By Jerry Casarez
“The Man With the Iron Fists” entertains audiences with action-packed fighting sequences, a stellar cast and an engaging, multi-layered storyline.
The Kung Fu based action movie is like nothing ever seen before as actors and celebrities from Hollywood, pro wrestling, UFC and the hip hop world come together to assemble the cast.
RZA, who is known for his music and membership in the famous Wu Tang Clan rap group, wrote and directed the film.
The movie follows the influence of the Wu Tang Clan’s Kung Fu lyrics as it takes place in ancient China. The story of a slave on the run who travels to a small Chinese village where he is known as Blacksmith.
Blacksmith, played by RZA, is forced to help defend his village after a fight for the emperor’s gold leads to feuds between many clans, threatening the well-being of the people.
The lead character is also accompanied by a cast of actors, such as Russell Crowe, who portrays the role of “Jack Knife,” and Lucy Liu as “Madam Blossom.” Both characters do their share of fighting throughout the movie.
Each scene in the movie incorporates the music of various artists such as the Wu Tang Clan, Wiz Khalifa, Kanye West and the Black Keys.
The costumes and characters along with the setting give the fight scenes an authentic feel.
The film mentions the stories of each character throughout the story to keep the viewers involved.
The story uses several subplots that include a love story, deception and revenge to make the film enjoyable to watch by all moviegoers.
Other familiar faces that make their appearance in the film are UFC middleweight fighter Cung Le, who plays the role of “Bronze Lion,” and former WWE superstar Dave Bautista who plays “Brass Brody.” Both characters are villains in the storyline.
While Quentin Tarantino’s name is associated with the film, it is said that he actually had nothing to do with the actual production or direction.
In fact, Tarantino actually allowed his name to be used to help build support and exposure to the project that his friends RZA and co-writer Eli Roth created.
Fans who are familiar with and enjoyed Tarantino’s “Kill Bill” series can expect the same from “The Man with the Iron Fist.”
The rated R movie runs for 96 minutes. It contains graphic language, gruesome fight scenes and sexual content.
The fight scenes are bloody, but it’s expected for films that use large weapons and swords.
The story is easy to follow and, while it takes some twists and turns in the plot, it delivers an exciting finish that leaves fans satisfied in the end.