Shanghai Film Groups and Mandarin Film Distribution Company Present
Kwangtung, Fuoshan. The birthplace of Chinese martial arts. It is now reknowned as a region where the cultural exchange of martial arts takes place.
1935 - Fuoshan, Dojo Street.
*Sigh* Another new school has arrived to compete with.
Okay, let's practice... Come on, now!
One
Two
One
Two
Sir, someone is here to see you.
Hi, you are....?
I am Master Liao of the 'Liao Fist'
I just opened a dojo in Fuoshan.
Congratulations.
I heard that your Wing Chun style is very good.
I came here today, hoping to exchange some pointers?
Could we possibly do this another day?
Now's not such a good time.
Since I'm already here..
Maybe just some quick sparring? It won't take long.
We can close the doors. Win or lose, nobody will know.
It's not a matter of winning or losing, I was just sitting down to dinner.
Ok then, I'll wait for you.
Master Liao, have you eaten?
Come, join us.
You smoke?
Oh, no thanks.
How was your meal?
Great, great.
That's good.
I'll be very quick.
Wang, don't worry about the table. Would you mind closing the door?
Master Liao...
Ready?
Ready.
Are you okay?
I'm okay, I'm fine.
One more time.
Alright then!
Thank's for letting me win, Master Liao.
Thank you for the match. I've learnt a lot. Same here, Same here.
Err, today's closed door sparring....
Don't worry, it'll never leak out.
Thank you very much. I'll go now.
Ok, be careful.
You can see yourself out.
Master Ip's "Heavenly King smashes tower" was amazing.
He threw Master Liao across the room!
Isn't that move used in Tai Chi Quan?
I thought Master Ip practiced Wing Chun?
Whatever! Anyway, he just flung him across the room with one hand!
But still, Master Liao would not concede defeat.. So Master Ip ferociously attacked him and beat him to a pulp.
He was really amazing!
Here are the tea leaves you ordered last week Mrs. Wong.
Ok. Thank you.
See you next time.
Uncle Ping, who put this here?
Your younger brother.
Initially, I thought Master Liao's kung fu was good, but he didn't even stand a chance.
He was completely outclassed!
We both have a share in Dad's teahouse.
But he's always fooling around..
Tell that asshole to take care of the customers!
Good morning Lin.
Brother Man.
Is Brother Quan around?
He's waiting for you upstairs.
Quan, have you been waiting long?
You're always late!
I was busy.
Busy with what?
It's always the same with you. Eat, drink and kung fu..
What's to be busy about?
This tea is quite fragrant.
You listening me?
Let's order some food.
I've something to discuss with you.
Let's eat first, then talk...
Here you go, fresh from the oven!
I heard you fought with Master Liao and easily defeated him.. Is that true?
Who told you that?
My younger brother.
If only I'd known. I just asked him to be my teacher!
You've asked every Master in town to be your teacher.
Brother Man, did you have a closed door duel?
Please, we have something to discuss.
Sorry, I'll leave you to it.
Good morning Master.
Morning.
Master! Morning.
Good morning.
Master, someone said you were beaten by Ip Man!
Everyone in town is talking about it!
Nonsense, who's been saying this?
Sha Dan Yuan from the teahouse.
Prices in Fuoshan are rising every day.
So what about it?
Well, Fuoshan's economy is booming
Everyone has expendable income.
I guess.
Think about it! clothes, food and accommodation. Everyone needs clothes right?
In future, the demand for fabric will be huge.
That's why I want to set up a cotton factory, to be the primary supplier!
I want you to be my partner.
I'm not a business man, Quan.
The wheels are already in motion.
Is that right?
Who is Sha Dan Yuan? I want to speak to you!
I am.
So you're the one spreading rumours about me? Master!
I'm going to teach you a lesson! Master, Master!
He's my younger brother. Let's all calm down. Don't get angry, Master.
Well, your brother is talking nonsense and ruining my reputation!
He said I lost to Ip Man in a fight!
Now, how can I hold my head up in Dojo Street?
How am I supposed to open a dojo and attract students?
Apologize now!
I was just saying what I saw!
You're full of shit! Master, Master!
Ip Man is just upstairs. Go get him, if you have the balls?!?!?
What? Go!
Master, relax.. relax.
Master, Master.. Don't get angry. Master, Master.
Master Ip, tell them I'm right!
Master, Master!
Please, tell everyone how you beat Master Liao in a fight!
