Donnie Yen Remakes Hidden 1989 Kung Fu Classic Into Epic 2-Part Series on Prime

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In the late 1980s, an under-the-radar martial arts masterpiece got a fantastic revival through Donnie Yen‘s two-part movie series called “Iceman.” Known as one of the leading figures in martial arts cinema during the 21st century, Donnie Yen has led numerous kung fu films, with many being reboots and continuations of stories and series that were originally not associated with his work.

Notable examples include Yen’s performance in “Legend of Chen Zhen: Return of the Fist,” which serves as a sequel to Jet Li’s film, “Fist of Legend.” This role was also part of a remake, called “New Dragon Gate Inn,” based on the iconic 1960s movie, “Dragon Gate Inn.” The actor has not only paid tribute to classic martial arts stories but also tried to give new life to lesser-known ones, such as “Iceman Cometh,” an unusually unique – though ultimately unsuccessful – kung fu film starring Yuen Biao.

Both Of Donnie Yen’s Iceman Movies Are Streaming On Prime Video

Iceman & Iceman: The Time Traveller Are On Amazon’s Streaming Service

2014 saw me taking center stage in the action-packed historical flick “Iceman,” a unique blend of past and present set in Hong Kong. Fast forward four years, I found myself once again embodying the Iceman in “Iceman: The Time Traveller.” Luckily, these two thrilling adventures can be seamlessly enjoyed one after the other on Amazon Prime Video. However, it’s important to note that while they are available for streaming, there isn’t a free English dub option. Instead, you’ll find English subtitles accompanying the original Chinese versions. As for the original play “The Iceman Cometh,” it seems to be a bit harder to come by and is not currently available on Prime Video or any other major streaming platforms.

What Donnie Yen’s Iceman Movies Are About

From a die-hard film enthusiast’s perspective, the “Iceman” series starring Donnie Yen and its original 1989 basis bear some striking differences, yet they share a core similarity reminiscent of Captain America’s tale. The protagonist, a time-lost warrior, has been preserved in ice for centuries only to awaken in the present day. Confronted by the alien landscape of modern technology and cultural shifts, he grapples with this new reality while simultaneously facing off against adversaries from his past who miraculously remain alive.

The Iceman films weave a captivating tapestry, as they delve into an intriguing past for their main character, Donnie Yen’s He Ying. This skilled swordsman hails from China’s Ming Dynasty and was part of a four-member warrior squad linked to the quest for a mysterious artifact possessing time travel capabilities. In his endeavor to secure it on behalf of the Ming emperor, He Ying was preserved in ice. His three fellow warriors, who are all integral to the current plotline, were dispatched to apprehend him after he was deemed a traitor to his nation.

Alongside the Iceman’s past and ties to the other three warriors, the movies also delve deeply into his unique bond with Eva Huang’s character, May, a young woman who initially seeks refuge with him, planning to take advantage of his innocence about the contemporary world. However, their relationship evolves in unexpected ways as they spend time together.

How Donnie Yen’s Iceman Movies Compare To The Original

As a follower, I can express it this way: I found Donnie Yen’s “Iceman” series delves deeply into the themes and figures initially presented in the initial film. The 1989 production featured Yuen Biao, an actor renowned for his work with Jackie Chan, and Maggie Cheung, a top-tier Hong Kong actress who graced several significant Jackie Chan productions. In this movie, Biao’s character is portrayed as an ancient, time-traveling warrior, while Cheung’s role is that of the contemporary woman who assists him.

In comparison to other installments like “Iceman” and “Iceman: The Time Traveller,” “The Iceman Cometh” is noticeably scaled down. This reduction is particularly apparent in its action sequences, as the film relies heavily on Yuen Biao’s martial arts and acrobatics skills to create a more traditional kung fu movie. In contrast, the other films are richer in action scenes, featuring large-scale action set pieces similar to those found in many superhero films.

In this adaptation, the main conflict initially focuses on two characters, however, Donnie Yen’s film extends it to involve four individuals. Moreover, unlike the original, it alters the concept of time travel by eventually sending the central character back in time for an exciting journey through the Ming Dynasty in the sequel. In contrast, the movie The Iceman Cometh effectively concludes its narrative within a single film and does not attempt to be a multi-movie series.

Iceman & Iceman: The Time Traveller Are Fun Martial Arts Movies

Without a doubt, “Iceman” and “Iceman: The Time Traveler” may not be considered as Donnie Yen’s finest films, but they are valuable additions to the martial arts genre. The humor might sometimes miss the mark, but both movies excel in using the concept of an ancient warrior navigating a 21st-century city for comedic effect. This unique character trait also serves to create a genuine and heartfelt bond between Ying and May, two characters who come from distinct backgrounds yet manage to form a deep and convincing relationship.

Through skillfully executed martial arts scenes, the films “Iceman” and its sequel offer exciting action sequences that complement their narratives well. The contrast between two distinct settings, notably more pronounced in the sequel, doesn’t feel disjointed because the movies seamlessly transition between them, presenting both contemporary action and period martial arts elements concurrently, thereby enhancing their unique appeal.

Will There Be A Third Iceman Movie?

The Iceman Movies Will Likely Remain A Two-Part Story

In essence, the story of Iceman: The Time Traveler doesn’t conclusively wrap up. Instead, it appears to pave the way for a fresh chapter in He Ling’s journey. However, given that the second installment didn’t fare well at the Chinese box office and there seems to be little enthusiasm for a potential Iceman 3, the chances of an Iceman trilogy appear slim.

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2025-06-04 03:30