Ip Man - based on real-life Wing Chun martial arts master Yip Man is as much about the history of southern China as it is the titular character. This is why scenes of actual martial arts combat in the film hold such weight: theyre not just battles between men, they symbolize the ups and downs of Chinas struggle against the Japanese invasion of the 1930s. Donnie Yen plays Ip as the quiet, humble, and carefully measured man he was in real life; however, when Ip is finally forced to display his Wing Chun martial arts against the heartless General Miuras (Hiroyuki Ikeuchi) karate assault, he unleashes hell. Ip Man's rage against the soldiers and their many crimes explode in this iconic scene as he confronts ten opponents at once in the ring. And, at this point, he's been gentle when he fights. He doesnt connect harder than he has to and is quick to acknowledge a good fight. Well, all of that goes right out the window and he proceeds to show absolutely, positively, not one ounce of mercy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9ZRjIiNzhM
Jesse Gumbarge is editor and chief blogger at JarvisCity.com - He loves old-school horror films and starting pointless debates. You can reach out at: JesseGumbarge@JarvisCity.com
