Iron Monkey

Rating:
Summary: Not as good as "Crouching Tiger..." but still good.
Review: Yuen Woo-Ping...sound familiar? It should. He has choreographed fight scenes in "The Matrix," "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," and "Fist Of Legend." Well, he took a crack at directing his own movie in 1993 (pre-Matrix and pre-Crouching Tiger) and it's was called "Iron Monkey 2" even though it was hardly a sequel to the 1977 original. Well, we in good ol' America are just now getting this movie, except ours is called "Iron Monkey." It must sound like a funny title to us, but the Iron Monkey is basically a Chinese version of Robin Hood. You know, "Steal from the rich and give to the poor" type of stuff. Except this Robin Hood knows some pretty funky Kung-Fu, which is what makes this movie awesome. The fight scenes are some of the best ever made. Sure, it's fake because these guys just fly off the ground, but you have to let your mind past all the and just watch how beautiful the fight sequences are. The plot, a bit lame. The dubbing in this viewing I must admit is cruddy and probably the most negative thing about the movie, besides the lame boss. If you want to see a non-dub version, buy the DVD from Hong-Kong. If you don't like to read, I guess the U.S. version will do. See it if you are a die hard Kung-Fu flying action fan! PG-13 because of intense action and brief sexuality.

Rating:
Summary: I got a tension headache while watching this
Review: With spectacular fight scenes and a simple, yet effective story line, Tsui Hark dishes up a masterpiece martial arts film with "Iron Monkey". The film takes place during the latter part of the Manchu Dynasty where Dr. Yang is a local physician who runs a clinic with his wife by day but fights and steals from corrupt government officials by night as the Robin Hoodesque folk hero "Iron Monkey". The fight scenes in this film are constant and incredible. I particularly liked the pace that they were conducted in and in some ways this movie reminded me of the 1970s Kung-Fu films I used to watch during Saturday afternoons as a kid, respectfully. The fight scene at the end with Iron Monkey and Wong fighting the Chinese overlord on flaming wooden poles was incredible. I ended up following the advice of one reviewer and ended up picking up the Hong Kong version of this film which can also be bought at Amazon. My only complaint is the subtitles, since the version I got can only be viewed in Chinese, respectfully. That being the case, the subtitles go too fast and occasionally I would have to scan back to re-read an interpretation. If the U.S. release of this film (which I have not seen) is a watered-down, edited version then the Hong Kong version is certainly worth the wait.

Rating:
Summary: Psst! Don't even say the word 'Monkey'
Review: After seeing (and absolutely loving) Donnie Yen in Hero and Shanghai Knights, I had to have more. Iron Monkey seemed like a good bet, so I bought it.

WOW. I hit the jackpot! Rough and comic unlike the serious and elegant Hero. Chinese, Chinese, Chinese unlike the Hollywood Jackie Chan Knights. Plenty of martial arts and good natured humor. From the corrupt Governor and his many giggling wives to the evil monk who -- opps there go the many giggling wives -- to Master Fox, the heart of gold police chief, all the bad guys are comics. When the Governor orders that Iron Monkey must be arrested, the police round up an acrobat who jumps like a monkey, a man who sneezes like a monkey, a man selling...someone leans over and whispers, "Don't even say the word Monkey," but he gets nabbed, too. Even the serious Donnie Yen and Rongguang Yu have a playful chopstick fight over a piece of roasted duck.

For those who love flying, there are many scenes with the beautiful antigravity choreography of Woo-Ping Yuen. Probably the most lovely is the first, when the Doctor (Iron Monkey) and Miss Orchid (the nurse) go flying around the room to retrieve a stack of papers which has blown out of their hands at the end of a busy day at the clinic.

Although Iron Monkey's father had been killed unjustly and Miss Orchid's son, born of her work as a prostitute slave, dies at birth, in the present tense no one dies which is as it should be with a good old fashioned folk story. Five stars!


Rating:
Summary: Miramax butchers very enjoyable film!!
Review: After watching films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Shaolin Soccer and immensely falling for them, I had some hesitancy with this film. With Tarantino's name attached to the previews, I had this growing concern that Hollywood had gripped this film a bit too hard, thus squeezing out any remaining value or originality. I had heard of the stories of Harvey "Scissorhands" and his ability to really do a number on these Asian films that find their way into our cinemas. I have heard that if you ever really want to fully enjoy one of these films, do not touch those with the name Miramax stamped anywhere. With this in mind, I believe you can see where the hesitancy was coming from, but I need to be honest, this wasn't a horrible film. Using a pre-Wachowski brothers technique of wires instead of "bullet-time" effects, Iron Monkey quickly transformed from your average Shaolin film (if there is such a thing), to a very humorous, creative, and original film.

