Python Hyena The Iron Monkey (1993): Dir: Yuen Wo / Cast: Yu Rongguang, Donnie Yen, Jean Wang, James Wong, Angie Tsang: Typical Hong Kong cinema that isn't too deep yet very funny. The title regards an assailant who robs from the rich and gives to the poor just as he does the greedy Governor while in the midst of an orgy with his nine wives. The Governor orders that anyone suspected as the Iron Monkey be arrested, which leads to numerous hilarious encounters. Among the suspects are a father and son duo skilled at martial arts. This leads to predictable circumstances and a misfire laughable conclusion. Director Yuen Wo Ping does a fine job at combining martial arts action and comedy. The Iron monkey is a medicine expert assisted by Miss Orchard whom he sheltered after the death of her baby. Fine cast includes Yu Rong Gheung as the hero who will eventually get reduced to a laughable climax. Donnie Yen plays the father who is given a proposition that will have him unknowingly assisted by his target. Jean Wang plays Miss Orchard whom finds shelter in the physician who is the Iron Monkey himself. James Wong brings a lot of humour as the Governor. Angie Tsang plays the son of the duo who knows his stuff and takes after his father in the realms of ass kicking. While sometimes predictable and corny, the film is a technically well made Hong Kong satire symbolizing the good Samaritan. Score: 6 / 10

Leofwine_draca I'm not usually a fan of '90s-era Hong Kong action cinema, which is inevitably over-reliant on wirework and over the top style, but I can make an exception for IRON MONKEY, which is in itself an exceptional film. It's a retelling of the Wong Fei Hung story with a twist: this time around, Fei Hung is a child who plays a supporting role to the central thrust of the storyline which is about a Robin Hood-style freedom fighter battling corrupt politicians.The great thing about IRON MONKEY is the action, of which there is plenty. It's ably directed by Yuen Woo Ping and, put simply, it kicks ass – despite the plentiful wirework. Donnie Yen is a past master at this kind of material and delivers an action-oriented performance that never lets you down, while the real surprise is Rongguang Yu, a very familiar face in Hong Kong cinema who proves his worth in the kung fu stakes.The narrative is fast-paced and fuelled with conflict and action and the whole film has a colourful, old-fashioned vibe that keeps it moving merrily along. There's humour in spades, some truly devious villains, a decent script and quality performances. But it always comes back to the action, and for once IRON MONKEY deserves the hype. It's a keeper.

Lysa_and_Rick I finally saw this movie, after years of wanting to see it, and I'm glad I finally watched it. It wasn't what I was expecting, which was another martial arts epic along the lines of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", but in spite of missing my expectations, it was still a FANTASTIC movie.Reminiscent of the classic martial arts films of the past, the movie has a slightly fast-forward manic pace that ends up being rather fun. The English dubbed dialogue at first seems to have a large cheese factor, but it ends up being a good cheese, like a nice Gouda. The over-the-top laughter of the villains is GREAT! The story is good, with a bit of a Robin Hood twist, and of course, the martial arts are AMAZING. Their "Kung Fu is strong".If a martial arts movie doesn't end up being a Crouching Tiger, or Hero, then THIS is what it should be.

lz_z Depending on your tastes of course. The best Kung fu movie would be "The Prodigal Son" or Bai ga Tai. This movie is comparably more commercial, colorful and with somewhat higher production values. The kung fu choreography is of course, brilliant, with the slight exception of the final climatic fight. They also used objects for fights during this movie, didn't always fight empty handed. The emphasis seemed to be more on the situation rather than the kung fu itself. The way that the final boss was defeated was slightly disappointing and anti-climatic. Otherwise, you have a brilliant story, kickass action, plenty of humor and fantastic acting. Iron Monkey is a must watch film for both action and martial arts fans everywhere.