The Grandmaster

August 2013

(798)

Synopsis

From director Wong Kar Wai and starring Tony Leung (HERO) and Ziyi Yang (CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON), THE GRANDMASTER is an epic action film inspired by the life of Ip Man, the legendary kung fu master who trained Bruce Lee. The story spans the tumultuous Republican era that followed the fall of China's last dynasty. It was a time of chaos, division, and war that also heralded the golden age of Chinese martial arts. Filmed in a range of stunning locations that include the snow-swept landscapes of Northeast China and the subtropical South, THE GRANDMASTER features virtuoso performances by some of the greatest stars of contemporary Asian cinema.

Reviews

4.2

798 total

5 437

4 178

3 101

2 46

1 36

Rene Rodriguez

The Grandmaster blends right in with Wong's body of work, a gorgeous meditation on the importance of sorrow and lament. This one just happens to have kung fu, too.

Peter Travers

You leave this deeply flawed, deeply beautiful film with no doubt that you've seen an indisputable cinematic grandmaster in action.

Steven Rea

Wong Kar Wai is an expressionist master. A master of character - deep, rich, truthful character - especially in The Grandmaster, he is not.

Tom Long

"The Grandmaster" can feel stiff at times, and something is doubtlessly lost in translation. But the precision and magic of Wong Kar Wai's camera is so captivating it doesn't matter.

Walter V. Addiego

Beautiful but troubled, achieving in stretches the director's signature dreamy mood but dragged down by narrative confusions.

Tan Le

Good Story Line It wasn't bad. Actors and actress are great. This movie was leaning more toward his co star so that was a bit confusing. Ip man I and II has more action if you like that. This is more artistic than combat. A big fan of all Ip man movies! Movie rental is for 48_hrs

Critic reviews

Rene Rodriguez

The Grandmaster blends right in with Wong's body of work, a gorgeous meditation on the importance of sorrow and lament. This one just happens to have kung fu, too.

Full Review

Peter Travers

You leave this deeply flawed, deeply beautiful film with no doubt that you've seen an indisputable cinematic grandmaster in action.

Full Review

Steven Rea

Wong Kar Wai is an expressionist master. A master of character - deep, rich, truthful character - especially in The Grandmaster, he is not.

Full Review

Tom Long

"The Grandmaster" can feel stiff at times, and something is doubtlessly lost in translation. But the precision and magic of Wong Kar Wai's camera is so captivating it doesn't matter.

Full Review

Walter V. Addiego

Beautiful but troubled, achieving in stretches the director's signature dreamy mood but dragged down by narrative confusions.

Full Review

User reviews

Tan Le December 14, 2013

Miguel Hernandez December 11, 2013

The genesis is great! The beginning of the martial arts movie has a lot of action, and slows down a bit towards the middle to develop a love story(not a bad thing at all). I haven't watched the last 15 minutes but I know I will enjoy the ending!

Robert Jackson February 8, 2014

Amazing Visuals Easily some of the most amazing cinematography I have seen. This is sometimes slow moving, so not for everyone. If you appreciate the beauty and magic of cinema artistry you will love this film. This is not a movie like the Ip man films, much less action and more character story.

Tim Turner November 30, 2013

More of a Chinese Love Story Than Martial Arts I just finished watching this and a couple of times during the movie I was tempted to turn it off and find something else to watch. First, all language is in Chinese with sub-titles in English (what good is a Chinese movie in English anyways?) Secondly, like most Asian Drama movies, it draws upon the pauses, and gruff sounding pronunciations of certain words to evoke emotion. Third, this is meant to be more of a love story during the Japanese occupation of China and not so much about the martial arts taught to Bruce Lee, although they do manage to shove a little Bruce Lee child in the last 2 minutes in order to use Bruce Lee's name in the description of the movie. Had I had been watching this with an emotional Wife or Girlfriend, then the movie might have taken on a different meaning as a Love Story. I can't rate this much higher than three stars because I found it to be very slow, boring, and sappy - I fell asleep and accidently selected 3 stars instead of 2.

Raphael Solano April 11, 2014

Excellent Martial Arts movie full of love,intrigue,and martial arts principles!. Ip man and then enter Bruce Lee! Love this movie especially the rain kung fu action sequence full of kicking and punching spectacular effects and love the storyline full of real romance and love! I'm keeping this Martial arts movie especially it's about Ip man and Bruce Lee!

Joe Hobbs December 17, 2013

Boring Definitely not like the other Ip Man movies which are worlds better than this long and depressing slog. I wanted to see a martial arts film, not the Japanese version of the English Patient. This was a love story and a bad and depressing one at that. Actually it felt like one long Obsession commercial. Do not let the preview fool you. This is not a true martial arts movie! Although I think Ziyi Zhang is gorgeous.

VonTwirlenkiller45 November 19, 2013

A new martial arts masterpiece The grandmaster may not be as good as the Donnie Yen ip man movies but this is still excellent on its own delivering on gorgeous cinematography, a powerful story and some of the best action scenes I've ever seen.

Paul Delva December 7, 2013

Overrated The Ip Man story is a very fascinating one....but this movie doesn't really add to the value of the story beautifully play by Donnie Yen....just my opinion. ..but if you're into great fighting choreography....this will do ...