For some strange reason this film caught my eye and never let go. The strong blend between action and comedy rivals that of most modern Hollywood big-budget features. The impeccable timing of the actors, the perfection of each of the dance-like fights, and its ability to transcend from one genre to another is what really gave this film a big boost in my eyes. While I was expecting a notorious film full of girth and power, I was not in any way expecting this prize-winning, genre-jumping, symposium of pleasure. Everything from the balloonish characters to the simple, yet structured, story pushed this film beyond others of similar nature. I cannot express how impressed that I was with Iron Monkey and how it helped bring the martial arts film back into American homes.

Another element that I enjoyed immensely in this film was the mystic forces behind the characters. The different Shaolin techniques impressed me and helped give the characters a masked depth to them. Being relatively new to this genre, I am constantly impressed by the power, creativity, and ingenuity of the basic moves that Shaolin implies while in battle. In this film, it was the "Buddha Palm" that made me utter the infamous Keanu line, "Whoa". While this film wasn't perfection in a nutshell, it was enjoyable to go back to some of these "classics" and see where our now-modern films are borrowing their style. It is good to see the strength and ability of someone fresh instead of Hollywood Jackie Chan in these roles. Asian cinema is one of the most impressive genres in film, and continually it proves that it can break old molds and stereotypes by revamping them while still paying homage to the originals. It is a genre, unlike Hollywood, that actually pays honest respect to the proceeding films that gave them this opportunity, and while Iron Monkey isn't Criterion-esque, it does provide several hours of countless fun and mind-challenging action.

Finally, you cannot talk about a film like this without mentioning the action. I grew up in a house that prided itself on the popularity of the action film, and while my tastes have changed considerably over the years, it is always a pleasure to revisit in my mind those childhood days. Now, when I go back to visit my family, I take films like Iron Monkey and Shaolin Soccer to bring a new style of action into the home. It continues to be an instant hit. This film was no different. From the quick hand and leg combat, to the creative use of nearly every random inanimate object around, to the different elements of nature that are brought in to bring more thrill to the table, this film had everything and kept the enjoyment level high. That says a lot for a little Asian film that found itself corrupted by America.

Overall, I was very impressed with this film. With my growing infatuation with this genre of film, I cannot wait to get my hands on more. While I wish that Miramax would not try to take these films to the butcher's block, they still provide several hours of enjoyment and plenty of action. In intensity and insanity of the actors help create a world where you believe in the impossible kung-fu move and allow even more punches to follow. This was a great film that should be enjoyed with subtitles (never dubbing) and without the Tarantino introduction. Check it out, I do not think it will bring disappointment.

Grade: **** out of *****

Rating:
Summary: Iron Monkey on DVD
Review: Iron Monkey was originally released in Hong Kong almost
11 yrs (1993) ago, but it's until now, with America's love
affair with Martial Arts films, has it come to the USA.
It's original title was "Iron Monkey: The Young Wong Fei Hong".

Directed by Yuen Wo Ping who choreographed a couple of
the exciting battle scenes. It's one of the first martial
arts films to use elements of eastern and western culture.
For example, the music has been redone with a James Venable score. Even Quentin Tarantino was overlooking the movie before it was released.

The story is set in China 1858, when corrupt officials
took advantage of poor refugees. In the city of Chekian, a greedy and low life governor named Chen (James Wong)is stealing food supplies and spends most of his time having sex with 9 wives!!! Yes nine wives!!!

Well the people of Chekia are sick of this jerk and they
want someone to take him out. That's where the Iron Monkey (Yu Rong-Guang) comes in. He is a just a master at martial arts and his appearence in black cast a fear over his enemies.

In fact at one point in the movie, he shaves of the governor's eyebrows (talk about a close shave). The security chief (Yuen Shun-Yi) tries to captures the Iron Monkey but can't.

What I loved about the movie, besides the breathtaking action scenes is the story itself revolving corruption and the need for a hero to rid the city of evil and bad individuals.

Also I loved the fact that Iron Monkey has a secret identity
like Spiderman and Superman. No one suspects his real identity which is that of a herbalist. However, the movie further gets intriguing as another herbalist comes into town with his son. The evil governor kidnaps the herbalist's son and won't release him until someone captures the Iron Monkey.

