"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" may have ruined martial-arts movies for those of us who don't live in Hong Kong. In fact, it's difficult to see any film that came out after that wondrous fantasy without making comparisons between the two . . . as unfair as that might be.

"Iron Monkey" is one of the few exceptions to that rule.

Despite a somewhat misleading ad campaign, this is no Johnny-come-lately "Crouching Tiger" wannabe. Instead, it's a worthy action-fantasy that generates laughs with off-kilter humor and inspires at least as many "whoas" with its plentiful, mind-blowing scenes of martial-arts action. (Besides, it was made in 1993, several years before "Crouching Tiger," and was directed by acclaimed martial-arts choreographer Yuen Wo Ping — who inspired Ang Lee to make that multiple Oscar-winning masterpiece, and whom Lee hired to help.)

Admittedly, "Iron Monkey's" material isn't deep, and in some ways, it's the martial-arts equivalent of the Robin Hood mythos, following the adventures of a mysterious, masked hero (Yu Rong Guang) who steals from the rich and gives to the poor. And in his secret identity, that of kindly Dr. Yang, our hero also treats the poor and infirm, with help from his beautiful nurse Miss Orchid (Jean Wang).

It seems that no one can stop his daring nighttime robberies — that is, until Shaolin monk Wong Kei-ying (Donnie Yen, who helped choreograph the action scenes) arrives in town. Corrupt government officials hold Wong's young son, Wong Fei-hung (Tsang Sze Man, playing the legendary Chinese hero) hostage, to force Wong to hunt down the Iron Monkey. But when the two finally meet face-to-face, they find they have a few things in common, including a seemingly unstoppable foe (Yen Yee Kwan).

Director Yuen paces the film well (this American re-release also trims about 10 minutes from the original running time, pruning exposition), and unlike some other Hong Kong films, the humor actually translates rather well here.

But let's be honest, the real reason to see "Iron Monkey" is for the action, and few of its competitors have done nearly as well. Highlights include a graceful aerial ballet by Yu and Wang, as well as the film's gripping finale, a two-on-one battle that takes place on wooden posts situated above a flaming floor.

And as unbelievable as some of Yen's and Yu's moves are, young Tsang keeps up with them.

"Iron Monkey" is rated PG-13 for martial-arts violence (hand-to-hand and weapons fighting), gore, scattered profanity, a scene of torture, brief drug use (snuff) and a crude sight gag involving a monkey. Running time: 86 minutes.

---

E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com