Plot Details: This opinion reveals major details about the movie's plot.

After falling in love with Crouching Tiger, I asked other fans on a message board what movies would they recommend in the same genre. From the many responses, Iron Monkey was one that got repeated endorsements. I ran to Blockbuster, then Hollywood Video but was out of luck. Finally, I found it on Kozmo.com, so I opened my account and had it sent right over. Although it’s not on the same deep, artistic level as Crouching Tiger, Iron Monkey nonetheless is a prime choice for fans of this genre.

The plot is a simple tale based loosely on Robin Hood. A masked man steals from the wealthy including corrupt government officials to help the starving poor. No one knows that Iron Monkey is the town’s gentle doctor Yang, so the mayor has his security team scour the town arresting anyone remotely resembling Iron Monkey. Comically, a village man is arrested after resembling a monkey while sneezing. New to the town, Wong Kei-ying is arrested after showing remarkable, Iron Monkey-like kung fu skill while defending his son from street thugs. After Iron Monkey makes an appearance, the mayor forces the once suspected Wong to find and capture Iron Monkey or his young son will remain in prison.

Yuen Woo-Ping, the amazing fight choreographer behind Crouching Tiger and the Matrix, directed Iron Monkey. Expect more remarkable, gravity-defying action scenes that are fun and furious. In one scene, Dr. Yang and his pretty, yet capable martial artist assistant gracefully recover windblown papers weightlessly floating in the room. Several characters possess their own unique kung fu ability like the Golden Palm or Shaolin Double Fist. Wong's son gets the "bar brawl" scene expertly using an umbrella against hulking men. The finale is especially exciting with the fighters atop burning, rickety poles.

I recommend this movie to people who like Crouching Tiger, but don’t expect the same rich story line or cinematography. Iron Monkey is lighthearted fun with a couple grim scenes like Wong’s son being whipped.

The running time is only 90 minutes. The plot is kept to a minimum, showcasing the fast-paced action, but we do get to see some of the personalities behind the main heroes. The character development and hinted love story between the Doctor and his assistant are shallow. I like the scene when Wong and Dr. Yang try to outperform each other in a vegetable splicing cook off.

There are many humorous and heart warming scenes that keep the viewer interested between the action. The kung fu is not as dark or violent as other martial art movies, but I prefer the seamless dance-like sequences plus the unique skills of the fighters.

The VHS has English subtitles that can be hard to keep up with because of the fast dialogue compared to Crouching Tiger. The DVD I believe has an English dubbed version if you prefer.

If you decide to rent or buy this movie, be sure you get the one made in 1993 because there’s another unrelated Iron Monkey martial arts movie from the 1970’s.

Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Good for Groups
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older