Al Nunes December 1, 2013

Lame Absolutely disappointing. Wanted a kung fu movie and got a cheesy love story.

Dennis R Green November 27, 2013

Deeply boring Overly stylized scenes and constant syrupy music brought on disinterest and fast forwarding less than half way through the movie..

Joe Wehry January 22, 2014

Excellent Great martial arts movies make you feel like you are part of the action. This movie also makes you feel like you are part of their lives. Emotionally rich, textured performances, with images that belong among master works in cinema. It sacrifices realism for the sake of beauty and at times the editing looks more like a kaleidoscope than a painting. But for this movie, who cares?

Solomon Murrell December 6, 2013

Overly dramatic and slow... This movie is very different from all the original IP movies that ever produced. Fighting scenes were overly dramatic, story was slow to begin with, fighting scenes doesn't come close to the original, and half of the movie was a story of the Gang Er girl. There were a lot of scenes that I fell asleep on and that just shows that the movie was kinda boring. They need to bring the same director and actors when making IP Man's movies...

WILLIAM SLATER January 29, 2014

The Grandmaster is an excellent film The Grandmaster is an excellent film that honors Wing Chun martial arts! If you have trained in martial arts or enjoy Asian culture this film is definitely for you.

Sherri Pearson December 10, 2013

Astonishing detail The artistic detail in this movie was astonishing. I want to just keep watching. The only bad thing about this movie is that it ended.

李振戌 May 1, 2014

很有内涵的一部电影这个电影值得重复的看好几遍，因为它不同于标准的好莱坞电影，就是简单的武打，个人英雄主义，它的一些内在或者说细节的东西不是所有人都能看懂，尤其是对中国文化不是很了解的外国人。

Daniel Kim November 20, 2013

Great movie Very good acting and stylized action scenes. If you are into martial arts films rent this

scorpionX 602 March 11, 2014

Beautiful One of the greatest martial arts films I seen.

Deanna w. April 26, 2014

Great movie Love this movie plus the great fighting

Craig Atkins July 13, 2014

The GM One of the most beautiful Martial Arts movies ever made!

Brent Hoover June 13, 2014

One of my favorites Great mix of story, character, and martial arts.

Cast and credits

Actors	Ziyi Zhang, Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Hye-kyo Song, Cung Le, Chen Chang, Woo-ping Yuen
Producers	Ye-cheng Chan, Megan Ellison, Guoqing Gu, Sanping Han, Helen Li, Kuo Hsing Li, See-Yuen Ng, Zhong-lun Ren, Dai Song, Jacky Pang Yee Wah, Michael J. Werner, Kar Wai Wong, Xiaoming Yan, Dong Yu
Director	Wong Kar Wai

Additional information

Rotten tomatoes® score

74%

Audio language

Chinese (Stereo)

Subtitles

English

Rental period

Start within 30 days, finish within 48 hours.

Info cards

Enabled

Run time

108 minutes

Rating

PG-13

Similar

Jet Li's Fearless

Action & Adventure

International superstar Jet Li (The Expendables) delivers non-stop thrills in this martial arts masterpiece, which was inspired by the incredible true story of a real-life hero. When a fight destroys the reputation of a renowned martial arts champion (Jet Li) along with the lives of his family, his path to redemption brings him face-to-face with the most ferocious opponents in the world. This riveting epic from the producers of Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon features explosive, innovative fight sequences from the legendary action choreographer Yuen Wo Ping (Kill Bill). (Original Title - Jet Li's Fearless)

Fight the Fight

Action & Adventure

Having taken his father's advice, one man decides to return home in pursuit of a fresh start. While training at his father's martial arts school, he learns that his father has given consent to sell the school to a rival martial arts school. In a bold effort to save the school, a challenge to fight is presented to the competitor, winner takes all. As the fighting competition commences, only one will walk away the winner.

Ip Man

Action & Adventure

Behind ever great man there lies a teacher, and this was certainly true of Bruce Lee, who claimed as his mentor a martial arts expert named Ip Man (1893-1972). A genius of Wushu (or the Chinese martial arts school), Ip Man (Donnie Yen) grew up in a China nearly ripped to pieces by racial hatred, nationalistic strife and warfare. He rose like a phoenix above these ashes, however, courtesy of his participation in matches against various Wushu masters and kung-fun warriors - ultimately training martial arts icons such as Bruce Lee. This biopic from director Wilson Yip dramatizes Ip's life story.

Gorgeous (Dubbed)

Action & Adventure

When Ah Bu, a girl from a small fishing town in Taiwan, finds a glass bottle with a romantic message, she travels to Hong Kong to find her prince charming. As it turns out, her prince charming, Albert, happens to be gay. But all is not lost when Ah Bu meets the dashing Chi Wu. Meanwhile, Ah Bu's boyfriend from Taiwan comes looking for her, as the action and romance follow Ah Bu back to Taiwan. © 1999 GH Pictures (China) Limited. All Rights Reserved.

