The Iron Monkey (1993): Dir: Yuen Wo / Cast: Yu Rongguang, Donnie Yen, Jean Wang, James Wong, Angie Tsang: Typical Hong Kong cinema that isn't too deep yet very funny. The title regards an assailant who robs from the rich and gives to the poor just as he does the greedy Governor while in the midst of an orgy with his nine wives. The Governor orders that anyone suspected as the Iron Monkey be arrested, which leads to numerous hilarious encounters. Among the suspects are a father and son duo skilled at martial arts. This leads to predictable circumstances and a misfire laughable conclusion. Director Yuen Wo Ping does a fine job at combining martial arts action and comedy. The Iron monkey is a medicine expert assisted by Miss Orchard whom he sheltered after the death of her baby. Fine cast includes Yu Rong Gheung as the hero who will eventually get reduced to a laughable climax. Donnie Yen plays the father who is given a proposition that will have him unknowingly assisted by his target. Jean Wang plays Miss Orchard whom finds shelter in the physician who is the Iron Monkey himself. James Wong brings a lot of humour as the Governor. Angie Tsang plays the son of the duo who knows his stuff and takes after his father in the realms of ass kicking. While sometimes predictable and corny, the film is a technically well made Hong Kong satire symbolizing the good Samaritan. Score: 6 / 10
Review of Iron Monkey
