The Man with the Iron Fists [Unrated] [DVD] [2012]

I read a review of this before watching it that only gave it around 5 stars out of 10. The critic complained that the plot development was too diluted because there was too much going on in this 2 hour, action-packed, stylistic, cinematic homage to Kung-fu movies from the 1970's. I agree that the story was highly busy but...given all the pro's mentioned above...any fan of old Kung-fu films would enjoy this movie and I would highly anticipate sequels to this film where the story lines and character developments are more focused.

Man With the Iron Fists explodes with style, personality and visual splendor. This may not feature the strongest execution of action sequences (see John Hyam's Universal Soldier: Regeneration and Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning, Raid 2, and The Girl from the Naked Eye for that) but the action is solid, the Cory Yuen choreography is tight as ever but Rza isn't focusing on the "flow" of the action but the "explosions". Huge action beats within these sequences take center stage and the editing heightens the impact. The real reason to see Iron Fists is for how visually striking the movie is and the unique "voice" Rza gives the picture with melding myth (the world building is layered and fun, such as giving each character a unique weapon), modern music (The Black Keys and Rza's "The Baddest Man Alive" is the highlight), and interesting characters (Particularly Crowe's Jack Knife and Yune's X Blade). I wouldn't necessarily recommend this to a martial arts fan, none the less, Iron Fists is a fun, fresh and visually striking movie.

This movie is definitely for adults for its sex scenes

Making his debut as a big-screen director and leading man, RZA-alongside a stellar international cast led by Russell Crowe and Lucy Liu-tells the epic story of warriors, assassins and a lone outsider hero in nineteenth-century China who must unite to destroy the clan traitor who would destroy them all. Since his arrival in China's Jungle Village, the town's blacksmith (RZA) has been forced by radical tribal factions to create elaborate tools of destruction. When the clans' brewing war boils over, the stranger channels an ancient energy to transform himself into a human weapon. As he fights alongside iconic heroes and against soulless villains, one man must harness this power to become savior of his adopted people.

RZA set out on his directorial debut for what else, a Kung-Fu flick. I didn't have high hopes when I 1st heard what he was trying to do. I figured if anything the soundtrack will be great. Thank to help and backing of tarantino, rza had a good enough budget to make a good enough kung-fu flick. The story tends to drag on for the most part and some of it is even like HUH. Overall it works and I enjoyed it enough to add to the collection. Audio and Video on this bluray are excellent. Like most recent movies over the yrs from Asia, the colors are vibrant and are basically part of the story. The sound has clear dialogue and immersive action will keep you speakers and ears happy.

For a first time director, The RZA did a pretty good - but not perfect - job in his ode to kung-fu films of yesteryear. While he's not the most charismatic leading man, The Man with the Iron Fists more than makes up for it with a colorful supporting cast willing to go all out. Could the fights be a little better? Probably. Could it be a little leaner? Maybe. But get some friends over, open a few beers, and enjoy a movie that wants nothing more than to give you a little kung fury.

THE RZA, DZA, this movie has an amazing soundtrack

Simply put this movie is just dumb fun. If you go into this movie not expecting great story or great acting and just looking for action, this is the movie for you. It isn't meant to be taken seriously and is over the top. That is what makes the movie so enjoyable. It's like watching a live action anime. This movie is so good it has me looking forward to watching the sequel.