Jet plays a Taiwan agent sent to the US to retrieve some stones that look like black diamonds, except they are in reality miniature weapons of mass devastation. In order to get them back, the original thieves kidnap the leader's daughter Vanessa. Some stuff happens and there is a four wheeler whatever vehicle chase up and down stairs and across building roofs.

It's inconceivable that the thieves would have something so completely priceless they didn't bother to think about guarding them! However we do need a reason for the big fight. Sigh, unfortunately the big fight is short and poorly edited. It's an okay rental to watch while doing something else but not much more.

Samuel Le Bihan plays a forward-thinking adventurer more enthralled by the Age of Reason than the fearful villagers he encounters when sent to uncover the secret of terrible maulings from an unknown beast; Mark Dacascos gives a better acting performance than one usually expects from him as the Iroquois warrior with whom he has sworn brotherhood; Vincent Cassel is marvelously cast as a dissolute and mysterious man; Monica Bellucci is stunningly beautiful and hardly called upon to do anything else.

One may rightly wonder how an Iroquois and an 18th Century Frenchman are supposed to have developed such cool southern Chinese wushu, but the action choreography by Philip Kwok/Kuo Chui/Lizard Venom is quite fun. Eventually, mysterious events must be explained, and one might feel short-changed: Overall, the film is still pretty good.

I'm usually quick to criticize wire-fu choreography, but some of the scenes in "Iron Monkey" were amazing. I still think that some parts were a bit excessive, but the choreography from Yuen Wo Ping, Yuen Cheung Yan, and Yuen Shun Yee was, for the most part, incredible! Donnie Yen was tremendous in his role as Wong Kei-Ying and really showed his great fighting abilities. Even Yu Rong Guang was convincing as the Iron Monkey, handling his duties admirably. Tsang Sze man was also impressive as a young Wong Fei-Hung, especially since the character was played by a girl.

It's a shame that "Iron Monkey" was a box office flop because it is certainly one of the best martial arts films of the 1990's. With that said, "Iron Monkey" has thankfully gone on to receive the respect and admiration that it deserves, even becoming well known in the West.

If one wanted to sample a wire-fu film for the first time, there is no better place to start than "Iron Monkey".

Highly recommended!

The movie is one massive build up. From the moment we see our girl sitting in her apartment staring holes through the phone waiting for the call--only to learn she has a guy tied up in a laundry bag in the background--to the climax, this movie is filmmaking gold. It also scores big points from me because I have a phobia for needles, which is good because I like it when a movie gets under your skin and tortures you, because well, it's a movie, and a horror movie at that, which is exactly what movies should be.

This was my first Takashi Miike movie (my second was "Ichi", kinda' a tone shift there), and I've been a big fan of his ever since. He knows how to make one hell of a good movie, and this is probably his finest in terms of raw, jagged, nerve-shredding terror.

1. "Dirty Harry" is a believable investigation of a San Francisco police inspector hogtied by civil liberties regulations when he KNOWS who the bad guy is. ***** five stars

2. In "Magnum Force" Harry goes up against a neo-fascist death squad. No, he seems to be telling the audience, we don't need to go THAT far. Just enforce the laws fairly. ****1/2 four and a half stars

3. In "The Enforcer" Harry is teamed up with a tough, earnest, and stupid female partner and goes up against seeming Maoist domestic terrorists who turn out to be old-fashioned apolitical thieves. **** four stars

4. In "Sudden Impact" Harry comes up against low life small town rapists and murderers who, inconveniently, are being picked off by someone else. Hey, no fair! He solves the case, but where does justice lie? His answer is very different from what it would be in the first three films. ***1/2 three and a half stars

5. In "The Dead Pool" Harry is no longer up against pure evil (1), fascism (2), greed (3), or vengeance (4): now it's decadence and envy. Well-known people whose names appear on a "dead list", a series of bets on which celebrity will be the next to die, are being helped along, and Harry's name is now on the list. He sets things right with a VERY big gun. The character has sunk as low as is possible, and thankfully this is the end. *** three stars

As ludicrous as it sounds (and it is), "Sex and Zen" has a very solid and entertaining story for your typical softcore Hong Kong CAT3 sex romp. I believe there are 3 categories that define a great Hong Kong CAT 3 sexcapade. Those are creative sexual scenes, ridiculously raunchy comedy, and beautiful settings, costumes, and cinematography. These three elements separate the good CAT 3 films from mindless sleazy softcore porn. Films such as "The Erotic Ghost Story", "Eternal Evil of Asia", and "A Chinese Torture Chamber Story" (To name a few) have incorporated those elements effectively, but few, if any, have excelled at the level of "Sex and Zen". This may be the holy grail of CAT 3 madness and well worth the praise from Penthouse which is the first thing you see in the closing credits!

