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Historical documentary

Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks (2019): Cast & Ratings

Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks (2019) movie poster

Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks is a 2019 historical documentary directed by Serge Ou, starring Jackie Chan, David Carradine and Keanu Reeves. It runs 1 hour 48 minutes. Its Echo Score is 67/100.

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Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 48m (108 min)
Director
Serge Ou
Genres
Documentary , History
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks About?

The premise of Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks without spoilers.

This is the story of how Chinese martial arts, specifically kung fu, sparked a global cinematic phenomenon originating in Hong Kong. Over decades, hundreds of films showcased this ancient art form, profoundly influencing Western action cinema. The impact extended far beyond the screen, inspiring diverse cultural movements like blaxploitation, hip hop, parkour, and even the rise of Wakaliwood cinema, demonstrating kung fu’s enduring legacy.

Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks Themes & Keywords

· 11 tags
  • martial arts
  • film history
  • chinese cinema
  • hong kong
  • wuxia
  • hong kong filmmaking
  • hong kong entertainment industry
  • bruce lee
  • action filmmaking
  • kung fu filmmaking
  • martial arts filmmaking
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Cast & crew

Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks Cast

Jackie Chan leads the cast, with David Carradine and Keanu Reeves. Directed by Serge Ou; 66 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks

· 62 more
Show all 66 cast members
From the director

More from Serge Ou

One more film directed by Serge Ou: RUNN.

Full filmography
Ratings

Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 67/100, strongest in character & emotion (75) and weakest in art & craft (55).

67 /100

Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, the documentary delivers an engaging overview of kung fu cinema that many viewers find entertaining and informative, while its structural and editorial flaws limit broader appeal. Critics highlight its energetic presentation and well‑researched content, yet several users note disjointed sequencing and abrupt cuts that disrupt narrative flow. The mixed reception reflects a film that succeeds in conveying passion and historical breadth but suffers from uneven pacing and editing choices. Consequently, the work offers moderate satisfaction with room for improvement.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 55

    In terms of art and craft, the film showcases a slick, accessible package but is hampered by erratic editing. Critics appreciate the concise presentation, though they suggest trimming excess minutes for tighter pacing. Users repeatedly mention rapid cuts that impede visual continuity, labeling the editing as “horrible” and likening it to a fragmented YouTube video. The overall craftsmanship is thus judged as uneven, balancing competent production design against disruptive post‑production choices.

  • Character & Emotion 75

    When evaluating character and emotion, the documentary benefits from enthusiastic narration and passionate interviewees. Reviewers commend the infectious enthusiasm and nuanced commentary that convey the cultural significance of martial‑arts cinema. Though the subject lacks traditional character arcs, the emotional resonance stems from the presenters’ reverence and the vivid depiction of iconic figures. The consistent emotional tone enhances audience connection, resulting in a relatively strong assessment of this aspect.

  • Story & Flow 60

    Story and flow receive mixed feedback, with the film praised for its fast‑paced, chronological overview but criticized for a scattershot timeline. Critics note a front‑loaded structure that occasionally loses coherence, while users point out frequent jumps that lack contextual bridges. The narrative is informative yet occasionally inaccessible to viewers unfamiliar with the genre. This balance of engaging content and structural inconsistencies yields a moderate story rating.

  • Sensory Experience 70

    Sensory experience is highlighted by vivid archival clips and occasional insights into sound design, such as on‑set noise creation. Reviewers describe the visual style as lively and the soundtrack as complementing the historical footage. While no major sensory criticisms arise, the rapid editing occasionally hampers immersion. Overall, the documentary’s auditory and visual elements are effective enough to earn a solid, above‑average evaluation.

  • Rewatch Factor 60

    Rewatch factor is modest; the film’s entertaining segments and informative interviews encourage repeat viewings for genre enthusiasts, yet its surface‑level treatment and fragmented pacing reduce long‑term appeal. Critics suggest it serves as a functional reference, and users note that while they would return for specific clips or insights, the overall experience may not sustain frequent revisits. This yields a balanced, middle‑range rewatch rating.

Videos

Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks.

Trailer
Details

Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks Also Known As

12 alternative titles, including “邵氏:拳脚王者” and “鉄拳とジャンプキック カンフー映画の舞台裏”.

Also known as
  • 邵氏:拳脚王者
  • 鉄拳とジャンプキック カンフー映画の舞台裏
  • 쇼 브라더스의 쿵푸 신드롬
  • Pugni d'acciaio e calci kung fu
  • 拳打脚踢邵氏功夫
  • Luzes
  • Câmera
  • Железные кулаки и удары кунг-фу
  • 邵氏出品:铁拳飞踢真功夫
  • אגרופי ברזל ובעיטות קונג פו
  • Żelazne pięści i ciosy kung-fu
  • กังฟูสะท้านปฐพี

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FAQ

Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks FAQ: Cast & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks?

Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks runs 1 hour 48 minutes (108 minutes).

When was Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks released?

Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks was released on August 14, 2019.

Who directed Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks?

Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks was directed by Serge Ou.

More films by Serge Ou

Who is in the cast of Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks?

Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks stars Jackie Chan, David Carradine and Keanu Reeves, among 66 credited actors.

Does Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks have a post-credit scene?

No. Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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