Directed by: Wilson Yip
Starring: Donnie Yen, Scott Adkins, Wu Yue, Vanness Wu
Genre: Martial Arts / Biographical Drama

Ip Man 4: The Finale (2019) marks the emotional conclusion to Donnie Yen’s iconic portrayal of the legendary Wing Chun grandmaster. Serving as the final chapter in the decade-spanning franchise, the film delivers everything fans love—brilliant fight choreography, a poignant narrative, and a heartfelt farewell to one of cinema’s greatest martial arts heroes. While not as groundbreaking as the first film, Ip Man 4 provides a satisfying and action-packed finale that honors the legacy of both the character and the real-life figure who inspired him.

Plot: A Father’s Journey in a Foreign Land

Set in the 1960s, the film follows Ip Man (Donnie Yen) as he travels to San Francisco to secure a school for his rebellious son, Ip Ching (Jim Liu). While there, he becomes entangled in the struggles of the local Chinese immigrant community, who face rampant racism and oppression from both American military personnel and corrupt martial arts factions.

Ip Man crosses paths with:

• Bruce Lee (Danny Chan), his former student, whose rising fame sparks jealousy among traditionalists.

• Barton Geddes (Scott Adkins), a racist Marine Corps sergeant who despises Chinese martial arts.

• Wan Zonghua (Wu Yue), the leader of the Chinatown martial arts association, who initially opposes Ip Man but later becomes an ally.

As tensions escalate, Ip Man must once again defend his honor, his people, and the spirit of Wing Chun in a series of breathtaking duels.

Fight Choreography: Sammo Hung’s Masterful Action

The film’s biggest strength remains its jaw-dropping fight sequences, choreographed by the legendary Sammo Hung. Highlights include:
✔ The Dojo Battle – Ip Man dismantles a room full of karate students with effortless precision.
✔ The Underground Fight Club – A brutal, no-holds-barred brawl showcasing different martial arts styles.
✔ Ip Man vs. Barton Geddes – A vicious final showdown that pushes Yen’s Wing Chun to its limits.

Donnie Yen, at 56 during filming, moves with the same speed and precision that made him famous, proving why he remains the definitive Ip Man.

Performances: Emotional Depth Amidst the Action

• Donnie Yen – His portrayal of an aging, weary but still indomitable Ip Man is deeply moving. The film subtly addresses his character’s declining health, adding weight to his final battles.

• Scott Adkins – A standout villain, blending brute force with smug arrogance. His fight with Yen is one of the franchise’s best.

• Wu Yue – Brings gravitas as Wan Zonghua, a man torn between tradition and justice.

• Danny Chan – His Bruce Lee cameo is brief but electrifying, especially in the opening fight scene.

Themes: Legacy, Prejudice, and the Immigrant Struggle

Beyond the action, Ip Man 4 explores:

• Fatherhood & Legacy – Ip Man’s strained relationship with his son mirrors his own role as a mentor.

• Racism & Cultural Pride – The film doesn’t shy away from depicting anti-Chinese sentiment in 1960s America.

• The Evolution of Martial Arts – The conflict between tradition (Wan Zonghua) and innovation (Bruce Lee) adds depth.

Weaknesses: A Familiar Formula

While the film excels in many areas, it doesn’t take many risks:
✖ Predictable Story Beats – The narrative follows a similar structure to previous entries.
✖ Underdeveloped Subplots – Bruce Lee’s role feels more like fan service than a crucial part of the story.

Final Verdict: A Worthy Conclusion to the Saga

Ip Man 4: The Finale may not surpass the original, but it delivers a powerful, action-packed, and emotionally resonant farewell to Donnie Yen’s iconic role. It’s a must-watch for martial arts fans and a fitting tribute to the real Ip Man’s legacy.

Rating: 8.5/10

✔ For Fans Of: Ip Man series, The Grandmaster, Fist of Fury, classic kung fu cinema.
✖ Not For: Those expecting a radically different story from previous films.

Where to Watch: Available on Blu-ray, Amazon Prime, and iTunes.
Final Thought: If this truly is Donnie Yen’s last time as Ip Man, he went out on a high n