The Grandmaster (2013)
Wong Kar-Wai's visually ravishing martial arts epic traces Ip Man's journey through war, loss, and legend across a divided China.
The Grandmaster - Movie Information
- Original Title: 一代宗師
- Release Year: 2013
- Directed by: Wong Kar-Wai
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Drama, History
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 2h 10m
- Original Language: Chinese
- Spoken Languages: Cantonese, Japanese, Mandarin
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 10, 2013 (Belgium - 16), August 30, 2013 (United States - PG-13), April 6, 2015 (United Kingdom - 15), June 26, 2013 (Germany - 12), April 17, 2013 (France - U), September 4, 2014 (Australia - M), September 19, 2013 (Italy), January 10, 2014 (Spain), August 22, 2013 (South Korea - 12)
- Alternative Titles: Büyük Usta (TR), The Grandmaster (SE), Великий майстер (UA), استاد بزرگ (IR), El gran maestro (MX), Wielki mistrz (PL), El Arte de la Guerra (AR), KP14: Didysis meistras (LT)
- Production Companies: Sil-Metropole Organisation, Annapurna Pictures, Block 2 Pictures, Jet Tone Production
- Production Countries: Hong Kong, United States of America
The Grandmaster - Plot
Ip Man's peaceful life in Foshan changes after Gong Yutian seeks an heir for his family in Southern China. Ip Man then meets Gong Er who challenges him for the sake of regaining her family's honor. After the Second Sino-Japanese War, Ip Man moves to Hong Kong and struggles to provide for his family. In the mean time, Gong Er chooses the path of vengeance after her father was killed by Ma San.
The Grandmaster - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see Wong Kar-Wai's breathtaking martial arts vision unfold:
In Martial Arts there is no right or wrong, only the last man standing.
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The Grandmaster - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Wong Kar-Wai
Main Cast
- Tony Leung Chiu-wai
- Zhang Ziyi
- Chang Chen
- Zhao Benshan
- Xiao Shenyang
- Song Hye-kyo
- Wang Qingxiang
- Max Zhang
- Shang Tielong
- Song Tao
Writers
- Xu Haofeng
- Wong Kar-Wai
- Zou Jingzhi
Producers
- Wong Kar-Wai
- Jacky Pang
The Grandmaster - FAQs
Is The Grandmaster based on a true story?
Yes, The Grandmaster is rooted in real history. It draws on the life of Ip Man, the legendary Wing Chun grandmaster who later became Bruce Lee's teacher. Wong Kar-Wai spent years researching the martial arts world of early 20th-century China to craft this visually poetic biographical portrait.
Who are the main actors in The Grandmaster?
Tony Leung Chiu-wai leads the cast as Ip Man, with Zhang Ziyi delivering a powerhouse performance as Gong Er. Chang Chen plays the enigmatic Razor, while Wang Qingxiang portrays Master Gong Yutian and Max Zhang takes on the villainous Ma San.
What is The Grandmaster about?
The Grandmaster follows Ip Man, a kung fu master in 1930s Foshan, whose world is upended by a fateful meeting with Gong Er and the devastation of the Second Sino-Japanese War. It's as much a meditation on loss, memory, and unfulfilled love as it is a martial arts epic.
What is the ending of The Grandmaster explained?
The film closes on a bittersweet note: Ip Man, now settled in Hong Kong, reflects on a life shaped by war and sacrifice. Gong Er, having chosen vengeance over love, dies without passing on her family's style. The ending frames martial arts mastery as inseparable from personal loss and roads not taken.
Where can you stream The Grandmaster?
You can stream The Grandmaster on Amazon Prime Video, the Criterion Channel, and Amazon Prime Video with Ads. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Free ad-supported viewing is available on Tubi TV, Plex, and YouTube Free.
Did The Grandmaster win any awards?
The Grandmaster earned twelve nominations at the Hong Kong Film Awards, winning several including Best Cinematography for Philippe Le Sourd's stunning work. It also received two Academy Award nominations — for Best Cinematography and Best Costume Design — making it one of the most internationally recognized Hong Kong productions of its era.
How long is The Grandmaster?
The Grandmaster runs for 130 minutes, or about 2 hours and 10 minutes. It's worth noting that different cuts exist: the international version released in the US runs slightly shorter than the original Chinese theatrical cut, so runtime can vary depending on which version you watch.
What are similar movies to The Grandmaster?
If you enjoyed The Grandmaster, you might love Ip Man 3, Birth of the Dragon, The Legend Is Born: Ip Man, and Sakra for more martial arts drama. For a similarly lyrical and visually rich experience, the Criterion Channel's curated selection of Wong Kar-Wai films is a natural next step.
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