The sex scenes are very creative and range from sensual to downright bizarre. Another important aspect of this type of film is to create that one memorable moment that the viewer will always remember. "Sex and Zen" has several of these moments, but its hard to get past the image of CAT 3 legend, Elvis Tsui, ravaging his wife (Kingdom Yuen) on the floor leading to the point where he decides he should toss a chain to the rafters like a grappling hook to further spice things up. Wow! I never thought to do that! There are also some creative uses of sticks, flutes, and paint brushes on display.

The second strongpoint of "Sex and Zen" is its raunchy and hilarious dialogue. The interaction between the characters is great as some scenes are legitimately gut wrenchingly funny. The horse prick transplant scene is one of the most bizarre and funny things I have ever scene in a CAT 3 film, which is saying something. I recommend the English dub version that really highlights the absurdity of the dialogue. Who can forget Lo Lieh discovering that for the first time in his life he gave a man a stiffy with his swordplay or when the Doctor's dog runs off with Lawrence Ng's severed penis resulting in him calling out, "Hey dog give me back my dick, its not a bone". Haha classic material, indeed!

There are several CAT 3 thrillers that incorporate great cinematography along with beautiful costumes and locations, but few rival "Sex and Zen". The use of sexual art (Yuen Dynasty porn) and the silk rolls was a nice touch that added to the beauty of the film. The settings were also phenomenal as some of the tea houses, whore houses, and other outdoor scenery rivaled locations from more respectable productions.

The only negative aspect of the film was some the final scenes that seemed lazy and out of place although the film did manage to end with some words of wisdom that seemed straight out of a fortune cookie.

Sometimes I feel sleazy for watching and reviewing these types of films, but they can be a hell of a fun time if given a chance and "Sex and Zen" does not disappoint on any level. I always thought that there was no way a CAT 3 sleazefest should get more than 4 stars, but "Sex and Zen" is as good as it gets from this genre making it the holy grail well worth a recommendation from Penthouse and I.

Highly recommended as long as your over 18 and don't think sex is dirty!

Junbao lives at a Shaolin Temple when Tienbao arrives and is told to follow Junbao's directions since he is Tienbao's senior, even though Tienbao is slightly older and taller. Slowly but surely Tienbao makes friends with Junbao. Tienbao is usually teasing his "junior" but it's mostly in fun. However Tienbao doesn't like to lose, even to Junbao. After an older student beats them up they go to their Sifu and plead to learn kung fu. Junbao wants to learn so he can be of help to others and maintain health while Tienbao is more matter of fact and wants to not be beaten up and helpless. Sifu agrees but warns them he will allow no playing around though he has turned aside before when they were doing less than they should. He is a kind Master but worries about them, especially Tienbao because he is so ambitious. The visual transformation combined with the two boys talking works very well to bring the viewer into the current time. The young boys have grown into men and remained close friends. Tianbao wants to be the Abbot of the school and trains extra hard so he can take on anyone and win. Unfortunately that aspect of his nature is not exactly a part of Shaolin.

Jet does very well as the care-free good hearted Shaolin monk. He exudes a boyish charm not seen in his movies before. It doesn't come across as an act that he is not so worried about the outside world. However Tienbao is frustrated by the slow pace of advancement. He sees no reason to hold back in his goals. As the years pass they both become experts in Shaolin Kung Fu.

In order to determine who will advance to the next level a competition is held which includes a martial arts contest. Tienbao's opponent happens to be one of his enemies at the temple. When Tienbao is cheated in the match he starts beating the life, literally, out of his competitor. He would have killed the man if a high ranking monk had not intervened and worse yet Tienbao was so caught up in the haze of rage he didn't even realize what he had done. He immediately tries to apologize but the damage is irreparable. When Junbao tries to defend him they are both attacked by their "brothers" There are scenes of massive pole formations and martial arts which takes a turn into a comedy moment (?) and have Tienbao and Junbao 'surfing' on oil and students. It's intrusive and I think was only included because of the perceived need to add humor due to the sometimes dark nature of the film. But the pair is quickly surrounded and vastly outnumbered. They would have died the next moment if not for their Sifu. He saves their lives and tells them they must leave and venture out into the secular world. When Junbao is concerned about learning his Sifu tells them they can still study the ways of Shaolin even in the secular world. With no choice they leave Shaolin, and head for the nearest town.

