Ip Man (2008) A.K.A. Yip Man • Ye Wen (葉問)

Ip Man (2008), also released as Yip Man and Ye Wen (葉問), is the acclaimed Hong Kong martial arts film directed by Wilson Yip and starring Donnie Yen as the legendary Wing Chun grandmaster. Set in Foshan during the Second Sino-Japanese War, the film follows Ip Man's transformation from a respected martial artist into a symbol of courage, honor, and resistance. Co-starring Simon Yam, Louis Fan, Lynn Hung, Gordon Lam, and Hiroyuki Ikeuchi, it launched one of the most successful martial arts franchises of the modern era.

STORY OVERVIEW

Before war engulfs southern China, Ip Man enjoys a quiet life devoted to family and martial arts in the prosperous city of Foshan. When the Japanese occupation devastates the community, he is forced to fight not for pride or recognition, but for survival and the dignity of his people. Through extraordinary courage and unwavering principles, Ip Man becomes a symbol of hope during one of China's darkest periods.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

Featuring dynamic action choreography by legendary filmmaker Sammo Hung, Ip Man showcases authentic Wing Chun techniques with lightning-fast hand combinations, close-range combat, and memorable one-on-one duels. Donnie Yen's disciplined and powerful performance helped introduce Wing Chun to millions of viewers worldwide while redefining modern martial arts cinema.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Ip Man revitalized the traditional kung fu genre and established one of Donnie Yen's most celebrated performances. Blending historical drama with spectacular martial arts action, the film earned international acclaim and inspired a successful series of sequels while introducing a new generation to the legacy of Bruce Lee's legendary teacher.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in 2008, Ip Man became a landmark in modern Hong Kong cinema, earning widespread critical acclaim and international success. Its respectful portrayal of the Wing Chun grandmaster helped renew worldwide interest in the art while inspiring numerous films based on the life and legacy of Ip Man.

• Verified AKAs:
  • Ip Man
  • Yip Man
  • Ye Wen
  • 葉問 (Traditional Chinese)
  • 叶问 (Simplified Chinese)
• Director: Wilson Yip
• Producer: Raymond Wong Pak-Ming
• Screenplay: Edmond Wong, Tai-Lee Chan
• Studio: Golden Harvest, Beijing ShengShi HuaRei Film Investment & Management, China Film Co-Production Corporation
• Starring: Donnie Yen, Simon Yam, Louis Fan, Lynn Hung, Gordon Lam, Hiroyuki Ikeuchi
• Action Director: Sammo Hung
• Music: Kenji Kawai
• Cinematography: O Sing-Pui
• Editor: Cheung Ka-Fai
• Format: DVD
• Language: Cantonese, Mandarin
• Subtitles: English
• Running Time: 106 Minutes
• Region: Region Free
• Country: Hong Kong, China
• Release Year: 2008

Carefully researched and prepared for collectors of classic martial arts cinema by ClassicKungFuMovies.com.