To complicate matters, an evil monk comes into the pictures
and plans to take the Iron Monkey out. One other thing I loved about the movie, is the arsenal of moves every fighting character has. One has a Shaolin fist, while another has a flying sleeve move. Of course, the stunts are tremendous including the duel at the end, which would make even Jackie Chan pleased.

Released by Miramax, Iron Monkey is a good sign that more great Martial Arts films will be released in the US for us action fans to appreciate.

The dvd is superb with many extra features. Enjoy.


Rating:
Summary: Amazing Action/Martial Arts
Review: Long before Crouching Tiger, Hidding Dragon became a hit, Iron Monkey was already setting the stage for flying kicks, ballet-like fight choreography, and action filming. One of the best martial arts films out in the market with a storyline tied to a legendary hero in China, Iron Monkey tells the tale of a benevolent thief known as the Iron Monkey who robs from the rich to give to the poor. He meets up with Donnie Yen's constable character, a young father traveling with his son, and teams up together to fight an evil and corrupt monk. The fight scenes are inspiring, and the stars attractive and heroic. Even though English is in subtitles, you wouldn't care since the film is captivating enough. Add this to your martial arts library for authentic martial arts and good story.

Putting a Best Word Forward.

Rating:
Summary: Just an FYI
Review: This movie is often compared to Crouching Tiger, and some people even say that it couldnt outdo Crouching Tiger, or vis versa. Quite frankly however, Iron Monkey came out in 1993 while Crouching Tiger came out in 2000. Read the other reviews to hear how excellent this movie is. If you like martial arts there is no doubt that you will like this movie.

Rating:
Summary: It Isn't Crouching Tiger. It Doesn't Try To Be.
Review: Those who compare this film unfavorably to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon are doing it a disservice. Crouching Tiger is an epic romance. Iron Monkey is an action film.

Think of it, specifically, as a kind of Young Robin Hood. It's a story about the childhood of one of the more popular characters of martial arts films, a real martial artist of 19th-century China, Wong Fei Hung. This particular story sets out to explain how Wong Fei Hung developed as he did, showing his relationship with his father and with an influential herbalist who inspires the inner Robin Hood in the boy. There isn't a lot of character development in the character, because there doesn't need to be. The target audience already knows Wong Fei Hung very well. The star of this movie is the action.

The action is similar between the two films, because they're both drawing on the fantasy style of fighting. All that soaring, the posturing from wires. Mythical folks doing mythical things. But where Crouching Tiger takes itself pretty seriously (befitting an epic romance), Iron Monkey is more laid back. There's some of the typical slapstick between father and son and one funny scene where all that lyrical soaring is put to a very mundane use.

It's like comparing, oh, My Name is Nobody to High Noon. They may be the same genre, but beyond that, they don't have much in common. (And that said, if you haven't seen My Name is Nobody, remedy that. As soon as you can.)

If you haven't seen Iron Monkey, and you like this kind of thing, you should remedy that, too. As soon as you can.

An interesting bit of trivia: the little boy in Iron Monkey is actually a little girl. A very athletic one.

Rating:
Summary: THE GRAVITY CONQUERING MARTIAL ART EXTRAVAGANZA
Review: WITHIN DECADES THIS FILM WILL BECOME A MARTIAL ART GENRE CLASSIC. STARRING HONG KONG SUPERSTAR DONNIE YEN WITH SPINNING, LEAPING FIST FIGHTS AND THRASHING LEAPS. IRON MONKEY TURNS CROUCHING TIGER INTO CROUCHING KITTEN(although i really enjoyed CROUCHING).THIS FILM TAKES PLACE AT THE SUNSET OF EIGHTEENTH CENTURY CHINA WITH ASSASINS AND SLAVERS POURING INTO TOWNS THE ROBIN HOOD LIKE IRON MONKEY PROTECTS TOWNS THE BEST HES CAPABLE OF HES THE SUPERHERO OF SMALL TOWNS . THIS IS PERHAPS THE BEST EARLY 90S PG13 MARTIAL ART MOVIE. BY THE WAY MY NAMES SAJUN NOT JO DOIG.

Rating:
Summary: Entertainment, pure and simple
Review: This film is a tour de force of entertainment. I suggest you skip renting and buy yourself a copy. With Donnie Yen is one of his most celebrated roles, how could you go wrong? For fans of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Hero, check this one out.