This is one of the best kung fu movies I’ve seen. It has plenty of action, and humour. Although for those who do not understand Cantonese or who have not seen the “Once Upon A Time In China” movies, some of the jokes may be lost. This is sort of a pre-quel to it. Since it is about a younger version of the main character in the “OUATIC” movies and shows how he got his personality (i.e straight laced and no-nonesense) and martial arts skills. Even so, it is still a great movie and strictly speaking, you do not need to have seen OUATIC.
Without giving away too much of the plot away, the movie is about evil government officials in ancient China who are after the "Iron Monkey" of the title for robbing them off their riches and giving the cash to the poor. It shows how the main charactors inadventently band together to overthrow said badies.
Some may complain about the lack of a plot, but that is not what martial arts movies are about. Just sit back and enjoy. It is also best to get the subtitled version and not the dubbed one as in my experience, dubbed movies tend to come off worst.
The main actors in the movie are Donnie Yen, Yu Rong Quong and Tsang Sze Man. It is directed by Yuen Woo Ping, who have done many Hong Kong martial arts movies before. Eg New Legend of Shoalin, another great movie to catch.
The movie should be available from most online companies and major high street retailers.
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Production Year: 1993 - Martial Arts - Director: Lo Wei - Original Language: Cantonese - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring: Bruce Lee, Nora Miao, James Tien
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