In the northwest desert where countless prosperous dynasties have flourish and fallen, there is rumour of a buried treasure of unbelievable riches. A group of mysterious guardians have kept the map to the location of the treasure safe, until a fierce rivalry erupts. A notorious international crime group, The Company hunt down the map keepers and before they manage to secure it, the keeper passes the map to a young chivalrous man Ciao Fei (Jay Chou). Ciao Fei is forced to give up the map to save the live of his mentor's daughter Lan Ting (Lin Chi Ling). Teaming up with Hua Ding Bang (a famous archaeologist) and Lan Ting they embark on a dangerous journey to recover the map and fight to protect the ancient treasure.
Set during the Joseon Dynasty, Ryung acts as a useless gangster in the marketplace by day but at night he is a chivalrous robber who robs corrupt government officials to give to the poor. After each robbery he leaves behind a wooden branch from a plum tree at the site of the robbery to take responsibility for the robbery. The poor citizens only know him as Iljimae. Bong Soon is a hilarious girl with good martial art skills and lives as a swindler. She only loves Ryung and sacrifices her whole life for him. Eun Chan is a doctor's daughter and is good in nature and usually helps miserable people. She meets Iljimae once by chance, and their sweet love story begins. However, her love puts Iljimae in a dangerous situation because an Imperial Guard also loves her.
Sequel to the time honored classic The Three Musketeers, The Iron Mask sees the daring trio return to their swashbuckling adventures. One of the greatest silent film productions, filled with glorious costumes, sets, and scenery, The Iron Mask keeps a brisk but even pace as the heroes wrap up loose ends from the previous picture and proceed to new adventures. Louis XIV has been imprisoned in a dungeon and his head locked in an iron mask. The reason is that his twin brother sits on the throne, and no one must know the true king is incarcerated beneath the palace. Taut, bustling, and chivalrous, The Iron Mask is a worthy adventure.