Ip Man – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Ip Man

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2008

74%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Donnie Yen brings dignity and devastating Wing Chun to the true story of Bruce Lee's teacher during wartime China.

8/10

86%

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Ip Man

movie

R, 2008

74%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Donnie Yen brings dignity and devastating Wing Chun to the true story of Bruce Lee's teacher during wartime China.

86%

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8/10

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the rare martial arts film that works both as action entertainment and as legitimate historical drama. Donnie Yen's performance is restrained and powerful, and the Wing Chun sequences are genuinely worth watching for their artistry.

The violence is the main barrier—it's not gratuitous, but it's persistent and sometimes harsh given the wartime setting. Kids who can handle the intensity will get a solid introduction to a real historical figure and a thoughtful meditation on when and why to fight.

At 86% on Rotten Tomatoes and an 8.0 on IMDb, this has staying power beyond typical action fare. It's subtitled, which filters out kids who aren't ready to focus, but that's probably fine—this is a teen-and-up film that treats its subject with respect and doesn't dumb anything down.

Age Fit

Best for ages 13+ who can handle war context and sustained martial arts violence. The fight choreography is impressive enough to engage teens and adults, and the historical backdrop adds weight. Younger kids who love martial arts might be interested, but the occupation brutality and mature themes make this a better fit for middle school and up.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Models dignity, restraint, and honor through its protagonist who fights only when necessary to protect others. Ip Man's humility and dedication to family are central themes. However, the historical context includes brutal occupation scenes and the violence, while justified narratively, is frequent and intense. The emotional tone is mature—dealing with loss, poverty, and oppression—but handled with grace rather than exploitation.

Imaginative

The martial arts choreography is genuinely creative and beautifully filmed—Wing Chun techniques are displayed with precision and artistry. The biographical drama format is more grounded than fantastical, but the fight sequences have a balletic quality that elevates them beyond pure realism. It doesn't invite interactive creativity or exploration, but it does showcase martial arts as an art form worth appreciating.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it 13+ for good reason. Frequent martial arts violence throughout, including kicks, punches, and weapon use (swords, axes, staffs). Some blood is visible. The Japanese occupation scenes show brutality and suffering, including forced labor and executions. No sexual content or nudity. Mild language. The violence is contextual and not gratuitous, but it's persistent enough that younger kids would find it intense. Parents know what they're getting into with a martial arts biopic set during wartime.

Enriching

Strong historical education value about the Japanese invasion of China and the real-life master who trained Bruce Lee. Themes of dignity under oppression, cultural preservation, and standing up for one's community are powerful. The film shows consequences of violence and war, not glorification. It demonstrates discipline, humility, and the difference between martial arts as self-defense versus aggression. The 8.0 IMDb and 86% RT critic score reflect its quality as serious drama with substance.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Introduces the real history of Ip Man and the Japanese occupation of China—actual educational substance wrapped in excellent action
The martial arts choreography is legitimately beautiful; Wing Chun techniques are showcased with precision and artistry
Ip Man is a genuinely good role model: humble, protective of family, fights only when necessary, never shows off
High production values and strong performances—this isn't B-movie schlock, it's a well-crafted biographical drama
Spawned multiple sequels and got kids interested in martial arts philosophy, not just fighting

⚠

What to Watch For

The violence is frequent and sometimes brutal—it's martial arts combat but also includes wartime atrocities like forced labor and executions
Some blood visible during fights; nothing gory but more intense than typical superhero fare
Heavy emotional themes: poverty, occupation, loss of home and dignity—this isn't a feel-good romp
Subtitled (original Cantonese), which means younger kids need to be comfortable reading quickly during action scenes

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think Ip Man refused to teach the Japanese general even though his family was starving?"
"What's the difference between fighting to show off versus fighting to protect others?"
"How did martial arts help preserve Chinese culture during the occupation?"
"Would you want to learn a martial art? What would you hope to get out of it beyond just fighting skills?"

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