Brother Man, you must clear my name.
Still telling lies.. and troubling Brother Man!
I didn't lie!
I was retrieving my kite from a tree & saw them fighting.
What a coincidence that your kite landed in Brother Man's garden.
What a coincidence you saw Master Liao and Brother Man fighting.
and coincidentally, you saw the whole thing?
That is just too many coincidences!
Yes, it's all coincidence.
Even if it's true, you can't go around telling everyone!
There are some things one can't admit.
If it's true, one SHOULD admit it!
But then one would lose face.
Lose face? What the hell does that mean?
That's what "Losing face" means!
Lin, no need to be like this.
What's everyone laughing at!? What's going on!?
Officer, it's just a small misunderstanding.
About what?
Disperse...
Do not leave!
It's just a misunderstanding.
All of you listen to me..
Anyone caught disobeying the law or causing trouble
Will be arrested immediately!
Officer, I'm not causing trouble, Someone's trying to ruin my reputation.
I am here for justice.
Justice? I'M the justice around here!
You're all wasting your lives, fighting everyday.
What era is it now?
Still fighting in hand-to-hand combat?
We fight with weapons now, see.. Gun! Gun!
You see?!
Officer Li..
we practitioners of martial arts have lots of energy.. and sometimes may be loud in our speech
But being loud in our speech, doesn't mean we have no manners.
We are all law-abiding citizens here.. No need to draw your gun for any small matter.
I'm sure you agree.
Lin, please take care of Officer Li. Put it on my tab
Certainly.
Officer Li, this way please.
What the hell are you all looking at?
Please return to your tables.
Officer Li, please
Master Liao.
Take care.
What are you worried about?
I am really not suited for business..
But take this to help you get started. When you make a profit, you can pay me back.
It may take a while before I can repay you.
That's fine.
Do me one more favor. Take on my son as a student?
There are so many Masters in Dojo Street. Why not ask one of them?
They're not as good as you.
Sure they are.
Lin!
Brother Quan.
Brother Man, I've learned a new technique Can you help me test it?
Have you found your younger brother yet?
Don't worry about him. Once he's out of money, he'll be back.
Ready?
Dad, did Uncle Man agree?
Go watch him spar.
Wow, your drawings are so good!
Let's see this new move then!
It's a defensive move. Yet there's still an element of attack.
In attack there's defense. In defense there's attack.
That doesn't even make sense!
You wouldn't understand kid. Move back.
That move attacks the mid-section out of defense.
You observe well, but try performing it.
I've finished drawing Mommy.
Very nice sweetheart. Show it to Daddy.
Okay.
Use continued defense as attack?
That's right, it's called "constant defense...
Daddy, look what I drew?
Daddy's busy son..
Understand?
Yes.
One more time.
Daddy won't look!
You've already lost! Huh?
This is called "constant defense with attack"
One more time, I didn't see clearly!
See! See! What is there to see!?
You all come here everyday and fight, fight, fight! Get a life!
What now?
Sorry Ma'am.
June, I best leave now.
I wasn't referring to you!
No, no. There are just many things to do in the factory.
C'mon Yeow.
Looks like we're off Uncle Man.
Sure, come again soon ok?
Take care.
If you're upset about something, tell me. No need to lose your temper!
Okay. Take a look at your son's drawings.
Show more concern for him! And don't stay out with your friends all day!
Let's go inside, okay?
Good boy.
Hey!
Where's Dojo Street?
Huh?
Dojo Street!!
Go straight ahead
One Two
Boss, there are so many dojos, which one should we challenge first?
One Two
One, retract.
Brother! Teaching kung fu?
You want to learn kung fu? Come in, let's talk.
Who is the Dojo master?
I am the dojo master.
I am Jin Shan Zhao.
I've long admired Fuoshan's martial arts. I came, hoping to exchange techniques with the Masters here.
Exchange techniques?
Correct!
So you're here to challenge then!?
Yes I am!
Okay..
Everyone stand aside. Watch your Master teach this country bumpkin a lesson!
C'mon move back, move back!
Someone's challenging the dojos.
What going on?
Look and learn!
Boss, you're the best!
Where is your Master?
I am here!
You really want to kill me, huh!?
Our Master is not here!
What's with the weather today? It's blowing cold and hot.
Let me.
What are you drawing son?
He's not talking to you.
If you've got some time today, play with him.
Okay.
Lin, here so early?
Ma'am, I'm not here to fight. Just a few words and I'll be off.
What is it?
A group of men are going around challenging all the dojos!
Their kung fu is good, Every dojo has lost so far.
You should go and have a look.
They're that good?
Yes.
Thankyou Ma'am, goodbye.
Come on Master Liao.
We're depending on you, Master Liao.
Bitch!
Not one of these Fuoshan schools can fight!
I thought the Masters in Fuoshan would tough to beat. but they're all pussies!
The weaklings can't even take one blow.
Looks like we came here for nothing.
Not one of them can fight.
This time we're gonna get rich.
Brothers, we've got to keep working hard.
We need to open our own school here and let them know how good we are.
We'll be number one in Fuoshan.
Country bumpkins! Beat a few masters and now you think you're the best?
Beat our best instructor. Then you can talk!
Who's the best then?
Ip Man of course!
Let's go..
Come! Come!
Watch us beat Ip Man!
Daddy, there are lot's of people outside
Master Ip, they....
Are you Ip Man?
I am Jin Shan Zhao. I've long admired Fuoshan's...
Save it, save it.
You've come here.. because you want to challenge me, right?
That's right!
We're opening a dojo in Fuoshan to show how much better we are!
You want to open a dojo? You don't have to fight me to do that!
You just have to find a good location and that's it. Now, please leave.
Wang, take the boy to his room.
Ip Man.
Don't try to get out of it. Are you afraid?
Always fighting! Does my house look like a dojo?!
You can't come in here and fight! Get out!
You heard her. I won't fight you.
Please leave.
I heard that Wing Chun fist was developed by a woman.
It must be very suitable for you.
You're completely pussy whipped.
No man should be afraid of his wife.
But he should always respect her.
Don't worry Mrs. Ip. I won't kill him.
If you're afraid he'll lose.. I'll use one hand.
If that's not enough, I'll use neither hand!
Master Ip, fight!
Fuoshan is really disappointing! So many masters, but none are any good!
Shut up!
Don't break anything.
Make way, Make way.
Make way.
You bunch of...
You came at the right time Officer Li.
This room is small and has many antiques. Please ask all spectators to leave immediately.
You must win back our reputation.
Everyone out! Quickly!
Now, Move, move.
Out! Out!
Wing Chun, Ip Man
I'd really like to see..
how a man fights with a woman's martial arts style.
A good style does not depend on sex, nor age.
So when you see who's using it You wont immediately know how it's used.
Ready?
I'll pay!
Yeah, you will!
What's happening? Who's winning?
I'll pay!
Daddy, mommy says; if you won't attack, all the things in the house will be broken
Okay...
Little shit.
That's it!
Boss!
Boss, Boss!
Are you alright?
I'm fine!
So, Master Jin.. What do you think of my kung fu style?
You fucking smart-ass.
So, my style had problems matching your Wing Chun.
Wrong. The problem does not lie within your style. It lies within you.
Who lost and who won?
No need to ask. Look at his face. It's obvious.
Get lost!
Master Ip! Good show, great work!
You've saved Fuoshan's reputation.
It was luck, just luck.
You are truly the jewel of Kwangtung.
Thank you.
These are newly imported.
Mr. Ip, take these for your wife. Thank you.
How much?
No charge, Master Ip. You've brought glory and honour to Fuoshan. I can't take your money!
I couldn't.
Really, there's no need to pay.
I insist.
I couldn't possibly.
Master Ip, take some fruit. Oh, you sure?
For your family, please.
Take care, Master Ip. Thank you.
Little man, here's a toy for you.
Wow, thanks.
Thank you. No problem.
Thank you.
Master Ip, how are you?
Hello, good to see you.
That's nice.
This is the best in our shop.
It would be my honour if you took this for your home.
You're too kind.
What's with all the people?
Uncle Man, Auntie.
You are so sly.
If you wanted to open a dojo, you should have told me.
Who said I wanted to open a dojo?
Everyone in Fuoshan knows about it.
Everyone, except me.
Uncle Man, let me help you.
Master Ip, how are you?
Hey buddy.
So it's you spreading the rumours?
You better fix this mess.
Go inside son.
So listen, Yeow must be your first student.
Again with this? You know me Quan.
I'll never take on students.
Quiet!
We must show Master Ip how grateful we are. Repeat after me..
Master Ip, Master Ip.
7th July 1937: Japan launches a merciless attack on China. The country descends into turmoil. It's people suffer from great famine.
