Ip Man (2010)

RATING:	80%
FORMAT:	DVD

(Image: http://cinedork.com/)

Despite the simplistic storyline and plotting this is a fine film about honor, dignity and self-respect. These elements are combined in a drama that speaks of the resurgent national pride necessary to defeat an invading army of would-be oppressors.

Violence here is used to make an important point about the difference between violence and aggression, the inappropriate versus the appropriate and the need to defend oneself against those who would steal from you but not to use such training against those who have done you no harm. To this end the action scenes are first-rate and clearly-delineate the self-disciplined from the emotionally self-indulgent who cannot win by fair means whose only hope is a foul that the best among us will not notice.

There are also touching and tender love scenes that render the characters empathetic and a vein of subtle humor that can easily be missed if you blink too hard.

Copyright © 2012 Frank TALKER. Permission granted to reproduce and distribute it in any format; provided that mention of the author’s Weblog (http://franktalker5.blogspot.com/) is included: E-mail notification requested. All other rights reserved.