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Based
on the real-life creator of the martial art Wing Chun. Michelle
Yeoh plays Yim Wing Chun. In a plotline similar to Jet Li's 'Fong
Sai Yuk' Yeoh dresses as a man and becomes instantly unrecognisable
as a woman (yeah - right!) Yeoh rescues a young girl from selling
herself and invites her to work at her families bean curd shack.
From here on suitors line up for a look at the new recruit. However,
troubles arise with the local bandits and Yeoh must fight them off
helped only by her loyal friend (Donnie Yen) who initially believes
Wing Chun is a man.
Yuen Woo Ping in my opinion has always been one of the masters of
Hong Kong cinema when it comes to fight choreography. However, this
film is slightly disappointing in that respect. Michelle Yeoh does
look good but to me the biggest disappointment was Donnie Yen. Usually
when teamed with Yuen Woo Ping he delivers his best work ie. 'Iron
Monkey' and 'Tiger Cage II' be here he is woefully underused. Also,
what fighting there is bears little or no resemblance to real Wing
Chun at all. This said however Wing Chun is still a very enjoyable
movie. The cinematography is excellent for a Yuen Woo Ping film
and you get the feeling that a lot of money has been spent on the
production. Also, the non-fighting sequences are very funny and
enjoyable. As he gets older Yuen Woo Ping seems to be spending more
time on the film as a whole which can only be a good thing. The
acting is excellent too, Michelle Yeoh delivers an excellent central
performance and you really believe that she is a figure of some
authority but with a sense of humour. Yuen Woo Ping also utilises
his trademark wire work which is there to compliment the fighting
rather than detract from it.
Overall a very funny top quality production both in terms of acting
and directing. But if you're watching in the hope of seeing Donnie
Yen do his stuff you will be solely disappointed. A film called
Wing Chun - but where's the Wing Chun?!
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