Respective Martial Art Style:
Wong Fei-Hung – Hung Ga
Ip Man – Wing Chun
Table of Contents
When we hear Chinese martial arts films, we instantly think of Ip Man, that’s because it was released the most recent and what a global success it has been. But we 90s babies, we had our own iconic franchise entitled Once Upon A Time In China featuring the one and only Jet Li as Wong Fei-Hung. The franchise had 7 films total, although the 5th (Once upon a time in China 4) and 6th (Once upon a time in China 5) installment, Jet Li was replaced by Vincent Zhao due to contract issues. Li will then return for the 7th and last film, Once Upon A Time In China and America.
Background:
A brief background of Ip Man in real life:
Ip Man, also known as Yip Man, was a famous Chinese martial arts master. He began teaching Wing Chun at the age of 20 and trained many students who later became skilled martial artists. Among them, the most well-known was Bruce Lee, who went on to become a legendary martial artist and actor.
A brief history of Wong Fei-Hung in real life:
Wong Fei-Hung was a Chinese martial artist, physician, and folk hero. His recent fame was due to becoming the protagonist of numerous martial arts films and television series. Although he was an expert in the Hung Ga style of Chinese martial arts, he was more famous as a doctor. He practiced and taught acupuncture, Chinese chiropractic (Dit Da), and other traditional Chinese medicine. He worked at Po Chi Lam, a medical clinic in Canton (Guangzhou), Guangdong Province, which no longer exists.
Comparison of the two legends:
Two of the most influential Chinese martial arts film franchises to have been made. While Wong Fei-Hung relies on the traditional sense of martial arts and heroism, Ip Man focuses on resilience of man towards oppressors. Both have made great influence in spreading the Chinese martial arts throughout the world with the use of film as its medium.
Tone:
When you watch Once Upon A Time in China, you’d see that they incorporate a mixture of humor, and action. Whereas Ip Man has a more serious and dark tone.
Combat style:
Jet Li’s movements are graceful, sort of like dance steps; uses wide feet movement; aerial acrobatic fights; and uses a wide array of household items as weapons. Meanwhile, Ip Man focuses on quick attacks and counter attacks. Deals with head-on collision fights and the effectiveness of Wing Chun.
Honestly, no one is better than the other (film-wise), its just a matter of preference. If you want a lighter tone and a fan of old school Kung-Fu films, choreography and effects, Once Upon A Time In China is for you. If you prefer a modern take on a classic Kung-Fu discipline (Wing Chun) then Ip Man is your go-to choice.
Influence throughout the years:
Both have been great influences throughout the years, spreading the knowledge and discipline that comes with Kung-Fu. Wong Fei-Hung, aside from Once Upon A Time In China, there have been a number of spin-offs that was released, even Jackie Chan portrayed Wong Fei-Hung in Drunken Master (1978) and Drunken Master (1994). As well as Ip Man, aside from the main Quadrilogy, there are 8 other films that tells the story of Ip Man. Another film that comes to mind that I believe was influenced by these legends is Shaolin Soccer (2001), though in a more comedic way, it still embraces the discipline that comes with Kung-Fu.
One iconic scene of each of these legends that come to mind:
Ip Man VS. 10 Karate Black Belts.
Wong Fei-Hung wins the title of Lion Dance King after beating dozens of other Lion Dancers.
Special mention to the iconic soundtrack of both film franchises:
Once Upon A Time In China has this song entitled 男儿当自强, translated as “A Man Should Strengthen Himself” by George Lam.
Ip Man has 葉問 (Instrumental) by Kenji Kawai
Physical media sets:
Criterion collection have released a Blu-ray set of Once Upon A Time In China, it features all 7 films in one box set, and the price was justified as well, very affordable in my opinion, considering the contents of it and the format.
Ip Man have also released a collection of its 4 films on Blu-ray and on 4K UHD format. The 4K though is a little bit on the pricier side.
I highly recommend watching both of these franchises.
Where to buy:
Leave a Reply