T-REVIEWS: KUNG FU FOR CHRISTMAS

Family movie night yesterday saw five tickets to the latest Canto-film offering, Ip Man 4. This movie marks the final installment of this globally acclaimed Kung Fu blockbuster about Bruce Lee's grand-master. I don't remember watching the first three films, so I went in with low expectations but at 11:30PM, a red-eyed, slightly emotional girl came out of the cinema filled with new found love for the art of Kung Fu and also, her Chinese roots. After the movie, I have to admit feeling slightly guilty of being so influenced by the American culture. My swearing vocabulary attests to that but that is a story for another discussion.

Back to the silver screen.

In Ip Man 4, martial arts embody equality and standing up for what is good and right. Some people use martial arts to demonstrate power and superiority but our grand-master uses martial arts to bring people from all around the world together and to defend the weak. In truth, his art of Wing Chun has transcended geographical boundaries and cultures, hence, known world-wide today, making it a true testament of how martial arts can unite people from various background / religion / race as #ONE (pun intended, problem of being a workaholic.)

Fight scenes are generally exciting to watch but Ip Man 4 presents them with finesse, thanks to the refined and fluid movements that accompany the art of Wing Chun. I know nought about Wing Chun, but the way it was projected on screen, every technique glides through the next with precision, while impactful punches are absorbed by intelligent placement of the body, supported by breathing techniques and core strength. These bring to life combat scenes that contains an element of grace and gentleness to an otherwise plain, hard core and brutal scene of just beating up people.

Other key themes noted such as bullying, racism and family also made the film a thought-provoking and heartwarming ensemble. I relate most to the character Hartman, in that I have somewhat felt the shame of failing to defend my own culture / country, or to have moments where your faith was shaken when you felt that the person you believed in had failed you. I also love how they gently highlight the generation gap issues between parents and children, and no offense to my American buddies, the portrayal of the "dramatic" Americans is profoundly entertaining. Jazzed up with some light canto humour, the film was the perfect choice of entertainment for a simple Christmas family-time.