Iron Monkey Review

Iron Monkey is said to be a prequel to Once Upon A Time In China, it isn't really supposed to be, but it is about the early adventures of Wong Fei Hung and his father, Wong Kie Ying. Iron Monkey isn't a style of Kung Fu as you might have thought, it is the nick name of a robin hood style bandit who is also a kung fu expert. The crooked authorities have decided in an attempt to capture the Iron Monkey, that they will arrest anyone who knows kung fu, or even says the word monkey out load. As this is happening, a kung fu master from Fu Shan and his little boy just arrived, only to get into strife with some nasty pick pockets. Easily beating them with his amazing martial skills, the master is arrested on suspicion of being the Iron Monkey. The fight choreography is directed by the amazing Yuen Wo Ping, and it is top work. The film is also directed by him and is a marvel to look at. The wire fu is also impressive, not too over the top, and there are some pre Crouching Tiger roof chase scenes that will make you look in awe. The characters are all well aced and there martial arts skills are incomparable, especially the young Wong Fei Hung (played by a very talented young girl) However the best person in this film has to be Donnie Yen, his portrayal of Wong Fei Hung's father is just as good as Jet Li's as Wong Fei Hung in the OUATIC's and his martial arts are really impressive.