Cast
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Sun Li
as Little Tiger
Luke Macfarlane
as James Nichol
Sam Neill
as Alfred Nichol
Tony Leung
as Bookman
Kenneth Mitchell
as Edgar
Peter O'Toole
as Relic
Ian Tracey
as Controller
Gao Yun Xiang
as Wang Ma
Serge Houde
as George Grant
Zhang Nai Hua
as Di Hong
Ningyu Zhao
as Lei Mo
Jiang Boning
as Powder
Lisa Bunting
as Kathryn Nichol
Jeffrey Fisher
as Foreman
Charmaine Grey
as Frances Grant
Crew
Director
- David Wu
Writer
- Barry Pearson
- Raymond Storey
Producer
- Cheryl-Lee Fast
- Anne Tait
- Binky Mendez
- Zhao Haicheng
- Christopher Chen
- Raymond Massey
- Peter Bien
- David Wu
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Iron Road examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director David Wu brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2009, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Iron Road took approximately 31 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $18.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 95 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 122 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1083 individual shots.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 71 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2009, when this film is released:
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Iron Road shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Velvet Goldmine, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Iron Road offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Hodina života and Dances with Wolves explore similar territory, Iron Road stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 24, 2009
- Runtime: 1h 35m
- Budget: $18,000,000
