Yip Man 2008

Mike Hale, New York Times: The fanboys and girls won't notice such failings amid the displays of wing chun kung fu--the extras and body doubles do some truly impressive acrobatics--and those with a taste for big historical tearjerkers will be happy as well. Read more

David Fear, Time Out: Yen's handful of duels do delight; it's everything surrounding them that feels tired and trite. Read more

Noel Murray, AV Club: As an exaggerated, myth-making martial-arts movie, Ip Man is often thrilling. Read more

V.A. Musetto, New York Post: If you're looking for great action scenes, you've found them. But if you desire more than eye candy, such as character and plot development and historical accuracy, you'll have to look elsewhere. Read more

Andrew O'Hehir, Salon.com: Wilson Yip has crafted a gripping, rousing, beautifully structured yarn, built around a calm but charismatic star performance by Donnie Yen and magnificent action sequences choreographed by the legendary Sammo Hung. Read more

G. Allen Johnson, San Francisco Chronicle: A period piece filmed on obvious but eye-pleasing studio sets with wall-to-wall kung fu and a simplistic, philosophical message. Read more

Derek Adams, Time Out: Yip's film benefits from crisp cinematography and an engaging 'Seven Samurai'-style storyline, but it's Sammo Hung's superbly choreographed kick-ass fight scenes that dazzle. Read more

Nick Schager, Village Voice: Legend trumps fact in Ip Man, a kickass fictionalized biopic of the titular grandmaster of Wing Chun martial arts and mentor to Bruce Lee. Read more