The Man with the Iron Fists
Universal Pictures | Release Date: November 2, 2012
5.7
USER SCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 131 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
51
Mixed:
52
Negative:
28
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
8
DraithisDec 14, 2012
From the opening scene, The Man with the Iron Fists feels at once familiar, and strange. It has the ridiculous hair of the eighties, various fighting styles that defy logic, and a soundtrack to match, but TMIF strikes a fine balance ofFrom the opening scene, The Man with the Iron Fists feels at once familiar, and strange. It has the ridiculous hair of the eighties, various fighting styles that defy logic, and a soundtrack to match, but TMIF strikes a fine balance of genre's that somehow works. A rare specimen, TMIF may not be for everyone, but it's destined to become a cult classic, at the very least!

P.S. No "Kill Bill" reference needed… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
OMMNov 4, 2012
Good old school Kung-Fu flick. If you remember when kung-fu movies used to come on Sunday afternoons this a that type of movie. The "Kill Bill" soundtracks forced the Rza to go all "mainstream" with his creativity, thankfully we don'tGood old school Kung-Fu flick. If you remember when kung-fu movies used to come on Sunday afternoons this a that type of movie. The "Kill Bill" soundtracks forced the Rza to go all "mainstream" with his creativity, thankfully we don't have those issues here. It is a mix of funk, jazz, rock, & bluegrass. The story is easy to follow and get you right into the action. Great movie cant wait to see more from the Rza!… Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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7
analogkid280Nov 3, 2012
Kill Bill style action movie. Nothing you have not seen before but a lot of stuff you liked when you saw it in other movies. If you are in the mood for sword fighting, fantasy blood spewing, eyeball flying fun this will satisfy your appetite.Kill Bill style action movie. Nothing you have not seen before but a lot of stuff you liked when you saw it in other movies. If you are in the mood for sword fighting, fantasy blood spewing, eyeball flying fun this will satisfy your appetite. Batista does a good job. Soundtrack lyrics have nothing to do with the movie? Not too long like so many other movies made this year.… Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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10
EvilShadowX11Nov 3, 2012
Kill Bill action. That's Ll you need to know. It's not for the story or anything, just awesome kill bill action. What else do you need to know? If you love cheesey blood, gore, and action, this is the movie for you and it won't disappoint.
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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8
TpoeNov 6, 2012
To correct vpkraja, this movie is not chinese made, it just has asian actors. Anyway, if you're like him and have never seen a movie like it, don't go see it, go rent some old school kung fu movies and see if you like them before you give upTo correct vpkraja, this movie is not chinese made, it just has asian actors. Anyway, if you're like him and have never seen a movie like it, don't go see it, go rent some old school kung fu movies and see if you like them before you give up the 11 dollars to see this.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
Bo33yDec 29, 2012
Fun, cool, stylised, in grindhouse/ploitation fashion . I understand why Tarantino put his name on this, for the reasons previous. If being a fan of this genre would probably appreciate this film and keep in your collection. Having some veryFun, cool, stylised, in grindhouse/ploitation fashion . I understand why Tarantino put his name on this, for the reasons previous. If being a fan of this genre would probably appreciate this film and keep in your collection. Having some very credible names to make good on its style. This was this directors first work and while it could have used a better polish in places, it certainly had appeal throughout. I never felt this film intended to be realistic, but rather it was made to stylised, and in line with its genre of which it certainly delivered. Old dirty B's and the WU Tang rap, awesome. Need I say more, but cool.… Expand
0 of 3 users found this helpful03
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8
pkarapan77Sep 5, 2013
Movie was pretty good. Accomplished what it set out to do, which was to emulate the classic 70s cheesy martial arts films. I don't get why people are criticizing it for not "expanding" or "innovating" on the genre. Gimme a break, what doMovie was pretty good. Accomplished what it set out to do, which was to emulate the classic 70s cheesy martial arts films. I don't get why people are criticizing it for not "expanding" or "innovating" on the genre. Gimme a break, what do you expect? Also the soundtrack was great..… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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10
FilmaholicNov 13, 2012
If you have a hankering for some 60's and 70's Asian cinema, then this is the movie for you. I really have nothing bad to say about this movie. All of the actors performances went extremely well with the source material. Even Bautista canIf you have a hankering for some 60's and 70's Asian cinema, then this is the movie for you. I really have nothing bad to say about this movie. All of the actors performances went extremely well with the source material. Even Bautista can act, was very surprised about that. Just a fun, crazy, awesome action epic that never at any point takes itself too seriously. It really seems like everyone had a blast masking this one.

If you like a lot of blood, people flying around with crazy ass weapons then this is the flick for you. You should not be disappointed.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
AllAroundGamerDec 23, 2012
RZA did a decent job with this one. There were some good fight scenes, however, many were too short. In my opinion, there were way too many important people to be trying to focus the film on. The Blacksmith's history was very irrelevant asRZA did a decent job with this one. There were some good fight scenes, however, many were too short. In my opinion, there were way too many important people to be trying to focus the film on. The Blacksmith's history was very irrelevant as well as many other people's bits of history. He should have focused on one or two main characters and developed it that way to make the plot more sensible, connective, and strong.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
taygorNov 6, 2012
I think the critics who gave low scores to this movie don't really know what a Kung-Fu movie is supposed to be. This was a pleasant surprise and follows the mold of those that came before it. If you like Kung-Fu movies this is a movie forI think the critics who gave low scores to this movie don't really know what a Kung-Fu movie is supposed to be. This was a pleasant surprise and follows the mold of those that came before it. If you like Kung-Fu movies this is a movie for you, if you don't know the genre, you probably won't get it.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
8
agentjonesNov 17, 2012
If the name "Shaw Brothers" doesn't mean anything to you, you probably aren't going to like this movie. The Man With The Iron Fists was made with a very specific audience in mind. It isn't likely to win any Oscars, or be remembered as anIf the name "Shaw Brothers" doesn't mean anything to you, you probably aren't going to like this movie. The Man With The Iron Fists was made with a very specific audience in mind. It isn't likely to win any Oscars, or be remembered as an enduring achievement in the art of film making, and it probably won't grow to the same cult status as many of the movies that inspired it. Frankly, it has some pretty cringe-worthy acting, occasionally goofy dialogue, and spends a little too much time on exposition and not enough on kung fu. That said, if you are a fan of RZA or old school kung fu movies, you will still get a kick (see what I did there?) out of this.

