(Poster Source: Martial Arts Movie Junkie)
Several reports this week so far reveal new details about Herman Yau’s new film, Ip Man: The Final Fight starring Anthony Wong Chau Sang, Eric Tsang, Huang Yi, Jordan Chan and Gillian Chung. The film is the latest in a lineage of film and tv projects from several directors based on the late grandmaster of Wing Chun and well-known master of late iconic martial arts action film legend, Bruce Lee.
Twitchfilm reported that Ip Man: The Final Fight is set to open this year’s 37th annual Hong Kong International Film Festival, among 300 other titles including Ronny Yu‘s latest film, Saving General Yang. The film is an unofficial follow-up from Herman Yau’s 2010 project, Ip Man: The Legend Is Born, which starred Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao, Lam Suet, Bernice Liu, Fan Siu-Wong and also, Ip Man’s eldest son, Ip Chun.
Wong’s career spans close to thirty years as an award-winning actor, action performer, screenwriter and director. While he also holds an eighth degree in Monkey-style Kung Fu, previous reports indicate he initially doubted his ability to live up to the physical demands of his character and nearly regretted accepting the titular role in a drunken state, while talking to the film’s action director Checkley Sin Kwok-lam. Fortunately, the actor moved on to begin training in Wing Chun for over a year to prepare for the role, particularly in preparation for his fight scene opposite Eric Tsang, who just turned 60. According to the latest research over at MartialArtsMovieJunkie.com, Wong’s fight with Tsang took six hours to complete (including three for rehearsal).
Albert Lee, CEO of Emperor Motion Pictures, had this to say in 2012 of the film prior to its production:
We’re thrilled to have been able to get such a stellar cast who are respected martial artists in their respective disciplines. I think audiences will find their combination of skills will add a new level of authenticity to the tale of Grandmaster Ip,
Budgeted at over $260 million RMB, the story takes place in the 1950s in the Walled City of postwar Hong Kong, amidst political turmoil, with Ip Man trying to live the quiet life teaching his students Wing Chun, only to find himself taking on other rival kung fu masters, and ultimately, the Hong Kong triads. The film is set for theatrical release in Hong Kong and Singapore on March 28, 2013. You can view the trailer below.
