Ip Man 4 is not just an action-packed martial arts film, but also a reflection of the lifestyle and values of its titular character, Ip Man. The film showcases Ip Man's discipline, dedication, and respect for his art and his students, as well as his commitment to his family and community.

Ip Man 4 was produced by China Film Group, Shanghai Film Group, and Edko Films, with a budget of approximately $40 million. The film's action sequences were choreographed by Sammo Hung, who also appeared in the film. Donnie Yen, who has been practicing martial arts since childhood, performed most of his own stunts and trained extensively for the role.

The movie follows Ip Man, a grandmaster of the Wing Chun style of Kung Fu, as he travels to San Francisco to train a young American-Chinese man named Bruce Lee (played by Lee Yi-min) in the ways of Wing Chun. Ip Man also faces a new challenge in the form of a British martial artist named Dwayne Lawrence (played by Chris Hemsworth), who is determined to prove the superiority of his own martial art style.