Donnie Yen
"Ip Man", starring Donnie Yen, Simon Yam and Lynn Hung, directed by Wilson Yip, brings us back to the martial arts movies that were made in Hong Kong during the 70's with a simple recipe:lots of kung fu and and philosophical morals. "Ip Man" arrives in San Francisco a bit late, since it premiered in China and Hong Kong in 2008, where it was a big hit. And this is when Donnie Yen became a huge star.
The real Ip Man is considered the first master of the Wung Chun school of Kung Fu, which counted Bruce Lee as a disciple. Wison Yip's movie is about the life of Ip Man in his hometown of Foshon, China, taking place during the 30's, when the Japanese invaded much of the country.
When Ip Man and his family (his wife played by Lynn Hung and his young son) are expelled from their home by the Japanese, who use it as a military barracks, Ip Man closes his martial arts school, relocates his family to a shack and must work in the fields. When the Japanese begin killing Chinese volunteers at martial arts tournaments, determined to show Japanese superiority, Ip Man takes up the challenge and becomes a hero to the oppressed Chiense.
As I said previously, "Ip Man" turned Yen into a huge star in Asia. Although he was born in China, he grew up in Boston and has worked in the Hong Kong movie industry since the mid-80's,mostly in supporting roles (Western viewers have seen him in "Hero" and Hollywood flicks like "Blade II" and "Highlander: Endgame"). As a leading man, he has starred in "Bodyguards and Assassins" and "Ip Man 2". At the age of 47, he has finally become famous. Better late than never.