At first they really don't know how to act when they reach the village. Junbao is amazed by all the different activities happening. He smiles like a child in delight of new things to experience. All the colors, various kinds of goods for sale and the street performers lend an almost magical ambience. Tienbao is impatient and they both are hungry. Suddenly they are involved in a fight with villains and others when a young women, Little Melon (Fennie Yuen) is about to be hurt Junbao happily steps up to the aggressor. Without even trying Junbao disarms and disables the unscrupulous thieves and villains but they don't realize the danger they are in because of who they fought with or the repercussions. The young girl who works at the restaurant leads them into hiding until the soldiers leave. They meet some of her friends and are allowed to sleep in the back of the restaurant. One night they discover that the group is actually a resistance cell that is fighting against the corrupt government. Junbao believes the people should be treated much better but Tienbao isn't quite so certain given that it might interfere with his plans to wield power someday.

No matter their aspirations right now they need a job. They come up with a street performance. It really is a very funny scene with both Jet and Chin Siu Ho playing it to the max. Thrilled it is so easy to make money they are interrupted by a local military leader. He insists they give him the money they have earned and Junbao refuses. Tienbao realizes they can't win and practically begs the officer to accept them as soldiers as he gives them all of their money. Tienbao sees this as the way to power and fortune but Junbao wants no part of being in the military especially one that is led by the cruel ruler and powerful eunuch Lui Jin. Tienbao wants Junbao to come with him but he refuses. Tienbao tells him when he is a powerful officer in the military he will come back for him.

Junbao returns to the restaurant and starts to develop friendships with the people who just want to live their lives without burdensome taxes, fear of robbery or death. Meanwhile Tienbao is doing everything he can as enlisted in the army of Master Lui to show his skills and abilities. At one point the highest ranking martial arts master in the army says he is too good and none can defeat him. Tienbao jumps at the opportunity to show his superior skill and goes into a rage snapping bones and seriously injuring his own troops. Even Jin finds his kung fu fighting to be vicious but he thinks it could come in very handy to have such a soldier in his ranks. Jin tells Tienbao he would like him to accompany him on a trip to the capital but first all of the local resistance fighters must be dealt with once and for all! Tienbao creates a devious plan and sets things in motion by dashing into the restaurant and warning everyone they have to leave because the cell has been discovered and the troops will arrest and kill all of them. They barely escape and the restaurant owner is killed. All of them head out of town to have a covert discussion regarding the next step. Tienbao tells them most of the troops will be gone and Jin will be virtually unguarded at a specific time. He encourages them to contact other cells and rebels so they can combine their forces and remove Jin and his power once and for all. At dawn the rebels combine to take out Jin and stop the suffering of the people. Tienbao leads them into the encampment area and towards an elevated platform where Jin is resting. As quick as lightning soldiers pour forth from every tent and hiding place. The rebels are completely overwhelmed but they fight their best in a hopeless battle. Slowly it begins to dawn on Junbao that the whole thing was a set up by his lifelong friend. But the fight is still on and he can only think of helping the others. One by one the villagers fall until only a few remain alive and have to retreat as they are being forced by the soldiers. One of the rebels, a Tai Chi disciple manages to save Junbao but only a handful make it out alive, and neither of the women. The brother of one man wants to kill Junbao because they trusted his friend, and think he was in on the betrayal. The Tai Chi monk tries to make them understand Junbao is in a kind of shock over the heavy emotional blow of being deceived to the point of death by someone he loved as a brother. Junbao decides he himself will go back and rescue the others.

When Junbao arrives there are only a few soldiers surrounding Tienbao who is quietly having tea (or wine) and invites his "brother" to join him, literally. The only rebel left is Qiushie (Michelle Yeoh) and she is high above the ground tied to a pyramid - type stack of timbers where she is at the top. When Junbao refuses to join Tienbao and demands he release Quishie, Tienbao uses the rebels as an example of failure, whereas he trumpets his rising career in the military as true power and says there is enough to share. Junbao is only focused on saving at least one rebel, and is consumed with fury at himself which he uses to fight Tienbao.

