My quick rating – 7.7/10. Even if you are not a fan of so-called “kung fu movies,” Ip Man 3 is the type of film that will make you see past the punches and poor dialogue. The film is basically a tutorial in fight scene choreography from start to finish. Each move and counter is so perfect in both the physical action and the camera work to bring it to the audience’s eyes.
Even with all the fighting going on, there is a story about an aging martial arts master of Wing Chun who is forced to stop a band of brutal gangsters led by a crooked property developer making a play to take over the city. This, of course, leads to the ensuing fights to try to keep the town safe. Within this plot is a subplot that ends the movie as well, when an unknown comes to aid Ip Man, only to challenge him for the title of master.
The version I watched had horrible subtitles, but even still, some of the conversations made enough sense to see there were points about Western police and going against the government. So, yes, there was also an underlying theme to his movie. But let’s be honest, we are watching to see Master Ip (played superbly again by Donnie Yen) subtly beat the crap out of everyone. Even in one scene given a fight where he is not allowed to punch 10 opponents, he is still able to keep them at bay.
The fights all vary in style, with the most unique but not necessarily technically the best, a fight to the end, 3 minutes timed with none other than Mike Tyson. Each fight sequence really is just poetry on the screen and must be seen. I personally have been looking forward to this sequel for a long time, and I must say it has been worth the wait. Definitely worth seeing, and I know I will be viewing it again. (Since I reviewed in 2016, I have seen it again twice)
Appears this one is available on nearly all streamers, including Amazon as part of your subscription.
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