A farewell after a long journey
The Ip Man series has stayed with me since its first film, making this finale an emotional farewell. Wilson Yip takes the character to San Francisco, where the search for a school for his son meets conflict over different martial arts traditions. The dramatised story uses Ip Man as a symbol of tolerance and standing up for oneself.
The martial arts remain the great strength
The excellent fight choreography is hugely enjoyable. Scott Adkins supplies the physical presence needed for a formidable opponent. The action stays energetic and holds my attention. Donnie Yen also convinces away from the fighting: his quiet, emotional moments give the farewell a weight that force alone could never provide.
Reservations about the story
The plot is not exceptional for me. Its strongly patriotic perspective is also noticeable, with Chinese characters repeatedly set against American aggressors. This can be understood within a story about resisting racism, but remains fairly one-sided. Even so, the film feels like a sincere conclusion rather than an arbitrary sequel exploiting the brand.
Verdict
As the finale to the four-film Donnie Yen series, Ip Man 4 convinces me. It gives the story a conclusion supported by emotional performances. Viewers who enjoyed the earlier films and martial arts action with a dramatic side will find a highly recommendable farewell. My affection for this series is openly part of that judgement. My rating is 8 out of 10.
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