San Diego Asian Film Festival 2009

This film ticket includes a Closing Night party at 9:00PM at the All American Grill restaurant.

IP MAN is the first film based on real-life martial artist Ip Man, best known as the teacher of martial arts legend Bruce Lee. In 1930's Foshan, martial arts academies thrive and compete. Dignified Wing Chun expert Ip Man (Donnie Yen), while renowned as the top martial artist, chooses to keep a low profile, training with friends and engaging only in closed-door challenges. Independently wealthy, he does not need an academy for financial purposes and his loving wife (Lynn Hung) forces him to balance his training with family life.

Ip Man's life way of life is changed forever by the Japanese occupation of 1937. Stripped of his wealth, he must take a job working in a coal mine to support his family, especially his now very-ill wife. When General Miura (Hiroyuki Ikeuchi), demands that Ip Man teach Wing Chun to the Japanese Army, Ip Man vehemently refuses and instead stands and fights for both his life and the dignity of the Chinese people.

IP MAN is the fourth film collaboration between director Wilson Yip and lead actor Yen, a team best known for the 2005 smash hit Sha Po Lang (SPL). The film reunites the duo with SPL alumni co-star Simon Yam (Election) and the legendary Sammo Hung, who choreographed the fight scenes. Ip Chun, the real Ip Man's eldest son, served as technical consultant.

IP MAN contains some of the most explosively spectacular fight scenes of any recent action film, depending upon choreography and real stunt work instead of camera and editing tricks. Director Yip has truly crafted the finest Asian martial arts film in years by blending a throwback storyline with top cinematography and the aforementioned fight choreography. However, it is an unusually understated and dignified performance by the charismatic Yen and the film's historical context that raise IP MAN to martial arts epic status. IP MAN won the award for Best Picture at the 28th Annual Hong Kong Film Awards. -Gene Huh

Co-presented by:
Immortal Fitness Martial Arts
U.S. Karate Academy
Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA)