The Grandmaster

November 23 – November 27

The Grandmaster
Hong Kong-based director Wong Kar Wai, who is mostly known for his introspective, romantic dramas such as In the Mood for Love and Chungking Express, takes a different turn with The Grandmaster, as he brings his distinct style to a historic martial arts epic. Based on the martial arts master who would go on to train Bruce Lee, Wong’s leading man of choice, Tony Leung, plays Ip Man, an expert in the house of Wing Chun. Set in 1936, Ip Man’s eventful life is explored, mixing meditative pathos stemming from his turbulent relationship with mistress Gong Er, who is an expert in MA herself, along with dynamic fight scenes that sparkle with atmospheric resonance. Cool and tactful, Ip Man rules over each battle with an unflappable attitude as he displays an expertise that is a marvel of wonder and a spectacle to behold. Kenneth Turan of The Los Angeles Times says, “The Grandmaster is one of the truly galvanizing cinematic experiences of the year.”

Dir.: Wong Kar Wai / 2013 / Hong Kong, China / Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese w/English subtitles / 108 min / 35 mm film