Iron Monkey (a.k.a. Siu nin Wong Fei Hung ji: Tit Ma Lau) (1993)

hoping to capitalize on the success of Crouching

directed by Yuen Wo-Ping

cut Miramax version replaces the original score and invents that his father was murdered years earlier

1858 flooding and aggressive warlords drove peasants to the cities in search of food and the protection of Shaolin monks

the town of Chekiang has a hero in the Iron Monkey. unlike the corruptible monks he is righteous

superheroics

secret identity Dr. Yang, with kindly nurse Miss Orchid, runs a clinic where they tend to sickly refugees

comic-book plotting and glossy production value adds up to an undemanding, action-packed good time

Chinese Robin Hood/Zorro/Batman nick-of-time derring-do vigilantism

he instinctively mentors the boy

all of the four heroes are kung fu masters

bumbling Chief Fox

Governor, an irritable bastard, is on edge with the anticipated arrival of the Royal Minister, a former Shaolin monk who's now the Emperor's evil crony

"Flying Sleeves"

poker-faced herbalist Master Wong Kei-ying--master of the "No Shadow Kick" (or the "Shadow Kick" as the Miramax version has it)--and his son Fei-hung, destined to grow into one of the greatest heroes of Chinese history

battles Shaolin monks loyal to the Royal Minister

martial artistry that's much larger than life: flying fu, concrete shattering

The inventive choreography, cleverly rigged practical effects, and deft performance are exemplified by a climactic fight atop flaming poles