User Reviews

This is one of the most richly imaginative, creative, downright enjoyable movies I've ever seen. I haven't enjoyed myself this much since Pulp Fiction.

It took me a while to figure out who the hero was. First I thought it was the barber guy who got himself constantly smacked about by the landlady. I suppose it's because he looked so dim, he therefore had to be a kung fu master in disguise. I've read some of the other posts, and everyone seems to think the knife scene was the funniest. I didn't expect to come to this movie for a laugh, but the knife scene almost killed me. Luckily it was just me and my friend in the movie theatre, so I could let it all out.

If you go to the movies to free your imagination, then this is the movie for you. Stay away from people who say it's far-fetched and unrealistic. If they want realism, they should go to the laundromat.

Kung Fu Hustle was one of the most visually imaginative and unique movies I have seen in quite some time. Upon first viewing the trailer, I thought we would have another Kung Pow: Enter The Fist on our hands but, boy, was I wrong. Unlike Kung Pow, the jokes did not grow tired on me and the special effects were definitely top notch. The scene with the two assassins playing that stringed instrument (don't know the name of it) in such a way that it kills was incredible.

Although there was not much to the story, it was not non-existent, either. There was a simple story happening which made sense for what we were watching. Even the jokes with the subtitles came across as funny, and from my experience, humor does not translate as easily as this movie would have you believe. It borrowed or spoofed a bit from Spider-Man and The Matrix as well, which was a bit unexpected for this film, initially. At least for me.

To be honest, I could enjoy this movie without sound or subtitles, too. It was that appealing to the eye. It would be a good background movie for a party or poker game which could catch your eye at any moment and still hold your attention. It could also be great if you feel like a good comedy. I was entertained throughout and even though I was dead tired when I saw it in the theater, it held my interest all the way to the end. 9/10

Before we went to see this movie we had heard about many good reviews of it. After spending approximate 100mins in the movie theater we were extremely satisfied and entertained. This movie is even better than we have expected. There were full of laughters almost from the beginning to the end in the theater.

Stephen Chow displays his talent as both a director and an actor. It maintains the previous Chow's style and humor as in other movies, such as "Xi Ju Zhi Wang" and "Xing Yun Yi Tiao Long", while those CGIs were not expected. In Chow's movie, what the Chinese people like is that it says no to super heroes. It just tells the stories of ordinary people, particularly those people leading insignificant and unsuccessful lives.

Several characters in this movie were played by popular Kung-Fu stars, in the 1980's - 1990's in China. Stephen Chow shows respects to them, as the way he respects Bruce Lee.

Above all, Kung-Fu Hustle is a movie with great hilarity, stunning CGI effects, fantastic Kung-Fu, and the lives of ordinary people. I give it 9 out of 10. Highly recommended!

Now this movie is in theaters in Europe and North America. The recent comments have shown a good sign already.Best wishes to Stephen Chow! Hope western people like this movie as well.

In my opinion this is the best Chinese comedy kung fu movie yet to be made. I'm not very familiar with the previous work of the director Stephen Chow except for Shaolin Soccer but this flick has everything to entertain any movie fan.

Both the humor and the drama made me weep like a small girl, even thou I'm a guy almost at my 30's. The impressive camera techniques and the story sure made this a phenomenal viewing experience.

Sorry Jet Li & Jackie Chan - None of the Hollywood movies has ever touched me like this movie did. I recommend this movie to be watched with friends in order to share the feeling of joy and laughter. We'll be waiting for a sequel - don't let us down!

Chaplin, Allen and now actor, writer, producer and director Stephen Chow can join the select few whose remarkable talent as a performer matches his ability behind the lens; Kung Fu Hustle proves it.

Chow is no stranger to direction. In 1994 Chow co-directed Love on Delivery and since then a number of other self starring projects and many of these projects are considered the best of his acting career. However his skills as a comedian - be it his brash physical comedy (Shaolin Soccer), his manical scenarios (Tricky Brains) or epic historical parodies (A Chinese Oddsey) - have never outshined his talents as a director. Kung Fu Hustle not only reminds us of Chow's terrific comedic timing, it introduces us to his stunning visual eye and exhilarating action direction.

More importantly this addition to Chow's superb filmography finally allows us a means of defining his technique. A master of blending both comedy and visceral action with artistic integrity and traditional melodrama. It has been awhile since a director has been able to take me from quite serious and intense graphic violence to over the top ridiculous spoofing. The contrast of atmosphere and mood throughout the film is incredible and even more incredible is Chow's ability to make it all work. When the scene is funny you appreciate the comedy, when it switches gears to action you are blown away by the terrific sequences, when it switches to melodrama you are on the edge of your seat awaiting character responses, and when they're all fused together you do exactly what Chow is hoping you'll do. You laugh.

