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| source: tv.lk21 |
Ip Man: Kung Fu Legend (2026) is
a separate franchise starring Yu-Hang To as Ip Man. It was released in the US on
July 14, 2026, via Well Go USA, and directed by Li Liming. Set in 1950s Hong Kong, Ip Man wants to open
his own Wing Chun school. But the city is in turmoil. British merchants want to
seize the land and forcibly demolish factories without caring about the fate of
the workers. Ip Man steps forward to defend the oppressed laborers. As a
result, he becomes a thorn in their side. His enemies then frame Ip Man with a
murder charge. He is thrown into a prison filled with traps set by his
opponents to get rid of him. Inside prison, Ip Man must survive using his
martial arts skills while finding a way to clear his name. Outside, his wife is
also growing increasingly frustrated and wants to return to Foshan.
Critics praised the film's style. It leans more toward a Kung Fu thriller than a historical biopic. Ip Man is portrayed like an iconic "superhero." The structure is classic: dialogue and political conflict only serve as bridges between action scenes. The focus is on the tension between British colonialism and the local people. The themes of worker exploitation and government corruption aided by foreign powers are brought up again. Added to that is the domestic drama of Ip Man and his wife wanting to go home. Critics considered the story idea to be good. However, the idea is still considered ordinary and not new or rare. The charisma of Ip Man is still strongly associated with Donnie Yen, so Yu-Hang To is still felt to lack the same intensity in playing him.
This film stars: Yu-Hang To, Steven Dasz, Phillip Condron and more.
In my opinion:
I will say it out loud that the
Ip Man film starring Donnie Yen is the best and unmatched. But that doesn’t
mean the other versions are bad. They’re still good, but the aura just isn’t
the same as Donnie Yen’s. For this film, I’d say it’s better than the other
versions. This Ip Man movie is an alternative version of Ip Man 2 with Donnie
Yen. It’s about Ip Man trying to build his own school, and Master Hong as the
leader in that area. Then there’s the interference of corrupt British officials
who oppress the citizens.
This film is heavier in terms of
story and criminal investigation that drags Ip Man in as a suspect. What’s
unique is that right from the start, the tension is there as Ip Man has to
undergo trials from Master Hong and face 2 other Masters in order to pass and
open his own school. The story develops when Pike, a corrupt British agent
invading the area, wants to take over Master Hong’s school building that has
been passed down for generations. His Wing Chun action itself isn’t as
“beautiful” as Donnie Yen’s version, but it’s still enjoyable. In fact, I found
it more natural, because this Ip Man can actually fall and lose, unlike Donnie
Yen’s Ip Man who feels overpowered.
I praise the audio and choreography
of this film. It’s clear and neat. Visually, I think it’s just average. There
are already so many Ip Man films out there, but once again, none can surpass
Donnie Yen’s Ip Man. However, this film is still enjoyable for fans of Wing
Chun and Ip Man himself.
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