Ip Man (2013)

The epic biographical drama tracing Wing Chun grandmaster Ip Man's extraordinary journey from Foshan to Hong Kong across 50 compelling episodes.

Ip Man - Series Information

  • Original Title: 叶问
  • First Air Year: 2013
  • Last Air Year: 2013
  • Created by: Fan Xiaotian, Zhu Yili et al.
  • Type: TV Series
  • Genres: Drama, Action, Adventure
  • Content Rating (US): TV-PG
  • Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (50 minutes)
  • Number of Seasons: 1
  • Number of Episodes: 50
  • Status: Ended
  • Original Language: Chinese
  • Spoken Languages: Mandarin, English
  • First Air Date: February 24, 2013 (United States - TV-PG), February 24, 2013 (Canada - 18+), February 24, 2013 (Germany - 12), February 24, 2013 (France - 12), February 24, 2013 (Spain - 13)
  • Networks: Shandong Television
  • Production Countries: China

Ip Man - Plot

Grandmaster Ip Man was born in a time of turbulence. He spends his life chasing after the realm of martial arts. His upbringing and experiences would transform him into a legend. From Foshan to Guangzhou to Hong Kong, he meets, one-by-one, the people who will have the most influence on his life, including a revolutionist, his first teacher, and his Wing Chun master.

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Ip Man - Cast & Crew

Creator(s)

  • Fan Xiaotian
  • Zhu Yili
  • Ren Sha

Main Cast

  • Kevin Cheng Ka-Wing
  • Liu Xiaofeng
  • Cecilia Han
  • Chrissie Chau Sau-Na
  • Yu Rongguang
  • Ka-Yan Leung
  • Yuen Wah
  • Bruce Leung Siu-Lung
  • Bryan Leung Kar-Yan
  • Pu Chaoying

Writers

  • Charcoal Tan

Ip Man - FAQs

Is Ip Man based on a true story?

Yes, the series draws from the real life of Ip Man (1893–1972), the celebrated Wing Chun grandmaster who later became Bruce Lee's teacher. While dramatic liberties are taken, the show traces his actual journey from Foshan through Guangzhou to Hong Kong, grounding the story in historical fact.

Who plays Ip Man in the 2013 TV series?

Hong Kong actor Kevin Cheng Ka-Wing takes on the title role of Ye Wen (Ip Man) in this 2013 series. Known for his work in Cantonese and Mandarin productions, Cheng brings a measured intensity to the grandmaster, portraying him from his formative years through his rise as a martial arts legend.

Where can you stream Ip Man TV series?

The series streams on Amazon Prime Video and AsianCrush. Episodes are also available to buy or rent on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Free ad-supported viewing is available on Tubi TV, Pluto TV, Xumo Play, and Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads.

How does the TV series differ from the Ip Man films?

While Donnie Yen's blockbuster film series focuses on Ip Man's wartime heroics and fights against Japanese occupiers, this 50-episode TV drama takes a slower, more biographical approach — exploring his youth, mentors, and personal relationships in far greater depth than any single film could accommodate.

What is the Ip Man TV series about?

The series chronicles the life of Wing Chun grandmaster Ip Man from his early years in Foshan through Guangzhou to Hong Kong. Along the way he encounters revolutionists, his first martial arts teacher, and his Wing Chun master — the key figures who shaped him into one of China's most revered martial arts legends.

Who are the main cast members of Ip Man?

The ensemble cast includes Kevin Cheng Ka-Wing as Ip Man, Liu Xiaofeng, Cecilia Han, Chrissie Chau Sau-Na, Yu Rongguang, Ka-Yan Leung, Yuen Wah, Bruce Leung Siu-Lung, Bryan Leung Kar-Yan, and Pu Chaoying. Several cast members are veteran martial arts film actors, lending the series authentic action credentials.

What are some shows similar to Ip Man?

Fans of Ip Man often enjoy Into the Badlands, a stylish martial arts action series, and The Legend of Bruce Lee, another biographical martial arts drama. For classic kung fu storytelling, Kung Fu (1972) and A Step Into The Past are well-regarded picks that share the same spirit of discipline and honour.

How many episodes does Ip Man have?

The series ran for a single season of 50 episodes, each approximately 50 minutes long, first airing on Shandong Television in February 2013. The generous episode count allows the show to unfold Ip Man's biography at a leisurely, novelistic pace rarely possible in feature films.

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