Ip Man 3

A third delve into the legend of Ip Man. And I will say that they managed to keep the third movie up to level with the previous two movies, and that was an achievement in itself.

The story here revolves around a property developer and his gangsters trying to claim a local school, and Master Ip Man takes it upon himself to stand up to them.

Donnie Yen makes a third and glorious return as Ip Man, and he does so once again with flying colors. He really was cast so well for this particular role, especially because he is capable of combining acting and martial arts with grace.

Similar to the previous two movies, then "Ip Man 3" is loaded with martial arts throughout the course of the movie. And the martial arts in this third movie was done with great skill, it was graceful and visually impressive to look at. It was nicely choreographed and equally so executed by the martial artists on the screen. There are some very memorable martial arts scenes throughout this movie, as there has been in the previous two, but the elevator scene was especially interesting.

The cast in "Ip Man 3" was good, although I personally didn't like that they had Mike Tyson in the movie. Sure he might throw a powerful punch, but he doesn't have acting talent nor much on-screen appeal. So I think they could have fared better with a different cast for the role of Frank.

It was also a nice touch to see a young Bruce Lee make an appearance in the movie, seeking to study with Master Ip Man. And actor Kwok-Kwan Chan did a good job, although it was a bit over-acted in a way. But it was fun, nonetheless.

The 2015 "Ip Man 3" movie is a definite must watch movie if you enjoy martial arts, and especially so if you enjoyed the previous two "Ip Man" movies from 2008 and 2010.

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.

I will try to keep this spoiler free.

Donnie Yen returns for Ip Man 3, and despite being produced by the same team, the theme that is explored... is that much deeper.

Ip Man focuses on "Survival", Ip Man 2 focuses on Everyday Life and Making a Living, while Ip Man 3 focuses on "Life" itself.

The audience will need to pay attention to details to enjoy the movie fully, starting from the first scene, and really understand how the first scene relates to the whole story. So... REMEMBER the first scene! (The Butterfly Scene)

There are subtle hints hidden in the move, be it Bruce Lee's quote of "Be Like Water" or "One-Inch Punch" where viewers really need to pay attention to the story and choreography to understand.

Ip Man 1 and 2 focuses on grounded action, and realistic choreography. Ip Man 3 has that, but added another layer of beauty to the movie, thanks to Yuen Woo Ping(Matrix, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon)'s choreography. The details of every fight scene can be enjoyed and explored.

While many think that Ip Man 3 will be just a martial arts exhibition, but the team managed to bring in a layer of emotion we have not seen in 1 and 2.

Donnie's Ip Man is now a much more grounded, humble and just that neighborhood family guy we all love.

Donnie Yen's performance here is nothing sort of amazing.

Lynn Hung's performance is also outstanding.

All in all, the movie may not please all critics and fans who ONLY loves hard-hitting action, but if you are looking at an Ip Man movie with Great action, great humour and that sense of touch with a love story, then Ip Man 3 is the best in the series.

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.

'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.

Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: https://youtu.be/n2qWxeZ0Tck