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Iron Monkey
User Score
8.2 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17

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  1. DanF.
    Apr 9, 2002
    4
    The martial arts were good, however they weren't able to eclipse the pathetic plot.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. JackyC.
    Jan 4, 2003
    9
    One of the finest examples of the Hong Kong martial arts fantasy genre. The "thin," "pathetic" plot happens to derive from the story of Wang Fei-hong, a historical figure whose life has become a modern legend. A Chinese-speaking audience would already be familiar with the story, and would not need to be beaten over the head with dramatic development or exposition, making more room for those incredible martial arts sequences, which are what this genre is really all about. Iron Monkey shows off Donnie Yen's authentic Hung Gar skills, a rare treat to see on film. It would be fair to say that Crouching Tiger was an Iron Monkey wannabe, since it was actually made well after Iron Monkey's theatrical release... Ang Lee wanted to make an artsy martial arts fantasy that would stand a chance of being appreciated, and fairly reviewed, by non-Chinese audiences. He succeeded, and for those who aren't equipped to appreciate real Hong Kong film, best stick with his masterpiece.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. RoseH.
    Mar 27, 2002
    10
    This was a fantastic movie that brought back the original martial arts movies. It truly is a classic!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  4. JamesM.
    Apr 29, 2002
    10
    Definitely no "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon," but that is also a good thing. In a Hollywood review scale that tends to rate movies on the latest academy awards winning trends, its nice to see a movie that rightfully becomes individual in modern day cinima. Iron Monkey is a traditional kick-ass karate movie reminicent of Bruce Lee and Kung-fu Theater mixed with modern day visual effects that can be compared to Black Mask and the Matrix. The effect is a well done movie that has its home in traditional chinese cinima and modern fast action cinima. … Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  5. TylerC.
    Nov 14, 2001
    10
    It was just a good movie.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  6. ConnieE.
    Oct 20, 2001
    5
    The Kung Fu was first rate. However, the plot was thin and I often felt it was a "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" wanna be but lacked the story to do it and made up for it in special effects.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  7. RyanM.
    Apr 1, 2002
    10
    This just may be the best martial arts movie I've ever seen.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  8. JoeH.
    Mar 18, 2003
    10
    To all those who said it was a "crouching tiger" wannabe, you may want to take note that this film was actually filmed before that movie was made, but only recieved wide release after "Crouching Tiger"'s success.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  9. Amoviecritic
    Jun 12, 2003
    9
    I really liked the plot. It made you really think, "ok, how are they going to get out of this?" and I really liked the English dub. But my only problem with it was that the Shaolin thing wasn't not focused on enough, and I wasn't sure what was going on with it. Great movie though.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  10. GaborA.
    Aug 19, 2004
    4
    This, crouching tiger, hero(though not to the same extent). I'm sick of these plotless films with terrible cliche dialogue. "You have the skill but not the dicipline." Thats great. All the time in making these movies is spent on crafting the endless fight scenes. The result: lame and super repetetive movies. Bring something over from china that has a plot and a soul not just sword fighting.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  11. [Anonymous]
    Nov 23, 2005
    9
    Yuen Wo Pingis an ace choreographer, as he helped bring the Matrix trilogy, Kill bill and Kung Fu hustle to the top of the action genre. When he directs on his own, he pulls out all the stops and breathlessly packs tons of his fight sequences into one explosive package. If you like his fight choreography, there's plenty of it here, and it dominates most fo the screen time. THere';s little, if any, filler in these intense 89min.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
79 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Jay Carr
    75
    They're as special as special effects get.
  2. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Kenneth Turan
    90
    If Asian martial arts movies interest you even a little bit, you're going to want to see Iron Monkey. Not only that, you're going to want to see it more than once.
    Read full review
  3. New Times (L.A.)
    Reviewed by: Andy Klein
    90
    It's funny, heroic, exaggerated and, most of all, energetic; the film speeds along as though afraid to lose the audience's attention for even a moment.
    Read full review
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