In 1930s China, retiring northern Baquazhang master and Chinese Martial Artists Union chairman Gong Yutian (Wang Qingxiang) takes on a final sparring match against southern Wing Chun practitioner Ip Man (Tony Leung Chiu-Wai), a rich upstart whose smirky demeanor belies a mature inner calm. Not intending to compete, Ip Man is thrust into the limelight by his peers and takes on Master Gong in the Gold Pavilion, an upscale brothel used for hidden martial arts shenanigans and portrayed in a ridiculously ornate fashion by Wong Kar-Wai?s long-time production designer William Cheung. The match is short and largely technical, with Ip Man using inner strength and subtle technique to assert his superiority over Master Gong. Incensed at the loss, Master Gong?s daughter Gong Er (Zhang Ziyi) issues Ip Man a challenge to avenge her family?s previously undefeated record. Their duel is more active, graceful and balletic, like leftovers from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, and as the two spar, an emotional connection forms.
A union between Ip Man and Gong Er is forbidden by propriety ? he?s married to Cheung Wing-Sing (a limited Song Hye-Kyo) and she?s engaged ? plus larger events keep them apart. In the ensuing years, Ip Man and Gong Er are connected only through intertitles hinting at their affection. Ip Man copes with the Second Sino-Japanese War, which strips him of his fortune and compromises his personal integrity, while Gong Er seeks vengeance upon Ma San (Zhang Jin), her father?s former number one student who betrayed their clan. Gong Er?s actions require a remarkable sacrifice. Against her father?s explicit wishes, she chooses vengeance over a future as a doctor and wife. As she did when she challenged Ip Man, Gong Er chooses the path laid out by wu lin (the "martial world") ? a path that ensures that her family honor remains intact even if she must give up her life. Eventually, Gong Er and Ip Man meet again, but time, triumphs and tragedies have taken their toll....
(294700-B)
THE GRANDMASTER(Blu-ray Region All)[Blu-ray] (Date: 2023-10-26)
Price($):
HK$113(US$)
Publisher:CN Entertainment Ltd
No of Disk: 1
Screen Resolution: 1080p
Duration: 130 Mins
Screen: 2.35:1
Region Code: All
Languages: Cantonese, Mandarin, Thai
Subtitle: Chinese(Traditional), Chinese(Simplified), English, Thai
Audio: Dolby Digital 7.1,DTS-HD MA 7.1,Dolby Digital 5.1,DTS-HD Master Audio
Rating: IIA
Video: NTSC
Special features: movie trailer,Making,The film stills
THE GRANDMASTER(Region Free)(2 Disc)[DVD] (Date: 2019-01-17)
Price($):
HK$128(US$)
Publisher:CN Entertainment Ltd
Duration: 130 Mins
No of Disk: 2
Region Code: All
Languages: Cantonese, Mandarin
Subtitle: Chinese(Traditional), Chinese(Simplified), English
Audio: DTS
Video: DVD-5,DVD-9
Rating: IIA
Screen: Widescreen,1.78:1