My quick rating – 6.7/10. Ip Man 4: The Finale closes out Donnie Yen’s long-running portrayal of the legendary Wing Chun master, and while it provides a respectful sendoff, it doesn’t quite hit the same highs as its predecessors. Following the death of his wife, Ip Man journeys to San Francisco, where he finds himself caught between local kung fu masters and his now-famous student Bruce Lee, while also hoping to secure a better future for his son. Like the other films in the franchise, the story uses real historical backdrops and themes of injustice, though everything is heightened and exaggerated to ensure the audience knows exactly who to root for.
The setting of mid-1960s Chinatown is handled well, giving the film an authentic look even when the narrative simplifies the politics of the time. As expected, the fight choreography is one of the strongest elements. Bruce Lee’s introduction, handled by Kwok-Kwan Chan, is a fun, high-energy sequence that shows him handling bullies in his trademark flashy style. Ip Man’s first big fight also delivers, reminding viewers why Donnie Yen has carried this series so effectively.
A personal fav of mine, Scott Adkins, is a great casting choice, playing a hard-nosed military instructor who also serves as the film’s most blatant antagonist. He plays the role of the racist, hyper-patriotic bully with relish, making him easy to dislike and setting the stage for a satisfying clash. Of course, this being an Ip Man movie, the fights aren’t just about martial arts but about standing up for justice and dignity in the face of discrimination.
That said, this finale doesn’t quite have the same spark as earlier entries. The quieter dramatic scenes often feel flat, and the writing outside of the action sequences lacks sharpness. Even the fights, while well choreographed, don’t carry the same spectacle or emotional weight as those in Ip Man 3, for example. The finale montage, which revisits iconic scenes from the series and reminds viewers of Ip Man’s passing in 1972—with Bruce Lee attending his funeral—offers a touching conclusion, but it also highlights how much stronger the journey was leading up to this point.
Ip Man 4: The Finale is still a solid martial arts film, just not the strongest in the series. It provides closure, honors the character and real-life figure, and gives fans one more round of Donnie Yen’s graceful, powerful performance. But as far as finales go, it feels more like a respectful bow than a knockout punch.
