Asia's Top Stars Underwent Grueling Four-Year Training

"The Grandmaster" portrays the struggles of grandmasters who inherited and honed the techniques and spirit of Chinese martial arts, passing them down through generations, brought to life by a star-studded cast and breathtaking action.

The concept began in 1997, during the filming of Wong's "Happy Together" in Argentina, when he saw a magazine featuring Bruce Lee on the cover. Wong felt a strong desire to make a film about him, an artist who continued to be loved in a distant land. Over the next 17 years, the idea expanded to encompass the world of Chinese martial arts. Eight years were dedicated to extensive research of vast historical materials and meticulous interviews with current grandmasters.

The story, as completed by Wong, is brought to life by Asia's top stars, who were reborn as martial artists in body and spirit after receiving training and instruction from contemporary grandmasters. Tony Leung embodies Ip Man, known as Bruce Lee's master, after undergoing four years of rigorous training. Zhang Ziyi plays Gong Er, who dedicates her life to revenge. Zhang Chen, portraying the mysterious figure "The One-Line Sky," surprised the public last year by winning the national championship in Baguazhang, a martial art, in China.

Succession Disputes and Revenge

It is the 1930s and 40s in China, an era where the shadows of war loom ever closer. Those who have mastered their styles are known as grandmasters. Gong Baosen, a grandmaster of Baguazhang from the north, decides to retire and pass on his lifelong mission of unifying the north and south to the strongest contender.

The candidates are his top disciple, Ma San, and Ip Man, the grandmaster of Wing Chun from the south. Gong Er, Baosen's daughter, who is the sole inheritor of the "Sixty-Four Hands" technique, also throws her hat in the ring, defying her father's wishes.

However, Ma San, blinded by ambition, murders Baosen. Gong Er, suppressing her feelings for Ip Man, abandons the pursuit of personal happiness and vows revenge. Meanwhile, The One-Line Sky, a mysterious grandmaster of Baguazhang, begins to stir with ominous intent.



The stage is set for a spectacular battle intertwined with succession disputes, revenge, love, and hatred. Who will emerge victorious through strength, skill, and spirit to become the true Grandmaster?──.



*Winners will be notified via email. Winners must reply to the email, keeping the subject line intact and including all necessary information. Please note that failure to reply by the deadline will result in disqualification.

"The Grandmaster"
Now Showing Nationwide from Friday, May 31
Directed, Screenplay, Produced by | Wong Kar-wai
Starring | Tony Leung, Zhang Ziyi, Zhang Chen
Distribution | Gaga
2012 / Hong Kong, China, France Co-production / 123 min / PG-12
http://grandmaster.gaga.ne.jp/
© 2013 Block 2 Pictures Inc. All rights Reserved.