Cast
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Tony Leung
as Ip Man
Zhang Ziyi
as Gong Er
Chang Chen
as Razor
Zhao Benshan
as Ding Lianshan
Xiao Shenyang
as San Jiang Shui
Song Hye-kyo
as Zhang Yongcheng
Wang Qingxiang
as Master Gong Yutian
Zhang Jin
as Ma San
Shang Tielong
as Jiang
Song Tao
as Gong Er Di Zi
Lo Hoi-Pang
as Uncle Deng
Cung Le
as Iron Shoes
King Shih-Chieh
as Gong Clan Elder
Yuen Woo-Ping
as Chan Wah-shun
Lau Ga-Yung
as Master Yong
Crew
Director
- Wong Kar-wai
Producer
- Jacky Pang
- Wong Kar-wai
Reviews
CinemaSerf
I'm a fan of Wong Kar-Wai's films but I reckon that I still prefer Wilson Yip's 2008 version of the Ip Man story. Set amidst the turbulent times in China that saw the end of the rule of Manchu dynasty, the embryonic republic established and then the Japanese invasion, we meet a man (Tony Leung) who lives peacefully in the small town of Foshan until he meets Wing Chun grand master Gong Yutian (Qingxiang Wang) who is looking for a successor. That is the beginning of a journey that will see him become a grand master of the martial art himself, whilst meeting, marrying and surviving! It's a superb looking film but for me just a little too over-stylised. The combat scenes are creatively choreographed but the use of the slowed-down visual effects didn't always work. Leung and the director are clearly on the same wavelength, and the story itself is a fascinating look at the rise of one culture through the wreckage of an ancient one. It's also clear that women too had their place in this society - and it wasn't always where stereotype might assume. A strong contribution from the adept and nimble Ziyi Zhang (Gong Er) demonstrates that well as battle lines between the old and new, the powerful and the aspirational are drawn and a good old dose of ancient tribal warfare sets up a proud story of heritage, loyalty and skill. Though a little soporifically scored at times, this is an enjoyable mix of history with touch of romance and plenty of action, and is well worth a couple of hours.
May 9, 2024
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Grandmaster examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Wong Kar-wai brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2013, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Grandmaster took approximately 24 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $38.6 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 130 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 176 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1120 individual shots.
- The costume department created over 167 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2013, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Grandmaster shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Bird on a Wire, which focuses more on action than character development, The Grandmaster offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Forbidden Kingdom and Michael Collins explore similar territory, The Grandmaster stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 10, 2013
- Runtime: 2h 10m
- Budget: $38,600,000
- Revenue: $64,076,736
Where to Watch
