Watch Iron Monkey

Iron Monkey is a 1993 Hong Kong martial arts film directed by Yuen Woo-ping and starring Rongguang Yu, Donnie Yen, and Jean Wang. It is one of the most memorable films in the genre and has been praised for its action choreography, storyline, and compelling performances. Set in 19th-century China, Iron Monkey tells the story of a legendary folk hero who robs from the rich to give to the poor. Dressed in a black mask and hood, the Iron Monkey is the embodiment of the people's hope for justice in a society that is plagued by corruption and injustice.

The film opens with the arrival of a new governor, who is tasked with rooting out the Iron Monkey and bringing him to justice. He enlists the help of the legendary martial artist Wong Kei-ying (played by Yu), who is known for his superior skills and strength.

Wong Kei-ying is initially reluctant to take on the governor's task, but he is ultimately persuaded when he sees the suffering of the people under the rule of the corrupt officials. Along with his son, Wong Fei-hung (played by Yen), Wong Kei-ying begins his search for the Iron Monkey, encountering a host of adversaries along the way.

The action sequences in Iron Monkey are some of the most thrilling and memorable in martial arts cinema. Yuen Woo-ping is renowned for his innovative fight choreography, and Iron Monkey showcases his skills to great effect. The fight scenes are fast-paced, dynamic, and varied, with each character bringing their unique fighting style to the battle.

In addition to the action, Iron Monkey also has a strong storyline and well-developed characters. Wong Kei-ying is a complex hero, struggling with his conscience as he tries to reconcile his loyalty to the governor with his sense of duty to the people. Wong Fei-hung, meanwhile, is a young and impetuous warrior, eager to prove himself and stand up against injustice.

The villains in Iron Monkey are also well-developed, with the corrupt officials providing a believable threat to the heroes. The film's main antagonist is the governor's sadistic enforcer, Jinshan, who is played with relish by actor James Wong. Jinshan is a cold and calculating villain, willing to go to any lengths to achieve his goals.

Iron Monkey also stands out for its excellent production values. The film is set in a vibrant and colorful version of 19th-century China, with the sets and costumes capturing the period's feel and atmosphere. The music by composer Richard Yuen is also excellent, adding to the film's emotional impact and helping to heighten the tension in the action scenes.

Overall, Iron Monkey is a must-see for any fan of the martial arts genre. It is a classic film that has stood the test of time and continues to captivate audiences over 20 years after its initial release. With its excellent action, engaging storyline, and memorable characters, it is a film that deserves to be seen by anyone who loves great cinema.

Iron Monkey is a 1993 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 79.