So I liked the film, but what is the film exactly. Like most Stephen Chow films while the concept is simple to describe, the execution is far more complex. Kung Fu Hustle tells the story of Sing, a wannabe gangster attempting to join the famous Axe Gang (who during some of the early scenes seem to spoof Gangs of New York - look for a firework visual quote), a legion of black suits responsible for a series of gruesome murders and complete dominance over a 1940s Hong Kong. Sing's reasons for wanting to join the gang are simple: bad guys are cooler. His arrogance causes a war to break out between a poor housing complex that secretly holds a number hidden talents and the murderous axe gang. What starts as a relatively small skirmish (and I mean relatively) explodes into a war of Miike's "Dead or Alive" proportions.

The use of digital effects in this film are extreme. Chow having succumbed to the digital revolutions in Shaolin Soccer, manages once again to use his effects wisely. There are a terrific number of effects shots in this film far more then I've ever seen in a Hong Kong production (save maybe the terrible Wesley's Mysterious File) and while I am disappointed at the lack of practical effects the impressive quality of them more then makes up for it. This film simply does not look like a Hong Kong film. It rivals Hollywood features in every category (set, costumes cinematography), but amazingly enough the CGI is really good! You can notice most of the effects, but that doesn't matter because they are used for laughs and effectively so. Some of the effects not only will have you in stitches, but also in shock and awe at the sheer incredibility of some of the scenes. One scene that sticks out is a terrific spoof of the Road Runner. Its not hilarious, but also a visual feast.

The impressive action is thanks largely to the great choreography talent including both Sammo Hung and Yuen Wo Ping (each working on the film at spate occasions). Yuen Wo Ping manages to take a scene that appears to be rehash of the Burly Brawl (hundreds of suits against one guy) and manages to make it not only fresh, but a thousand times more exciting and intense. These fight sequences demand the attention of any cinephile who claims themselves a fan of marital art cinema. Wachowski's take not, this is how you direct Yuen Wo Ping to this artistic peak.

So everything seems great, right? This has to be Chow's best, right? Actually not everything works and is not at all Chow's best film. It is not his funniest film, but that is because it takes the risk of exploring the action genre. It also relies a bit too much on CGI, and while its use is effective, it can occasionally bring you out of the film. Compared to his other films this film ranks #1 for its visuals and action, but in terms of laughs and writing it cannot surpass the classics. That being said Kung Fu Hustle is absolute blast. See it if you can at the Toronto Film Festival, import it on DVD and catch in theaters when Sony Classics brings it here (in Febuary I believe). It is action comedy at its finest.

Three cheers for Chow Sing Chi!

Goodness me, what a fantastic movie. Caught the world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and the entire theater laughed until they cried. Amazingly directed, HILARIOUSLY funny, it blends a 1930s gangster stylishness into a Hong Kong kung fu movie to astonishing results. Who would've thought you could top Shaolin Soccer? Not me, until I saw this movie. Stephen Chow pulled it off. Chow's comedic timing gets better and better with every movie he makes, and while his films are depending more and more on CGI these days, and makes this movie much more a fantasy kung fu film than a traditional one, it hardly detracts from the enjoyable experience. Make it your mission to see this film - it will be one of the most entertaining you ever see. I can't remember the last film I enjoyed myself in more. My eyes still hurt from wiping away tears of laughter. Seriously.

After nearly two decades of avoiding kung fu movies, a copy of this one was pressed into my hands by a very dear friend... who then extracted a promise from me that I'd take the time that night to sit and watch it. I was less than enthusiastic when I tossed it into the drive of my Athlon, but a promise is a promise, after all. Five minutes later, a nuclear strike warning in my town couldn't have torn me away from the screen, and it's been watched a dozen times since.

There's always been a certain cheesiness to Hong Kong cinema, but on rare occasions a writer or director will directly tap a nerve and somehow weave that directly into the story: 'Kung Fu Hustle' is one of those films. This piece isn't simply a 'standard' kung fu movie; it's a romance, a sweeping portrait of good-versus-evil, and a moral lesson on the use of power. The comedic bits are so well integrated into the story that it flows smoothly from one tone to another. The fight choreography is stellar, and special care was taken to make sure that every character in the piece is human. There're no 'perfect' people or places, and it somehow makes the wire fighting that appears in parts seem believable. The acting is excellent and the camera work is all rock steady.

Feeling jaded? Burdened? Wonder if it's possible for one person to make a difference? Settle in with a copy of this film, and believe...

There is no score high enough for this... except Stephen Chow is a Kung Fu Director/Writer/Producer GENIUS! Mr. Chow does for movies what Jimi Hendrix did for guitars... My guess is that all Hollywood directors are saying "you can do that?!?"

...just thought of this...

Hollywood Director: "you can do that?!?"

Mr. Stephen Chow: "you want to learn?"

Hollywood Director (bowing): "... yes, Master."