Jackie Chan: Police Story

Action & Adventure

Jackie Chan plays an honest cop Chan Ka-Kui assigned to protect a witness whose key testimony could bring down the drug baron, Chu. However, when the witness gets away from Chan, there's no evidence to put Chu away, and he is set free.

Jackie Chan: City Hunter

Action & Adventure

Jackie Chan stars as P.I. Ryu Saeba, who's been hired to find the runaway daughter of a publishing tycoon. Ryu's first impulse is to turn the job down...until he sees a picture of the beautiful girl, Shizuko.

House Of Flying Daggers

Action & Adventure

An exotic, blind dancer finds herself torn between the loyalties of love and honor as she fights acrobatic warriors in the treetops in battles the likes of which have never before been seen. © 2004 Elite Group (2003) Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

Action & Adventure

An epic set against the breathtaking landscapes of ancient China, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon combines the exhilarating martial arts choreography by Yuen Wo-Ping (The Matrix) with the sensitivity and classical storytelling of an Ang Lee film. The result is something truly unexpected: romantic, emotionally powerful entertainment. (Original Title - Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) © 2000 United China Vision Incorporated for the World Excluding the United States and Canada and their Respective Territories and Possessions. © 2000 UCV, LLC for the United States and Canada and their Respective Territories and Possessions.

Champions

Action & Adventure

Inspired by real events. When China announces that it will field its very first Olympic team, which will include a handful of martial artists to demonstrate Wushu to the world for the very first time, millions across the country compete for the honor of representing their national sport. With so many diverse styles and so many skilled, determined fighters, the elimination bouts are grueling. A select few are chosen, amongst them street hawker and scallywag Zhang Feng and earnest patriot Bao, who's dreamed of going to the Olympic Games. However, the road to the games is fraught with hardship and heartbreak, and in getting there Zhang Feng and Bao embark on a journey that will test their strength, skill and spirit to the limit, and their willingness to sacrifice in ways they could never have imagined.

Hero

Action & Adventure

HERO starring martial arts legend Jet Li in a visually stunning martial arts epic where a fearless warrior rises up to defy an empire and unite a nation! With supernatural skill ... and no fear ... a nameless soldier (Jet Li) embarks on a mission of revenge against the fearsome army that massacred his people. Now, to achieve the justice he seeks, he must take on the empire's most ruthless assassins and reach the enemy he has sworn to defeat! Acclaimed by critics and honored with numerous awards, HERO was nominated for both an Oscar® (2002 Best Foreign Language Film)and Golden Globe!

Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame

Action & Adventure

A bizarre murder mystery brings together the most powerful woman in China, the soon-to-be-Empress Wu Zetian (Carina Lau, 2046), and a formerly exiled detective, Dee Renjie (Andy Lau, The Warlords), at the infamous Imperial Palace. Hoping that he will solve the crime before her coronation, Wu appoints Dee Chief Judge of the Empire and implores him to combine his indisputable wisdom with his unparalleled martial arts skills to save the future of her dynasty. Director Tsui Hark (Once Upon A Time In China, Seven Swords) teams with action choreographer Sammo Hung (IP Man, Kung Fu Hustle) in this heart-pounding, epic thriller inspired by the incredible true story of one of the Tang Dynasty's most celebrated officials. MPAA Rating: PG-13 (C) 2010 Huayi Brothers Media Corporation Huayi Brothers International Ltd.

Storm Warrior

Action & Adventure

Based on the comic book series "Fung Wan" and directed by The Pang Brothers comes the incredible story of two friends, Wind and Cloud, who find themselves up against a very powerful warlord intending to invade their country. In order to protect their land these two friends seek the help of the all-powerful master. Through extensive training Wind and Cloud expose themselves to the "evil" ways to increase their powers of element. When the intensive battle begins their friendship will be tested when one finds it hard to be righteous and easy to be evil.

The Sword Identity

Action & Adventure

In the Southern Chinese city of Guancheng, during the Ming Dynasty, there lived four families, each of them faithful keepers of martial arts. Anyone who wants to establish a new form or technique of kung fu has to fight their way through the families' gates. But when one man's request is rejected, he will be put through a series of fights, determined to prove that his sword is invincible.

Kingdom of Conquerors

Action & Adventure

In the early 13th century, when all the nomadic clans of Mongolia were at War, one man was able to conquer them all and unite them under one banner. His own. Genghis Khan, known for his ruthlessness and barbarism built an empire that covered nearly all of Asia and cemented his place as one of history's greatest Emperors. Inspired by historical events, witness the rise of the Mongolian Empire.

Warrior Assassin

Action & Adventure

Two strangers set out on individual quests for revenge, and when they cross paths, they discover that revenge lies with the same man. Joining forces, it will take more than an army to keep them from unleashing the ultimate punishment, even if it means sacrificing their own lives.

Shaolin Warrior

Action & Adventure

Trying to escape a criminal past, one man attempts to join the ranks of the Shaolin Warriors, but is denied. Having impressed the King with his dedication, he is hired as a temple groundskeeper. Working on the temple grounds during the day and mastering Kung Fu at night, he prepares for a second chance at becoming a warrior. His test comes sooner than expected, when his King's enemy declares war, leaving him alone to defend the temple.