"Iron Fists" emulates its source material so brilliantly that other than the occasional CGI blood spurt, it's almost impossible to distinguish from its predecessors. "Come Drink With Me" and "Return of the One Armed Swordsman" in particular compare most closely to Iron Fists' blend of intrigue, plot twists, and over the top kung fu cheesiness. There are almost too many references in this movie to count, although some will be obvious even to non-fanatics. There's a cameo by Gordon Liu (most of you will recognize him from the Kill Bill movies, but fans know he's been kicking butt much longer than that) that is absolutely perfect, and really pays a fitting tribute to his long career. Another scene will be recognizable to anyone who has seen Enter The Dragon.

All things considered, The Man With The Iron Fists is a pretty good kung fu flick. Given how much of a pet project it was (RZA is to Iron Fists as Tommy Wiseau is to The Room), it could have turned out much, much worse. For a movie made on only 15 million dollars by a 43 year old hip hop producer from Staten Island, it is quite impressive.

Bottom line, if you like kung fu movies, go see the Man With The Iron Fists.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
jball359Nov 4, 2012
As others have said, this movie is a nice rehashing of the old Kung Fu films. The plot is threadbare, but did you really expect more? The imaginative weaponry and choreography is where this film really shines. Go in expecting violenceAs others have said, this movie is a nice rehashing of the old Kung Fu films. The plot is threadbare, but did you really expect more? The imaginative weaponry and choreography is where this film really shines. Go in expecting violence (there is a lot) and enjoy the ride.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
Motherbleepers2Dec 10, 2012
The fight scenes are insane and well choreographed, the blood and gore are astounding and it has an amazing soundtrack featuring music from artists like Wu-Tang Clan and Kanye West but some thing's missing. Oh yeah, the story and plot make noThe fight scenes are insane and well choreographed, the blood and gore are astounding and it has an amazing soundtrack featuring music from artists like Wu-Tang Clan and Kanye West but some thing's missing. Oh yeah, the story and plot make no sense. Also, the editing was a little too rubbish. See it though, even if just for the action scenes.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
mrkillfaceFeb 19, 2013
This is a goofy yet serious kung-fu genre film. I'm not entirely sure of what RZA's influences were, however, I got the sense that he was going for a hyper real anime feel to the film. Love it or hate it I was entertained. Definately forThis is a goofy yet serious kung-fu genre film. I'm not entirely sure of what RZA's influences were, however, I got the sense that he was going for a hyper real anime feel to the film. Love it or hate it I was entertained. Definately for those who enjoyed ninja scroll, kill bill, or even Charlies Angels. The last Is the easiest to compare this too, it's like the Charlies Angels with the Wu tang, asians, and Mr. Fighting around the world Russel Crowe.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
Kai82Nov 25, 2022
I think it is a good movie that tries too hard to be epic or more like the hallmark movies of the martial arts genre. On the other hand it has some unique selling points, likable characters and satisfying fight. It is set in China in the 19thI think it is a good movie that tries too hard to be epic or more like the hallmark movies of the martial arts genre. On the other hand it has some unique selling points, likable characters and satisfying fight. It is set in China in the 19th century. The Jungle Village has several clans that are fighting for dominance. The lion clans leader gets a lucrative offer from the local governor but his second in command has his own plans. Meanwhile the local blacksmith tries his best to make weapons for everyone to get enough money to free his lover while a mysterious man arrives. Those are the set ups for the story. The story works but except some elements it is not that original. However it is entertaining and a good vehicle for the characters and fights. The visuals, sets and costumes are top notch and impressed me. Visually it is beautiful and deserved to be praised. The characters are really good. I especially enjoyed RZA as Blacksmith / Thaddeus Smith. He is a highlight. Russel Crowe as Jack knife is more than decent, Lucy Liu is always a strong asset in any movie I can imagine, Rick Yune is strong too and David Bautista a love to hate villain. I think the cast delivers and should be praised too. So far it sounds good but the movie has some weaknesses. Like I said before some parts are not that original and you have seen it elsewhere (and sometimes better). It feels often a bit forced to create awesomeness. Also a few scene are to long or unnecessary. I almost forget to talk about the martial arts. The fights are awesome and satisfying. In this regard the movie fully delivers. I should warn you that some say the movie is too brutal. I ont think so but don't know how much this counts. Overall I think this is an enjoyable movie and depending what you favor it is probably in the 5-8/10 range. For me it is a rounded up 8/10. might not be the gold standard but was worth to watch.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
royphishoohApr 4, 2015
An outstanding action movie with all the right nods to the kung fu classics of the 70's - excellent set pieces and great fun. The music is somewhat incongruous but somehow it all fits, and Russell Crowe seems to be having the time of his life.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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