Yip Man 3

Donnie Yen is one of the most consistent action stars, having resume that spans decades and while other colossal names such as Jet Li or Jackie Chan has slowed down, he is still going strong. This, ironically, can also work against him since he already has played in two Ip Man films and with more works depicting the famous character, this theme can become overly used. Luckily, Ip Man 3 shifts into a more private direction while still equipped with the lighting speed blows.

The story has multiple subplots, ranging from usual the thug encounter to problems on Ip Man's household. There's still glimpse of the nationalism angle from the first two movies, although fortunately not as prevalent. Use of jingoism has become stale and it'd make a predictable vilified antagonist. This time around the script has more balance and modesty, it's intended to be accessible for wider range of audience.

As far as acting goes, leads Donnie Yen and Lynn Hung perform well. This is a family oriented relationship with drama or romance taking the secondary role. Its use of many subplots, thus a larger number of antagonists, can be distracting at times. Some of the dialogues sound rather too overblown for theatrical effect, although luckily they're not dominant enough to be disrupting.

Ip Man also attracts a certain expectation for fight scenes, one which is sufficiently delivered here. It uses less wire choreography and opts for a faster close quarter combat. The cinematography involved is very precise, showing a vast experience and understanding of clashing fists and spatial awareness for the dance. This makes every encounter unique, from the all-out brawl in the dock, skirmish in small stores or apartments to the occasional high octane duels. A nod goes to the scene with Mike Tyson in its entire fanservice splendor.

The distinct combat choreography, which still looks fast and fresh, will satisfy action fans, yet the humble perspective gives a hearty humane side for the larger-than-life character.

Yes, I do "get" that the third entry is intended to be more spiritual and more metaphysical and less exploitative.

No problem.

But, that said, there a fight scene in an elevator which will have even the most jaded viewer standing up because of the sheer exhilaration of the moves. And is worth the price of admission.

Just as Matt Damon seems destined to be the ultimate Jason Bourne, fans all over the planet have voted with their wallets and proclaimed Donnie the ultimate Ip Man. He does not disappoint. Cool as ever, I never get tired of watching his punches speed up at the end of a fight (which is how the viewer knows that maybe, possibly, he is getting just a little annoyed.) As a token of my respect for this film, I will not mention the performance of Mike Tyson. Which takes more self-restraint than you realize.

A tiny bit slow here and there, but a wonderful film overall and highly recommended.

'IP MAN 3': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

Martial arts biopic sequel, to 2008's 'IP MAN' and 2010's 'IP MAN 2'. All three films chronicle the life of legendary grandmaster Yip Man (also known as Ip Man); who is famous for introducing the martial art Wing Chun, to China (and the world). This installment was once again directed by Wilson Yip (who also helmed both other movies); and it was written by Edmond Wong, Tai-Li Chan and Lai-yin Leung (Wong and Chan also co-wrote the first two flicks). Donnie Yen also returns to play the title role (for the third time). The movie also features Jin Zhang, Lynn Hung, Mike Tyson and Kwok-Kwan Chan (as Bruce Lee). Chan also played Lee in the 2008 TV series 'THE LEGEND OF BRUCE LEE', and a 2010 film (of the same name). 'IP MAN 3' is definitely not as good as it's predecessor (which many consider even better than the original film), but it is a fun martial arts flick.

The story, this time, deals with a ruthless American property developer, named Frank (Tyson); who's trying to gain control of a Hong Kong school, in 1959, that Ip Man's son attends. Ip (Yen), of course, comes to the school's defense. He also must deal with his wife (Hung) becoming ill, with stomach cancer, and a new Wing Chun grandmaster challenger (Zhang). A young martial arts student, named Bruce Lee (Chan), also wants Ip to train him.

The movie has some pretty impressive martial arts fight scenes; I also especially enjoyed the battle between Donnie Yen and Mike Tyson. Tyson actually makes a good menacing villain; considering he didn't have to say much (that was a very wise move, of the filmmakers). Other than the action, the movie doesn't have a lot to offer; I don't feel like I actually learned much about Ip Man, and the story is kind of a mess. 'IP MAN 2' is a much better movie, but this one isn't bad.

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To those of you asking where the second child is, this story is actually correct. The elder son is 12 years older than the younger one and was continuing his studies back in Foshan at the time.

I personally enjoyed this movie a lot, great themes, awesome morals, great story line, and I love the comedy in this movie as well. Very cheeky, but cute comedy. The fight scenes were great as well, loved every minute of it. You can actually feel emotion from the movie. They really did a good job of not only incorporating the true story of Ip Man, but also making sure to keep it a movie, not a documentary.

Awesome job done by Donnie Yen, Mike Tyson, and their director, Wilson Yip.

What a lovely and meaningful movie. This movie emphasize why martial art is important, to defend but not to offense. And it also highlights the true meaning of love, not leaving thy lover when she needs us most and spending your last moments with the person you love and willing to give yourself for your loved one is the true meaning of love. And one of the most remarkable trait is that respect one other and accept defeat with equal favour. Perhaps this may easily be one of my favourite movies of all time. Donnie Yen portraits ancient Grandmaster YIP perfectly without any doubt he captures Mater Yip's Kindness and Generosity.