IP MAN

This epic Hong Konger film shows one more time the brilliancy of Chinese films with its story telling of the life of IP Man, the master of martial arts and his recognized position in the town of Foshan. It is a film that catches the attention of any viewer from its very beginning all the way until the film concludes. This movie adopts as scenario not only the life of IP Man but also encompasses the crucial historical moment in history of the Second Sino-Japanese War which took place during the years that dated the beginning of World War II.   This fascinating thriller demonstrates an amazing work of art given its richness in how it accomplishes to reflect issues and elements that ranged from community issues to family conflicts, nationalist/patriotic ideologies to an incredible film quality.

IP Man, as the protagonist, fully embodies these elements and finds himself in an ongoing predicament. He is a family man, fully dedicated to his family and like any other man has his own problems. He is also viewed by the town as a hero given his unique martial art techniques that eventually help to gain back the dignity of the town of Foshan given the intrusion of northern Chinese outsiders. But the real issue takes place when the Japanese invasion initiates and fully develops. The Japanese take control and enslave the Chinese population that inhabits the area. When I talk about nationalism and patriotism, what I really mean is how this film despite the fact that the Chinese were oppressed by the Japanese, it strongly exposes Chinese nationalistic sentiments by portraying IP Man as the hero that eventually defeats his Japanese adversary.

 

This picture above is full of symbolisms and imagery that illustrates a battle field, filled with Japanese flags that symbolize the Japanese occupation, but at the same time show IP Man standing strong against his adversary. In other words IP Man personifies this strong anti-Japanese/Chinese patriotic symbolic sentiment that does talk a lot about the historical elements and Chinese-Japanese relations of those times pre-dating WWII.

I personally enjoyed the film not only because it holds an amazing action genre but also because it captures relevant historical issues and despite the contemporary nature in which the film was released (2008) it does present Chinese culture to its full extent. The films language is Chinese but it is not a barrier for viewers to fully enjoy it; it actually feeds to the authenticity and credibility of the film to a Western audience in my opinion. Just wanted to thank my brother for recommending it, and allowing me to once more remember those wonderful years we spent   living in Macau as teenagers with our family.