Skip to content
CGMagazine
  • News
  • ArticlesExpand
    • Buyers Guides
    • Features
    • Interviews
    • Previews
    • Spotlight
    • The Vault
  • ReviewsExpand
    • Game Reviews
    • Comic Reviews
    • Anime Reviews
    • Book Reviews
    • Tabletop Reviews
    • Hardware Reviews
    • Music Reviews
    • Movie Reviews
    • TV Reviews
  • Guides
  • Magazine
  • MediaExpand
    • Podcasts
    • Video
    • Sound Off
    • First Fifteen
    • Weekly Goods
    • Video Interviews
    • Video Reviews
  • Store
  • Newswire
Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube
CGMagazine

Master Z The Ip Man Legacy (2018) Review

Worthy

  • Chris Carter Chris Carter
  • August 14, 2019
  • 2 Minute Read
Master Z The Ip Man Legacy (2019) Review
Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin
Share on reddit
Score: 8 / 10

Most, if not all martial arts fans are no doubt familiar with Ip Man. Based off of a real master, the film series (which began life in 2008 starring Donnie Yen), scored two sequels; and now, a spinoff: Master Z: The Ip Man Legacy.

Cleverly, the proof is in the pudding (or the title, in this case). Donnie Yen isn’t actually in Master Z, as Max Zhang (who came up as a stunt actor) literally carries on Ip Man’s “legacy” after his defeat at Ip Man’s hands in the third film. Think of it as the “Hobbs and Shaw” of Ip Man films. Now you’re ready!

Zhang’s role of Cheung Tin Chi was a perfect match for a follow-up. Shamed by his loss he leaves his life as a fighter, opting to become a mild-mannered grocery store owner. That doesn’t last long as he’s embroiled in a conflict involving two women and an opium den owner that sparks by random chance. As someone who adores the “stranger who can’t let injustices lie” trope, I was sucked in pretty quickly (which is especially easy when we get three fight scenes in 10 minutes).

Master Z The Ip Man Legacy (2019) Review 1
Master Z The Ip Man Legacy

There’s a gentleness to Zhang that helps make him work so well as a hero. He isn’t showy, nor is he overly stoic. That everyman quality helps elevate the character of Cheung Tin Chi, who just wants to give his son a knockoff Batman toy and live a quiet life. Despite some missteps with the narrative or venturing into all too familiar territory, it does feel grounded in a way (and has something to say in the end) that will help convince non-fans to give it a shot.

For the martial arts crowd, there’s a lot of variety in Master Z beyond mere spectacle. Although the film mostly maintains a dramatic tone, we do get some comedy in the form of Jackie Chan-esque pursuits and prop combat (on top of a really stylish drinking glass battle). There are cuts, but we get a mostly clear take on the action from director Yuen Woo-ping. Zhang is clearly up to the task, and when you have Tony Jaa operating as a cameo and the legendary Michelle Yeoh fully available, you know the rest of the cast is too. I didn’t think I was ready for more of the Ip Man cinematic universe, but Max Zhang and Yuen Woo-ping managed to convince me otherwise.

Final Thoughts:

Master Z: The Ip Man Legacy is a lovingly-crafted successor worth paying attention to.
Chris Carter

Chris Carter

All Articles
Master Z The Ip Man Legacy (2019) Review 2

Master Z The Ip Man Legacy

Director(s): Yuen Woo-ping
Cast: Max Zhang, Dave Bautista, Liu Yan
Studio: Universal Studios
Running Time: 1 hour, 47 minutes

Must Read

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game - Complete Edition Review

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game – Complete Edition Review

Elgato Wave 3 Review 1

Elgato Wave 3 Review

Lupin III: The First (2020) Review 4

Lupin III: The First (2019) Review

MORE FROM Chris Carter

Lupin III: The First (2020) Review 4

Lupin III: The First (2019) Review

Wonder Woman 1984 (2020) Review

Wonder Woman 1984 (2020) Review

Soul (2020) Review 1

Soul (2020) Review

The Prom (2020) Review 1

The Prom (2020) Review

CGMagazine Logo

Advertise with us
Jobs @ CGMagazine
© 2020 CGMagazine Publishing Group

Facebook
Twitter
Youtube
Linkedin
Instagram
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • About Us
  • Policies
  • Jobs
  • Contests
  • CNW News
Menu
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • About Us
  • Policies
  • Jobs
  • Contests
  • CNW News
  • News
  • Articles
    • Buyers Guides
    • Features
    • Interviews
    • Previews
    • Spotlight
    • The Vault
  • Reviews
    • Game Reviews
    • Comic Reviews
    • Anime Reviews
    • Book Reviews
    • Tabletop Reviews
    • Hardware Reviews
    • Music Reviews
    • Movie Reviews
    • TV Reviews
  • Guides
  • Magazine
  • Media
    • Podcasts
    • Video
    • Sound Off
    • First Fifteen
    • Weekly Goods
    • Video Interviews
    • Video Reviews
  • Store
  • Newswire
Search