Is Ip Man 3 the Best in the Trilogy? Full Review & Final Verdict
The original filmmakers behind Ip Man return five years later to conclude a trilogy nearly a decade in the making. In a landscape crowded with spin-offs, including The Grandmaster, The Legend is Born: Ip Man, and a TV series, Donnie Yen questioned whether oversaturation would impact Wilson Yip’s approach to Ip Man 3.
Donnie Yen Confirms Ip Man 3 as His Final Role in the Franchise
Donnie Yen declared Ip Man 3 would be his final film in the franchise, citing oversaturation as a major concern. Despite many adaptations, the original team of Yen, Yip, Raymond Wong, Edmond Wong, and Kenji Kawai returned with supporting cast Lynn Hung and Kent Cheng. New additions like Zhang Jin, Beardy, and Mike Tyson bring fresh energy to a film that feels like a satisfying and emotional finale.
Plot Overview: Ip Man Defends His Son’s School Against a Criminal Gang
A criminal gang threatens to take over Ip’s son’s school, forcing Ip to intervene. As a new Wing Chun rival emerges and his family faces emotional turmoil, Ip must defend his legacy and confront corruption to protect what matters most.
Donnie Yen vs Mike Tyson: Star Power and Martial Arts Action
After a weak second installment, Ip Man 3 wisely shifts to a more intimate story, allowing Donnie Yen to fully embody the role. Yen shines in both character and combat. Mike Tyson’s limited role as antagonist Frank proves smart; his screen time is minimal, but impactful. The fight between Tyson and Yen delivers high-impact action without overstaying its welcome.
Yuen Woo-ping’s Fight Choreography Elevates Ip Man 3 Action Scenes
Yuen Woo-ping replaces Sammo Hung as action choreographer, bringing fresh energy to the fight scenes. Wing Chun is creatively matched against boxing and Muay Thai, with standout moments like Ip’s hospital battle. Emotional depth is added through subplots involving family and loss, supported by Kenji Kawai’s moving score. Bruce Lee appears briefly, portrayed by Danny Chan, offering a nostalgic nod.
Why Ip Man 3 Delivers a Strong Ending to the Martial Arts Trilogy
Ip Man 3 exceeds expectations for a trilogy finale, blending familiarity with innovation. The filmmakers steer the story in a fresh direction without losing the franchise’s core appeal. Donnie Yen and team deliver a satisfying mix of emotion, action, and restraint, resulting in a strong and well-rounded conclusion.
Where to buy Ip Man 3 on physical media?
Ip Man 3 can be ordered from GRUV and Amazon. Click the links below to add the final film in the Ip Man trilogy to your collection.
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Physical media enthusiast covering Blu-ray & 4K UHD releases.