Master Z: The Ip Man Legacy (2018)
Master Z: The Ip Man Legacy is a spin off movie from the popular IP Man series staring Donnie Yen. The story is based around Cheung Tin Chi, the Wing Chun master from Ip Man 3. I had to watch this movie twice before writing this. The first time I watched it I wasn’t particularly thrilled with some aspects of the film so I watched it again. After a second viewing I was much more inclined to like the movie. I maintain the acting is very good (through both viewings). The script isn’t particularly original for this time period in Hong Kong and there are several movies with similar concepts. However Master Z excels at the story of Cheung Tin Chi’s struggles both as a father and as what he perceives as his failure as a man and martial arts master. I found the human story much more compelling than the crime aspect or even the action. Michele Yeoh’s performance was wonderful! Her ability to be a hard crime boss and layer it with worry, concern, and her love for her brother Tso Sai Kit was spectacular.
As for the action I only had issues with the scene where they are jumping on the street signs. Something about it seemed unrealistic in the body movements. Whether it is a result of the wire work, which has been limited in the Ip Man series, or if they combined some CGI into it for the safety of the actors and stunt men I am unsure. The fight between Cheung Tin Chi and Sadi was exciting as well as the fights between the main character and Owen Davidson and Tso Ngan Kwan
Master Z is getting great reviews in the western world with 85% on Rotten Tomatoes, 93% of Google users liked the film and receiving positive reviews from the New York Times, Roger Ebert, among others. It is certainly worth watching and I’m glad I gave the film a second chance and watched it all the way through the second time.
Director: Yuen Wo-Ping
Script: Edmond Wong Chi-Mun, Chan Tai-Li
Action Director: Yuen Shun-Yi
Max Zhang a.k.a John Zhang Jin (The Grandmaster, Rise of the Legend, Ip Man 3) as Cheung Tin Chi, a former Wing Chun master who was defeated by Ip Man in a duel behind closed doors, and subsequently becomes a mercenary
Dave Bautista (The Man with the Iron Fists, The Warriors Gate, Guardians of the Galaxy) as Owen Davidson, the leader of a drug smuggling syndicate, who also runs a restaurant.
Liu Yan (Painted Skin (2008), The Four Part 2, The Thousand Faces of Dunjia) as Julia
Xing Yu (The Northern Swordsman, Kung Fu Hustle, Ip Man, Bodyguards and Assassins) as Fu, Julia’s brother and former martial artist, who now owns the Gold Bar on Bar Street.
Michelle Yeoh (Magnificent Warriors, The Tai-Chi Master, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) as Tso Ngan Kwan, the leader of the Cheung Lok organised crime gang, who wants to turn the gang into a legitimate business entity, and the elder sister of Tso Sai Kit.
Tony Jaa (Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior, Ong-Bak 2, Ong-Bak 3) as Sadi the warrior (special cameo appearance)
Kevin Cheng Ka-Wing (Ip Man: The Final Fight) as Tso Sai Kit, younger brother of Tso Ngan Kwan, who initially runs an opium den, before becoming a drug peddler behind his sister’s back at Bar Street.
Chrissie Chau Sau-Na (Storm Rider – Clash of Evils, Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons) as Nana, an opium addict and close friend of Julia
Patrick Tam Yiu-Man (The Duel, The Legend of Zu, The Storm Warriors, The Myth, Ip Man 3) as Ma King-sang, local Triad leader and former martial arts disciple.
Brian Thomas Burrell (IP Man 2) as a Senior Police officer
Philip Keung Hiu-Man (The Heroic Trio, ) as Officer Fai, a Hong Kong police officer who has doubts working under his British supervisors.
Yuen Wah (The Duel of the Century, Shaolin Intruders, Swordsman, The Web of Death, Mr. Vampire), Guest appearance, Agency
Adam Pak Tin-Nam, as Police Wong
Stephen Huynh, as Ming
Jiang Jing, as Mei
Billy Lau Nam-Kwong (Twinkle Twinkle Lucky Stars, Mr. Vampire Part 3), as Kwan’s board member
Henry Zhang Hai-Yue, as Cheung Fung
Anthony Ho, as Fat Lung
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