​FILMS

ip man 3

No need to shout 'yippee' for Ip Man.

2016 movie review 17: 

Ip Man 3: (Action/Drama): 70 out of 100: For those who are unfamiliar with Ip Man, also known as Yip Man and Yip Kai-man, he was a grandmaster of the martial art Wing Chun and master of Bruce Lee. This is the final semi-biographical account of Ip Man in the trilogy which began in 2008. It's a solid rather than spectacular sequel that will appeal more to martial arts fans than moviegoers in general. The three plot threads aren't overly scintillating but they maintain your interest even though they are riddled with cliches. 

 

An American property developer, Frank (Mike Tyson) wants to acquire a piece of land occupied by the school where Ip Man's son (Ip Ching) studies. Frank employs a band of brutal gangsters to use strong-arm tactics so the principal asks Ip Man (Donnie Yen) to guard the school. At the same school, Ip Ching is friends with Cheung Fung even though they occasionally fight with each other. Cheung Fung's father, Cheung Tin-chi (Zhang Jin) has ambitions to be Grandmaster of Wing Chun and plans to challenge Ip Man for the title. Meanwhile, Ip Man must contend with his wife's (Lynn Hung) diagnosis of terminal cancer.

 

The fight scenes are exciting although the constantly moving camera detracts from some of the action. There are quite a few tight shots when a distant camera panning or medium shot would have been more suitable than the slightly jerky close-ups which don't fully utilise the skills of the fighters. 

 

Although the dramatic aspects of the story are adequate, they don't really engage your emotions as they should. When Cheung Wing-sing is battling her cancer, this would have made for some juicy dramatic moments but all we are left with is a 'retelling' rather than touching, emotional moments. This emotional downfall could be as a result of the other two story threads dominating the movie.

 

Yen is a Chinese superstar so it's no wonder that he will be in the next Star Wars movie to lure the Chinese audiences to this particular franchise. His character is one that the viewers can root for because he is likeable and heroic. Zhang is credible as his adversary and demonstrates dramatic and action skills. Hung is a bit weak in her performance as the dying wife and doesn't add the emotional impact that her character should have. Having Tyson in the property developer role is a bit of a distraction because he's not a good actor and he's only there to show off his boxing expertise and to sell tickets to the American audiences.

 

Most of my review might seem negative but I was expecting a lot from this film. Instead of greatness, I experienced something that was mostly enjoyable and entertaining in the popcorn film vein instead of a hard-hitting, emotional and breathtaking journey. 

 

Starring Donnie Yen, Zhang Jin, Lynn Hung and Mike Tyson

(105 minutes)

Parental advice: Violence

Additional scene during or after credits: No

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yo7z8c87Egg (Movie trailer)

 

(Reviewed on Thursday 28th January, 2016)

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