Rating: 
Summary: Great read!!
Review: Reading this book was rather contagious. Once you read a piece of it, you couldn't stop until you're done with it. His observation upon the Chinese was uncanny & being a Chinese, I really got to take my hat off for him as he explained to me the reason(s) why Chinese behave in such manners at times (which's rather logical from the hindsight now). It's funny, full of cliche', & the rigidity of Chinese vs. the informality of Americans formed the funny backbone of the whole book. Highly recommended. As a note of reminder, this book doesn't devote wholly to martial arts but simply a sideline to his day to day living in China.
Rating: 
Summary: One of my favorite books ever
Review: You don't have to be interested in China to love this book. It's one of the most entertaining and engrossing reads -- the kind where you want to buy it for all your friends the minute you finish it. Parts are incredibly funny, others are so moving in an understated way. I would recommend it to anyone. Really.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Look at China!
Review: Mark Salzman's BOOK Iron and Silk is great for many reasons. It's one of the best travel books ever written. It's a great book about martial arts. It's a great look at the differences between East and West. And it's a great look at Chinese culture and society. The book is really good.The film adaptation of the book is interesting. It is very low budget but I think that is what adds to the films charm. The film is the opposite of a slick hollywood production. Instead the film is very down to earth and wonderful. Salzman changes some names around and adds a bit more of the romance aspect. The girl was a small part at the end of the book but a major part of the film. Bottom line is that like the book, the film is a great glimpse at China, Chinese culture, and the differences between the US and China. My best suggestion is this: read the book and then watch the film. If you do both you will come out ahead and knowing a lot more about China.
Rating:
Summary: For the Love of China
Review: This is, quite simply, one of the best books I have ever read! "Iron and Silk" was on my High School reading list, and I have never been one to fawn over a BOOK. However, this changed my opinions. It is written with sheer eloquence, and allows the reasder an intimate game of peek-a-boo with the Chinese Peoples and culture.It serves up Chinese culture better than a day trip to China Town. I enjoyed the book, and thoroughly reccomend it. BUY!
Rating:
Summary: true to the book
Review: I teach cultural geography at the middle school level and use this film to pull the strands of the course together. I love the film for its honesty and its appreciation for China in the midst of change.I traveled to China in the late 70's, and the film provokes powerful memories I have about being an outsider in a country so difficult to understand. My students love the film for its action, the almost-love story, and they seem to really understand the theme of cultural mis/understanding.
Rating:
Summary: As Only Could Be Told By the Author
Review: I have read Mark Salzman's books and his film is true to style. It is a movie that tries to side step all of Hollywood's shallowness, and strikes at a simple truth that resonates across cultures.
Rating: 
Summary: i want my money back!
Review: 1. writers should not act in films unless they are accomplished actors. mark salzman wrote this book based on his own true experiences which is fine, but did he have to play his own character? the story had great potential but the film became mediocre because of his shortcomings. his performance was flat and failed to incite any audience involvement. 2. martial arts instructors should be able to show that they are worthy of the title master. like the main character the "master" was played by the actual real-life person. although his acting performance was not entirely bad his martial arts demos lacked grace and at times seemed clumsy. this took a big toll on the credibility of the character and the movie itself. pat morita in the karate kid was more believable and he hardly showed anything. 3. don't buy this video. rent it if you want but you have been warned.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best movie
Review: This moive is so simple, and easy to understand the chinese culture. Let your kids watch this movie, they will be moved by this moive.
Rating:
Summary: Great adventure! A true page turner!
Review: Salzman's loveable naivete and his compassionate sense of humanity made his autobiographical adventure highly enjoyable. His journey in the pre-economical-reform China is exciting and full of wonders, somehow reminds me of Kerouac in On The Road. Recommended!
Rating:
Summary: Great Film
Review: This is a great film for those interested in China, Chinese culture or martial arts. If you've been to China you'll enjoy relating to the things he experienced. If you haven't been to China you'll have fun just the same and then probably want to go yourself. I rarely watch a video twice but this one is definitely worthwhile.
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