There was already a hype going around about this flick before I watched it – that it was one of the best martial arts action flick EVARR. I was then like ‘Uh oh’, that’s not going to be good because, if you use the word ‘EVARR’, then that shit has to be top notch good… and with expectations set THAT high, things tend to disappoint.
And as I reckoned… it didn’t cut the cake. I mean, it wasn’t bad per se, but, it didn’t live up to the expectation that it is one of the best EVARR. Sure enough, Donnie Yen delivered a never before solid performance (he was Christian Bale good), and the fight choreography was impressive. But it was the plot that ruined the whole thing.
I don’t know if it’s just me but, do you guys notice that there has been like, a fucking dozen martial art flicks out there that went with the ‘beat-the-Japanese’ theme? I understand this is to placate the Chinese audience but, do we really have to do this so fucking often? This is as hackneyed as what the Hindustans did with their train fights and groupie dances. I mean, come on, can’t these people come up with a better and more intelligent plot at all? Something new? Something fresh? Hello?
If you were to ask me, I’d say the “Once Upon A Time in China” franchise was a better watch. The fights might not look as good as contemporary action flicks but, they’re still way more superior as a package. They were with much more surprises and interesting plots (also, check out the “Swordsman” franchise). Those are the best. “Ip Man” however, is definitely not in that ‘EVARR’ league. 6/10 (only for the action, nothing else)