The still photo of "The Grandmasters".[Photo/sina.com]

The front of the master envelope.[Photo/sina.com]

Wong Kar Wai's martial arts biopic "The Grandmasters" is set for release on December 18, Sina Entertainment reports.

The movie is based on the life story of Wing Chun grandmaster Yip Man, the legendary martial arts master who trained Bruce Lee.

Wong's frequent collaborator Tony Leung stars in the film as Yip man. The cast also includes Zhang Ziyi playing a Baguazhang master, Hye-gyo Song, Zhang Zhen and Zhao Benshan.

The film has taken a great deal of time to finish, as is often the case with Wong Kar Wai films. Knowing Wong Kar Wai's impressionistic storytelling style, fans expect stunning fight choreography.

After the release date was announced, the official microblog of "The Grandmasters" initiated a competition which will give out 1218 exquisite posters to fans.