The Grandmaster

If I were forced to pick only one type of movie to watch for the rest of my life, it would be kung fu (wuxia) movies.  Martial arts movies have become more refined with time.  It used to be that Chinese audiences could only afford to watch one or two movies a year.  As such, Hong Kong production studios would make films that had something for everybody.  There's love, comedy (wordplay, situational, and slapstick all at once), action, sorrow, revenge, and redemption.  This hodge-podge of scenarios made for some wacky films.  But as Chinese audiences began visiting the theater more and more, a more diverse range of movies started to be made.  Now, kung fu movies are just about revenge or just about love.  That singular focus makes modern Asian action far more accessible (if somewhat less fun) for American audiences.  And The Grandmaster would make a wonderful introduction to contemporary wuxia. 

The Grandmaster tells the story of real-life martial arts icon Ip Man.  He is most famous for being Bruce Lee's teacher and for his exceptional skill in the Wing Chun style of kung fu.  The film is a highly stylized portrait of important events in his life. 

Chinese audiences love movies about famous heroes of martial arts.  There are several movies made about Fong Sai-yuk, for example.  And the films involving kung fu master Wong Fei-hung are too numerous to list (but you should seek them out).  Right now, there is a surge in Ip Man films. 

The Grandmaster was nominated for two Oscars this year.  One of which was for Best Cinematography.  Anyone who is familiar with the films of director Wong Kar-wai (and you should be) knows that even his misfires are stunningly beautiful.  This film lives up to that expectation.  But Wong is best know for making stylistic dramas.  If it hadn't been for his 1994 film Ashes of Time, I never would've thought that he had a martial arts film in him.

The fights are numerous and spectacular.  There's a focus in the film on the philosophy of kung fu.  What that leads to are battles that showcase the steps and counter-steps that are necessary to defeat your enemy.  It's martial arts as a chess match.  And it's wonderful.  There's plenty of wire work for those who like that kind of thing and the combat is definitely superhuman.  The fighting is as much about expression as it is about overcoming obstacles.

Tony Leung Chiu-wai (not Tony Leung Ka-fai, but no one knows what I'm talking about) is back as Wong Kar-wai's go-to actor.  He's one of China's greatest actors and does not disappoint as Ip Man.  Zhang Ziyi is also wonderful and finally starting to look like an adult woman (despite being 35).  This helps bring some gravitas to her role.

This is a fantastic piece of kung fu cinema.  It combines martial arts action with art house ideas.  While the episodic nature of the story can throw off the pacing a bit, The Grandmaster can always find an excuse to have a fight which picks things up again.  It's exciting and gorgeous and fun. 

8 out of 10