The Grandmaster 2013

As the film unfolds, it delves into the extraordinary life of Wing Chun grand-master Ip Man, tracing his journey from the tumultuous 1930s in Foshan to his eventual flight to Hong Kong following the Second Sino-Japanese War. The cinematic narrative commences with Ip Man (Tony Leung Chiu-Wai) introspectively pondering the intricacies of martial arts, before segueing into a visually striking scene of a rain-soaked battle between Ip and a dozen formidable opponents. With his impressive fighting skills on full display, Ip emerges victorious, only to be transported back in time through a series of poignant flashbacks, showcasing pivotal moments from his life - from his early training at the tender age of seven to his induction into the mystical world of martial arts under the guidance of master Chan Wah-shun (Yuen Woo-ping) and his subsequent marriage to his loving wife Cheung Wing-sing (Song Hye-Kyo).

However, Ip Man’s serene existence is disrupted by the arrival of Gong Yutian (Wang Qingxiang), a renowned Wudang Boxing grand-master from northern China, who announces his retirement and appoints Ma San (Zhang Jin) as his successor in the North. Gong then surprisingly concedes that the South should have its own heir, sparking a flurry of discussions and combative exchanges among various masters eager to challenge his authority. Meanwhile, Ma San stands steadfastly in the way of any would-be challengers.

As the Southern masters deliberate on selecting a representative to face Gong Yutian, Ip Man is unexpectedly chosen to embody their collective strength. Subsequently, Ip undergoes rigorous testing by three formidable Southern masters before deciding to confront Gong Yutian himself. However, instead of a physical battle, Ip and Gong engage in an intellectual sparring match, exchanging philosophical ideas that ultimately conclude with Gong declaring Ip the victor.

But Gong’s daughter, Gong Er (Zhang Ziyi), remains determined to restore her family’s honor by challenging Ip Man. They agree on a unique set of rules: whoever breaks a piece of furniture during their battle will be declared the loser. Kung Fu, for Gong and Gong Er, is all about precision - the art of calculated movement and deliberate action. As the two opponents face off in an intense and captivating fight, it becomes clear that only one can emerge victorious. In the end, Gong’s skill and strategy prove too great, and Ip Man is forced to concede defeat as a small step in his training hall breaks under his feet.

In the aftermath of their battle, Ip and Gong part on amicable terms, with Ip expressing his desire for a rematch - a testament to the enduring spirit of competition and the unyielding pursuit of mastery that defines the world of martial arts.

As the years went by, Ip Man (Tony Leung) and Gong Er (Zhang Ziyi) maintained a poignant correspondence, their bond strengthened by the passing of time. However, Ip’s plans to reunite his family in northern China were derailed by the devastating outbreak of the Second Sino-Japanese War in 1938. The war ravaged Ip Man’s life, leaving him and his family on the brink of poverty. Tragedy struck when starvation claimed two of his daughters, a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict.

Meanwhile, Gong Er struggled with the betrayal of her elders, who had abandoned her father to his fate. Her grief and anger simmered until she vowed to eschew traditional virtues like marriage, children, and teaching, opting instead for a path of vengeance against those responsible for her family’s suffering. This declaration marked a turning point in Gong Er’s life, as she set aside the pursuit of martial arts mastery to focus on avenging her father’s memory.

In Hong Kong, Ip Man sought to rebuild his life by sharing his Wing Chun expertise with others. However, he soon found himself facing stiff competition from numerous other martial arts masters. Undaunted, Ip Man demonstrated his remarkable prowess, earning a reputation as one of the city’s top instructors.

Their paths crossed once more on Chinese New Year’s Eve 1950, when Gong Er and Ip Man faced off in a thrilling contest. Although Ip Man emerged victorious, he sensed that Gong Er was hesitant to revive her martial arts school, choosing instead to acknowledge the impermanence of styles like hers. A flashback to 1940 revealed a brutal encounter between Gong Er and Ma San at a train station, with Gong emerging triumphant but at great personal cost.

The film then leapfrogged to 1952, when Ip Man and Gong Er shared a poignant farewell. As Gong Er lay dying, she confessed her long-held romantic feelings for Ip Man, leaving him bereft of words. The final scenes presented a visual montage, as Ip Man’s school flourished, spreading Wing Chun expertise worldwide and producing the legendary Bruce Lee among its ranks. Off-screen, Ip Man’s life came to a close in 1972, his legacy forever intertwined with that of his remarkable students.