October 1938: Fuoshan is siezed. Much of it's infrastructure is destroyed by the Japanese.
From a population of 300 thousand, Fuoshan is now left with 70 thousand inhabitants.
Ip Man's residence is taken as a headquarters by the Japanese. With nowhere to go for Ip Man and his family, life becomes very harsh...
Honey, I'm going out for awhile. Back soon.
Wait..
It's cold. Put on another layer.
Son..
Son, be careful. Don't hurt anyone.
Master Ip, I gave you a bit more
Thank you.
People, don't push.
Next! Once you have your share, leave immediately.
One by one. Line up.
This factory might be old, but it does the job.
Fuoshan is in a terrible state.
You left. Why come back now?
If I didn't, how would the workers have money to eat?
Anyway, all my money is invested here.
By the way, I can't pay you back yet.
No need. If you hadn't said anything, I'd have forgetten.
Not at all. You are a part owner here my friend.
The money you put up, equates to a 10% share.
Really, there's no need.
You know, I could do with an extra set of hands here..
Uncle Man.
Yeow.
You're here to help? Great!
With you to lead us, we're bound to succeed.
I could also watch you practice Wing Chun.
I'll go organise an extra meal. The factory's about to stop for lunch.
Yes, join us
No need.
I still have some errands. Maybe next time.
Thanks anyway.
Dad, why didn't you try and convince him?
He's a very proud man, son.
Daddy, didn't you used to practice martial arts?
Why don't you practice anymore?
If I use too much energy, I'll get hungry.
That's why I stopped, ok?
Uh, I get it.
I won't go out and play anymore.
You're only finished playing for TODAY, ok Mister?
Eat up.
Sorry, the porridge is a bit starchy..
But you've got to eat something.
Come.
Careful, it's hot.
How much rice do we have left?
Don't worry about that.
We've got no valuables left to pawn.
Hey, your husband is still big and strong. I'll get a job.
We'll be fine.
Is anyone hiring?
I'm sure I can find something.
I'll ask around tomorrow, now eat up.
We have more than enough staff. Not hiring, sorry.
Boss, looking for workers?
Not right now.
Sorry to trouble you.
Boss, employ me.
You! You! You! Come up.
Boss! Boss!
Master Ip, you're looking for a job?
Come, come.
Thank you.
Brother Man.
Shame to see such a nice suit being ruined.
I didn't know I'd be digging coal this morning.
Master Ip, how are you?
How are you?
Master Ip, how are you?
Why are there so many kung fu masters here?
Ah, the boss here used to practice.
So, he likes to employ other martial artists.
Do you still practice?
Who has the time and energy to practice these days?
Let's sit over there.
Okay.
Brother Man, I'm full already. Help me eat some?
Eat a little.
How are June and your little boy?
They're fine, thanks.
Did your younger brother ever turn up?
I haven't seen him since that day with Master Liao.
I don't know if he's dead or alive.
I didn't even get a chance to apologize.
You lose something?
A steel box.
What kind of steel box?
Japanese soldiers!
Japanese soldiers are coming!
Fellow workers, this is Colonel Chuodeng.
The Colonel admires Chinese kung fu.
He also knows that Fuoshan is famous for its martial arts.
He would like volunteers to spar with his soldiers.
Is there anyone who knows kung fu?
Is anyone willing to give it a go?
Is there anyone who's interested?
Master Ip.
You only want us to be their punching bags.
Well, count me out!
Idiot! If you win there's a bag of rice in it for you.
Anyone who wins, will be awarded a bag of rice.
I'll go.
Lin, don't do it.
I'll go.
I'll go too.
No, they've stolen our rice.
Now's our chance to get it back. It's only fair.
Wait, wait.
Good luck.
Help by finding me that steel box.
Hey!
It's alright. Come.
Be careful.
Come over and line up.
Quick.
Are there any more orders?
No. Let's go. Yes.
Master.
General.
Thank you, Sir.
Good work, good work.
Knock them to the ground!
Let me have a go.
They're not at your level, General Sanpo.
Just treat it a lesson in Japanese martial arts.
Find 3 men to fight with me.
Even if they lose, they'll still get a bag of rice.
Yes.
Don't say I never help you guys.
I've arranged for General Sanpo to fight 3 of you.
Win or lose, you'll still get a bag of rice.
Who cares about the rice, The most important thing, is to beat them up.