Ip Man (2008)

Set in Foshan, a famous hub of Chinese martial arts, Ip Man is the most celebrated master in town. He doesn't entertain disciples because he doesn't find the need to. No one has the skill to challenge him. His wife feels frustrated that he never spends time with her and the kid and that he is always into kungfu (Wing Chun).

Soon, the Japanese invade the country and lot of Chinese are either killed or captured to work as slaves, in the war. People known to Ip Man are killed as they are called to spar with the Japanese fighters.

Ip Man then gets into the ring, vanquishes many Japanese fighters and also starts teaching the art to his near and dear ones for their personal safety in this time of need.

In the end, Ip Man volunteers to fight the Japanese general and defeats him as expected. He refuses to teach the Japanese and survives an attempt on his life. He moves with family to Hong Kong where he establishes a Wing Chun school and trains even a certain Bruce Lee.

Hits

• The martial arts scenes are authentic and really gripping. Donnie Yen shows his expertise in no uncertain terms. 
• The title theme music is haunting whenever it comes in the movie. 
• The cop who plays the translator between the Japanese and the Chinese, Ip Man's friends, Ip Man's family etc. have nice small parts to play in the movie.  

VERDICT

Uplifting martial arts movie about the master of Bruce Lee.