“The Man with the Iron Fists” is a scatter-brained, over-the-top mess. The acting is often laughable, the action is completely ridiculous, and the plot is almost non-existent. Shining through the broken parts, though, is an incredibly enjoyable film.
“Iron Fists” is a kung-fu film set in an imperialistic China. Wu-Tang Clan leader RZA stars as the film’s protagonist and narrator, simply referred to as the Blacksmith. The Blacksmith is tasked with making weapons of extreme violence for the Lion Clan. After a rogue brother takes control of the Lion Clan, the Blacksmith must help the rightful heir to the Clan regain his leadership over his ne’er-do-well brother.
It is easy to pinpoint when the movie loses its ties with reality. During the film’s opening credits, a man’s arms are ripped off via sheer force of will during an intense fighting sequence. This action is backed, of course, by a Wu-Tang Clan song. The entire film portrays violence in this over-the-top manner, from the Gemini fighters literally standing and fighting on top of each other’s shoulders to Brass Body turning into, of course, brass. Later, the Blacksmith’s arms are ripped off and replaced with the titular ‘iron fists.’ It is a moment that represents the suspension of disbelief that is necessary for the enjoyment of the film.
This ridiculous violence is acceptable and even expected, as the Wu-Tang Clan’s music is hardly ever entirely serious. Their music has always had an air of ridiculousness to it, which is part of the appeal. The same can be said for “The Man with the Iron Fists”. It does not take its plot seriously most of the time and revels in sex and violence.
There is a comic book motif that appears only in the last fourth of the movie, seemingly for no reason. The movie is entirely composed of moments that seem out of place. Once again, though, the same can be said for Wu-Tang’s music as a whole. Any who find enjoyment in over-the-top films or Wu-Tang’s music will certainly find moments to enjoy in this movie. For everybody else, “The Man with the Iron Fists” will seem broken and simply bad.