4.5/5 Review
I have to admit, I’m a bit of a sucker for martial arts movies. Hollywood’s ever-increasing adversity to risk has made it harder and harder for stylized martial arts movies to get the green light in recent years.
On the other hand, more and more companies are looking to produce films in China in order to ensure the release of that film will rake in that beloved overseas revenue.
This is in part due to the fact that the Chinese government only allows 20 U.S. films to be shown in Chinese theaters every year, whereas films produced in China by Chinese studios don’t fall under that rule.
With the popularity of martial arts movies, the guaranteed revenue from Chinese audiences, and the backing of Quentin Tarantino, things are looking good for the directorial/acting debut of RZA.
The story has an omniscient focus that almost takes on a neo-noir feel
“The Man with the Iron Fists” is set in Jungle Village, home to warring clans and an enigmatic blacksmith, played by RZA, who is constantly making weapons for these very clans.
When a shipment of gold is set to pass through the village, many strange and deadly characters come out of the woodwork in order to steal the gold and take control of the village.
The focus constantly bounces between the Lion Clan, the blacksmith, and the characters of Zen Yi, played by Rick Yune, and Jack Knife, played by Russell Crowe.
Most of the emphasis is placed on the very stylish fight scenes that range from moderately realistic to pure fantasy.
The visual style is reminiscent of the old martial arts films that were brought to the US during the 70’s and 80’s, complete with Chinese opening credits and some of that classic “Wire-Fu.” Many of the fights and cool to watch, but the best ones are in the final stretch of the film.
That final stretch also takes a bit of a turn for the weird
The film suddenly implements comic-book-styled split screen shots and some really weird fantasy elements that, while making sense story-wise, are still a little odd.
One thing that I both liked and disliked was the lack of emphasis on our assumed main character. On one hand, it was kind of strange that the blacksmith was narrating events that he wasn’t there for, a common trope of films like this.
On the other hand, I like the fact that RZA didn’t try to make himself look like the be-all end-all character, saving a lot of his key moments for the third act when all the plot threads converge. As a result, the film takes on sort of a spaghetti western feel while you’re watching it.
Overall, “The Man with the Iron Fists” is an enjoyable film, with fast-paced and stylized action, a unique storytelling style, and a nice payoff at the end.
It is definitely a film for people who enjoy films like “Bloodsport” or “Enter the Dragon,” as well as dark and gritty pulp fantasy.