I have read many an article and read many reviews. Those who enjoy martial arts cinema(not the Siskel/Ebert types)usually have three films on their "Top 3 List": in no particular order, "Drunken Master II", "Fist of Legend", and "Iron Monkey". I am no exception to this trend, as "Iron Monkey" sits at the top of my list, followed by "DM II", and "Fist of Legend". This Yuen Wo-Ping/Tsui Hark collaboration is one of the finest action films ever made. Donnie Yen shines as Wong Kay-Ying, father of legendary cinematic character Wong Fei-Hung. With his good looks and English speaking capability, it's a mystery why some US producer has not utilized him better for productions in the states.

You can read the other reviews for the story line. I will say that I have seen four different versions of this film. I highly recommend the Hong Kong version, which is uncut when compared to the US release that is available at every Tower Records or Suncoast Video. This version, released by Mega Star, is hard to find, since Disney/Miramax/Dimension owns the US distribution rights to this movie. Both the English-subtitled and English-dubbed versions on the Mega Star DVD differ than that of its Disney counterpart. Purists will want the Mega Star version despite the fact that the picture quality is better on the Disney versions.

This movie is a perfect introduction to Hong Kong martial arts cinema to those not familiar with the genre. Like "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", unfamiliar viewers will have to get used to the high-flying or the Chinese humor, but "Iron Monkey" is a most entertaining 86 minutes of fun, action and laughs!! [10/10]