'Ip Man' tells the story of the first Wing Chun master to ever teach the art of Wing Chun martial arts. The film takes place in the 1930s to 1940s in Foshan, China during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Director Wilson Yip showcases the remarkable life story of Yip Man, played by Donnie Yen, and his aspirations to spread martial arts across China. The film also depicts the hardships faced by the Chinese people during the war and how Yip Man protected them through his skill and courage.