Last Chance Binge: Grandmaster is the best movie to leave Netflix soon

Last Chance Binge: Grandmaster is the best movie to leave Netflix soon

Streaming gives and takes; September is coming to a close, which means many movies and TV shows are leaving (or simply moving on) streaming services. Last Chance Binge is here to remind us that the clock is ticking on some great titles.

My first pick is "The Grandmaster," a gorgeous martial arts action film starring Tony Leung, who recently made his Hollywood debut in Marvel's "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings."

"Shang-Chi" introduced many mainstream moviegoers to the charismatic Tony Leung, a veteran star of Hong Kong cinema. And without Leung's engaging performance as Xu Wenwu, the Marvel movie would not have worked as well as it did. His final scene shows why he is known in China as "the man who speaks with his eyes."

If you fall in love with those eyes and want to see more of them, you are in for a satisfying journey exploring Leon's work. Any of his films can be chosen at random, but "The Grandmaster," his departure from Netflix, is a perfect starting point. It is the latest of Leung's collaborations with iconic director Wong Kar-wai and showcases the martial arts prowess he displayed in "Shang Chi."

So if you liked the beautifully balletic standoff between Wen Wu and his future wife Ying Li (Farrah Chen) in "Shang Chi" - my favorite action scene in the entire film - be prepared. Leung and Zhang Ziyi have the same crackling chemistry in their fight in "The Grandmaster."

In "The Grand Master," Leung plays Ip Man, a real-life kung fu master from southern China called Wing Chun (he trained Bruce Lee). But rather than a biopic, the film is an epic exploration of artistry, loyalty, honor, and unity. The story begins in the 1930s, with Ip Man living with his family in Foshan. His quiet life is disrupted by the arrival of an aging Grand Master who seeks to crown his successor in southern China. He challenges Ip Man to a contest, which Ip Man wins.

Meanwhile, Gong Er, the Grand Master's daughter, challenges Ip Man to reclaim her family's honor. A shocking and passionate battle ensues, and in the end, Gong Ah wins. However, when war breaks out, the bond between their souls is temporarily interrupted. Ip Man falls into poverty and moves to Hong Kong to teach martial arts. He and Gong Ah meet again, but recovering the past is no easy task.

Watch "The Grandmaster" on Netflix before it arrives on Sunday, September 26.

For more of Leon's smoldering eye performance, check out Wong's "In the Mood For Love" on HBO Max. For more martial arts prowess by Leon and Chang, check out "Hero" on HBO Max.

In addition to "The Grandmaster," check out the following overdue titles:

"Scream" trilogy: even knowing what happens to Drew Barrymore in the opening, the irreverent take on teen slasher flicks is funny and scary. (Leaving HBO Max on September 30.)

Star Trek Seasons 1-3: Several Trek series, including the original flagship and Voyager, are moving to Paramount Plus. (Netflix Sept. 30)

Taken: Liam Neeson is putting his special skills to work elsewhere (Hulu Sept. 30).

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