In 1930s China, Ip Man is celebrated as the grandmaster of Wing Chun. During a competition, he wins the affection of Gong Er, a master of the northern Chinese martial arts tradition. But the occupation by Japanese troops separates the two, and they will only meet again after the war ends.

A martial-arts historical drama that balances an intimate, perceptive romantic drama with complexly choreographed high-wire action sequences, this is Wong Kar Wai working on a much larger and livelier scale, making a film as philosophical and poetic as it is unforgivingly kick-ass.