Review of Iceman (2014) by A_So_Horror_Fan — 22 May 2015

"Iceman" has a fun, and yet intense story that begs for cool fight sequences choreographed flawlessly. I didn't totally get the grandeur that surrounds these figures-who obviously have mastered the teachings so well they have transcended into "godhood". However the scenes are so strong, with a balance of melodrama, humor and action. The story does capitalize on the expected components that make up modern action films from China, it almost mirrors the set up of Japanese anime series. The characters, although a bit cliché, offer a collection of comic relief, romantic interlude, and tons of dramatic inflection. All in a blended cultures piece that brings the past into the present.

Overall "Iceman" is a decent action/fantasy film with plenty of fights and drama. I am not sure if it is truly a strong piece because some of the material didn't connect with me personally. I enjoyed watching this film but I have seen better films similar to this one come out of Hong Kong. Still the cinematography and production value is stellar. The flat areas for me are the humanizing scenes of character relationship/ dialog interaction moments that are intended to build up the characters so that they more personable dimension, but really just creates drag on the action and thrills a bit too much. Again – I liked "Iceman" but I am not sure if it will be strong enough for the die-hard Asian cinema fan.