Watch this cult martial arts classic before it leaves Netflix

If you’re a fan of martial arts films, then you won’t want to miss out on the chance to watch the cult Ip Man before it leaves Netflix on July 21st. Directed by Wilson Yip and written by Edmond Wong, this biographical film takes viewers on an action-packed journey through the life of the legendary martial artist Ip Man.

Released in 2008, Ip Man quickly gained international recognition for its stunning fight choreography, compelling storyline, and remarkable performances. The film stars Donnie Yen, a renowned martial artist himself, who brings the character of Ip Man to life with his exceptional skills and magnetic screen presence.

As per Black Belt Mag, Dan Inosanto, who trained the legend Bruce Lee, said of Yen, “Bruce Lee would’ve been pleased with your work had he lived to see it.”

Yen’s portrayal of Ip Man has been praised as powerful and nuanced, capturing the essence of the real-life Wing Chun grandmaster.

Alluding to the film’s significant anti-Japanese sentiments, Salon’s Andrew O’Hehir, praised Ip Man as a “well-paced and satisfying piece of Chinese-nationalist pulp.”

What is Ip Man about?

Set in the 1930s during the tumultuous Sino-Japanese War, Ip Man follows the titular character’s story as he navigates through a world filled with conflict and oppression. Ip Man’s unwavering devotion to martial arts principles and determination to protect his community make for a captivating narrative. As the film progresses, audiences are treated to breathtaking fight sequences that showcase Ip Man’s unparalleled martial arts prowess.

Ip Man also features a stellar supporting cast, including Simon Yam, Lynn Hung, and Gordon Lam, who delivered memorable performances.

What sets Ip Man apart and solidifies its status as a cult classic is its ability to blend thrilling action with themes of honour, resilience, and the pursuit of justice and somehow subversive use of genre conventions.

In addition, Ip Man also had exceptional production values. The cinematography beautifully captured the intensity and grace of the fight scenes, and the attention to detail in recreating the historical setting is commendable. 

The film’s success has since spawned several sequels and spin-offs: Ip Man 2, Ip Man 3, and Ip Man 4: The Finale, all of which leave the Netflix library on July 21st as well.