Though most people wouldn't refer to this film as "wuxia" it does definitely have some characteristics. Especially with the sword fight that ensues with Tienbao there are a lot of wires used. (There is once scene in this fight that is used twice. Too much effort to even flip I suppose!) However they were used to enhance and show how highly skilled the characters are and capable of amazing physical feats. After Junbao demands Tienbao release Quishie the soldiers attack him and are quickly dispatched. Now Tienbao and Junbao face each other as enemies. Tienbao doesn't really want to fight his once friend and he tells Junbao he has no chance against him, that Junbao knows he is a better fighter. It doesn't matter to Junbao as he must follow his conscience and save Quishie. The sword fight is fast paced with tight shots and excellent acting on the part of both. Chin Sui Ho is truly excellent. He manages to transform his character from an ambitious young man making his way in the world into a ruthless and brutal savage hungry for ever more power. Considering their close relationship the scene could have fallen apart with both not wanting to harm the other. But the viewer need not be concerned. There is no doubt Tienbao is a murderous villain. With a lot of great fighting, a bit of help from Quishie and a moment of luck Quishie and Junbao escape. Tienbao is furious! Having them free could hurt his career and he would let nothing interfere with that.

Quishie and Junbao take refuge with the Tai Chi monk. Junbao is emotionally and psychologically severely injured. For lack of a better term they refer to him as crazy or being mad. And it would certainly seem so. He can't sleep and is haunted by visions of those who died under the hand of his former friend. He feels he has killed them and he cannot forgive himself. Quishie tries everything she knows to bring him back to sanity but it is just still too painful to deal with reality. The monk has been working with him since they returned but had no luck. They try curing him with everything from acupuncture to long walks in the quiet perfect-ness of nature. Slowly Junbao begins his return from madness. Not all at once but daily he seems to make a little progress. He starts to read a book Sifu had given to them when they fled the temple. It isn't a book about fighting and yet if he can truly understand the lessons it is a book overcoming fighting. Junbao learns that with Tai Chi the strength of your opponent is not a decisive issue in a fight. In Tai Chi you reflect your attacker's energy back to them. The harder they fight, the more of the energy that returns to them. Tai Chai cannot really be considered an aggressive or offensive form of martial arts however it can be most powerful in deflecting harm. Junbao not only finds healing in nature but his new form of fighting is found in nature and the balance of the forces, such as the wind, water and the earth itself. The fighting styles are designed to express the personality difference between Tienbao and Junbao. Junbao has found a sense of peace in the world and in his soul as well. The teachings of Tai Chi emphasize balance in movement with nature. Tienbao is a sadistic power seeker and that is turned back to him through Junbao's use of Tai Chi. The more cruelty Tienbao throws at Junbao the greater the return of savagery.

The only reason the plot works so well and makes an exciting movie is primarily due to the fine acting of Chin Sui Ho. He is another multi - talented fighter/acrobat/actor who never seemed to be recognized for his enormous level and range of skills. He was in "Fist Of Legend" and was excellent as a considerate man who could fight extremely well. It's a mystery why his star was never seen. He is very believable as the young mischievous Shaolin pupil and as an adult out in the secular world for the first time since a young child. His transformation into an evil general for the corrupt government, willing to maim and kill his fellow soldiers if they do not train to the intensity he feels they should is very convincing.

All of the cast brings forth quality acting and Jet, Michelle, Chin Sui Ho and Fennie Yuen are fantastic in both acting and fighting. I highly recommend this film for purchase because you will want to watch it more than once.

Yes, even with horrible acting, a somewhat reutilized concept (it takes place in L.A. this time, duuur), and an asinine story about Snake, who must recover some device that controls power and electricity over the world or whatever, THIS FILM RULES! Snake rules over your mom.

The other thing worth mentioning is that (in the words of George Takei, "believe it or not") this film to me is the most logical perception of the future of America. With the thought parasites or what you would call conformists controlling our very lives, little by little in the old U.S.A., this to me is becoming our future. No smoking, no meat, no sex, no everything. Remember, anarchy and entropy is never too late, and the politicians and thought parasites will get their just desserts

Yes, this film gets a lot of visceral reaction from the pathetic nature of humanity, but they wouldn't know shit if it came out their asses. Indeed, another Carpenter/Russell classic.