Iron Monkey
Seen it?1993 | 90 min | Action, Crime, Drama
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (91% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for crime-drama fans and action fans. If you loved Batman Begins or Kill Bill: Vol. 1, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Dark and gritty.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 30 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG-13. Probably too much for younger kids.
- It's in Cantonese, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
In this Hong Kong variation of Robin Hood, corrupt officials of a Chinese village are robbed by a masked bandit known as "Iron Monkey", named after a benevolent deity. When all else fails, the Governor forces a traveling physician into finding the bandit.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
91% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
7.4 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$15 million worldwide on a $11 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 46K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Yuen Woo-Ping
- Yu RongguangDr. Yang / Iron Monkey
- Donnie YenWong Kei-ying
- Jean Wang Ching-YingMiss Orchid / Miss Ho
- Angie Tsang Sze-ManWong Fei-Hung
- Yen Shi-KwanWonder Palm Monk Hin Hung
- James Wong JimGovernor Cheng Pak Fong
- Sunny Yuen Shun-yiMaster Fox
- Hsiao HoMonk Hin Hung's Disciple
- Lee FaiMonk Hin Hung's Disciple
- Chun Kwai-BoOne of the Bad Monks