of its own. Unlike the first two films, this third film is more personal than patriotic. It also employed a number of artistic references to nature. This final episode is an invigorating yet emotional end to the Ip Man trilogy. Frankly though, I still want to see more of him in the future. Since his appearance here is like a cameo, maybe there could be another sequel with more of Bruce Lee? 9/10. 

18 comments:

  1. I only recently saw the first Ip Man, and I really enjoyed it. I usually don't like these types of action movies, but if the storyline is how you describe, I'm eager to see it!

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  2. I have only seen Ip Man one too, but the movie and certain scenes and cinematography gripped me. I loved the Wing Chun sequences and really enjoy the aura that Donny Yen gives off. Will definitely watch other two when I get a spare moment!

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  3. I will definitely see this. I loved IP Man 2. I like movies that combine action with a family story and with a Hongkong location at that.

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  4. Pretty sure everyone's been waiting for this one since forever! Ip Man will always be a classic :D

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  5. I haven't watched the first two franchises of this movie but I'm interested to watch them first before Ip man 3. I like this kind of movies. In truth, it is my sister who likes Chinese movies. I learned about Donnie YEn through her.

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  6. I am a huge fan of martial arts films, but somehow I've managed to miss out on this entire franchise. Time for me to start searching and finding places where I can at least get the first two. I am pretty sure the most recent one is not aired anywhere in my country. Will have to wait for a DVD release.

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  7. I really like actions movies and movies with powerful technological tools. Though, I haven't watched the first two franchises of this movie but I'm interested to watch them.

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  8. I watched Ip man 1,2,3. This is such a great show.. Interesting and nice

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  9. I haven't seen a classic martial arts movie lately. IP Man looks like a really good one that is really intense and leaves you wanting for more.

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  10. I've never seen any of the IP Man movies, it sure sounds incredible especially with the way you described it. I love that this is dedicated to Martial Arts, it's fascinating.

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  11. Sometimes I get scared to see a 3rd part of a movie come out. Usually the 3rd is never as good as the first 2. I'm a HUGE Ip Man fan, so of course I will watch this! Thanks for the review.

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  12. Its a super hero spree all over. Ironman vs Superman, Marvel heroes bow this guy... Loving the spirit of our film makers..

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  13. My hubby loves this series. Will tell him to watch this part too.

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  14. I am sure my son and hubby will love these series and very much of their interest.

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  15. The choreography interests me. I love Kill Bill and Crouching Tiger, and the Matrix is epic. This one sounds very exciting.

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  16. I'm glad you love it! Because I love the film too.. The final showdown left by sitting on the edge of the chair... it was amazing as compared to the Mike Tyson scene

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  17. I haven't watched the last film, but your glowing recommendation definitely shows me it's a must watch! Can't wait to see how this is a more personal movie than patriotic

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  18. Yes! this is my favourite Hong Kong movie. Ip Man is so cool.

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