Iron Mask

Commissioned to map the reaches of the Russian Empire, cartographer Jonathan Green sets out on an expedition into realms. What begins as a routine survey quickly spirals into surreal encounters as he crosses paths with strange beasts, hidden kingdoms, and enigmatic figures from cultures. Along the way he befriends a Chinese princess, faces martial arts masters, and confronts legends as old as maps themselves. The air crackles with danger and humor as Green balances scientific curiosity with a growing sense that the world is larger and odder than he imagined. His map work becomes a portal, where landscapes ripple and reveal histories never meant to be charted. The story leans on humor to ease tension during tense set pieces.

Directed by Oleg Stepchenko, Iron Mask blends original screenplay work by Petrukhin and Paltsev with inspiration drawn from Nikolai Gogol's mythic world. The 2019 production is a Russian-Chinese co-production known for its practical sets, large scale battles, and ambitious effects, with a 49 million budget.

Critics offered mixed takes, praising the film's bold visuals and playful tone while noting uneven pacing. Thematically the movie toys with curiosity versus superstition, the meeting of East and West, destiny, and the idea that legends can reshape reality when aided by modern effects on screen.

The presence of Jackie Chan gives the film a bridge to martial arts cinema fans, while his screen persona adds humor and a sense of mentorship to the adventure. The blend of mythic tropes with Western blockbuster pacing marks an example of international collaboration in genre filmmaking.

No major nominations or wins to report for Iron Mask. It did not become a fixture on awards season rosters, instead existing as a visual spectacle and family friendly fantasy adventure that appealed to a wide audience but attracted little critical awards attention.