If you’re a Wu-Tang fan, I know you’re as excited as I am to see the multi-talented RZA come full circle in his latest project. From using his lifelong love of kung-fu flicks to help create one of the world’s most iconic hip-hop groups, he’s now celebrating his own hip hop-influenced, martial arts movie The Man With The Iron Fists.
VIDEO: RZA Explains How “36 Chambers” Came Full Circle With His New Project
RZA stars alongside top Tinseltown talent Russell Crowe and Lucy Liu, but here’s the coolest part – in real-life he plays the role of their director! Yes, Iron Fists is Bobby Digital’s directorial debut and an impressively dynamic one at that.
The screenplay, co-written by the Wu star (along with Eli Roth), features him as the Blacksmith, an outsider adopted by the people of 19th century China’s Jungle Village. There he’s forced to use his skills to create lethal weapons for the area’s bad guys – radical, tribal clans.
After getting wrapped up in a dangerous gold hunt, Blacksmith falls prey to the enemy and during a well-acted torture scene, his forearms are brutally amputated. The graphic images that follow will leave you cringing and thankful for the days of modern medicine!
Using the help of a lecherous, opium-addicted soldier, Jack Knife (Russell Crowe), Blacksmith is able to forge his greatest weapon ever – you guessed it, iron fists – and it’s fun to watch him go H.A.M on the evil guys.
The movie has a huge endorsement from RZA’s mentor, Quentin Tarantino, who takes the title of presenter. And you can see his influence throughout – from the film’s tongue-in-cheek approach, to the strong focus on music to drive the story, and the obvious one; tons of blood and guts. Watch out for the flying heads and eyeballs!
VIDEO: From Shaolin To Hollywood: RZA Explains His Journey As A Filmmaker
You’ll also notice an active Wu-Tang influence in Iron Fists. Aside from RZA’s presence, certain sound effects will take you back to the days of their debut album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), and it’s no wonder, since the Wu producer also composed the score. When watching Russell Crowe as Jack-Knife, it’s not a coincidence if he reminds you of Ol’ Dirty Bastard. RZA tells me his late friend inspired the character.
Iron Fists’ multiple fight scenes are thrilling and amazingly choreographed. My favorite sees brothel owner, Madam Blossom (Lucy Liu), and her working girls, turn from sweet, gentle flowers into vicious killing machines. Once in a while, the ladies have to show ‘em how it’s really done, right?
Add to that a cameo appearance from none other than Pam Grier, looking lovely as always, and you’ve got an all-around entertaining movie! So grab a large popcorn and go and support this humorous, action thriller. Well done RZA, you’re making us proud!
P.S. For more on Blacksmith and his back-story, check out RZA’s online animated prequel “The Encounter.”