After this movie the history of movies will have 2 time periods: pre-Mr. Chow and post-Mr. Chow.

20 out of 10.

-Zafoid

This amusing film deals about a a pair small delinquents named Sing(Stephen Chow) and his sidekick Bone(Chun) in Shanghai during the 1940s.Sing wishes unite with Axe gang led by heinous criminal Brother Sun(Chan).A slum named Pig Sty Alley is the solely location where the Axes band don't extort but the inhabitants are hapless and poor.The slum is ruled by a loud-mouthed landlady(Qiu Yen) with an apparently feeble husband.The wannabe mobsters,Sing and Bone,attempt swindle a barber when the authentic Axe gangster appear in Pig slum.Them,it results to be that various Kung Fu experts with breathtaking strength are living into slum and an incredible fighting take place.The Axes gang leader contract a magician violinists fighters and an obnoxious assassin which break out from the prison for eliminate the slum rebels.And Sing spontaneously decides save the day,turning a extraordinary transformation.

This entertaining film displays noisy action,slapstick comedy,tongue in check,spectacular martial art struggles and is pretty bemusing.Stephen Chow- combining his facet of actor and director-introduce his comedy talent and hilarious moments here and there,developing his trademark,creating parodies along with hard-hitting Kung-Fu scenes.He frequently utilizes Chinese name ¨Sing¨ in his films.Stephen Chow collaborated with another legendary Kung Fu choreographer,Yuen Wo Ping,famous since '70's for his Hong Kong movies and nowadays working in Hollywood(Matrix ,among others).The overwhelming fighting and sensational action scenes are made by cables and wires and by computer generator,as well.Besides appear,one of the most notorious experts, Sammo Hung(Martial law) as additional action choreographer.The supporting cast is frankly magnificent,special mention for Qiu Yen,as the landlady,she apprenticed Chinese martial art and Beijing-opera skills with Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung under the same master in her younger days and played as a girl wrestler saving Roger Moore in Bond 007¨The man with the golden gun(1974)¨,in order to add fat for the picture,she took a Japanese sumo fighter's diet(like Renée Zeelweger for Bridget Jones).The motion picture is produced by Columbia Pictures Production Asia,Beijing film studio and China film group.Chow's creativity into comedy and Kung Fu action had been demonstrated with the successful¨Shaolin soccer¨,now with ¨Kung Fu¨going on to amuse viewers around the world .He's recently shooting the following the sequel with similar actors.

I don't know where to start with this movie. My expectations were blown away. In fact, I wasn't sure what to expect. But let me tell you that the experience was worth more than my disgustingly overpriced admission. With the popcorn and drink on top of it.

Perhaps i'll start with the least important element of the movie. Firstly, Kung Fu Hustle has officially replaced all other overblown martial arts films by a long shot. The fighting in this movie is spectacular. Half the fights are so loaded with creativity it makes fighting movies look like something you've seen for the first time. The CG is great. The other half are part parodies of other films, and they are hilarious as well as spectacular. In fact, I need to see this a second time because there are a ton of movie references in it I don't think I've caught yet. Depending on your library of watched films, you'll catch more of them. I got quite a few and they were well done.

And here's the most important part about this movie. This is where Kung Fu Hustle succeeds where so many other martial arts movies fail. It has a believable, simple, touching, intertwined and well flowing story. I can't tell you how many times where I've walked out of a martial arts - or even action - movie, and been immensely disappointed because the fighting and explosions were great, but the rest of it simply fell short. These movies are typically way unbalanced.

But Stephen Chow is talented enough to take both elements of the movie to their rightful place. I don't know how he did it, but it worked. The acting is incredibly enjoyable. The plot is likable. The fighting will make your jaw drop. And all the fighting actually has something to do with the story. It's absolutely amazing.

If you're tired of action movies not making the mark, go see this one. Now. 10/10.

This is great fun. Stylised Matrix like action with slapstick Chinese comedy characters. Lots of laughs and totally over the top action. Great fun!!!

Being a complete sourpuss when it comes to most comedic film offerings from the last three decades (though I attribute a lot of that to inanity rather than taking full credit for being a wet blanket), I find that when there is a film that makes me laugh so hard that I am concerned about the possibility of a stroke, I have no choice but to rave about it. So having said that, consider this a rave review of Stephen Chow's "Kung Fu Hustle".

While the film itself was entertaining, the prospect of summarizing the scattered plot is not. Set in 1940's Shanghai, "Kung Fu Hustle" basically centers on a tenement ruled over by a mean, chain-smoking landlady (Qiu Yuen) and her whipped husband (Wah Yuen). When someone deigns to complain about the fact that they don't have enough water to take a quick shower, she pounds them senseless, with everyone standing by completely helpless. Flip to another part of town, where the notorious "Axe Gang", a deadly bunch of dancing, axe wielding guys are wreaking havoc on a city that can't even be protected by the police. The two areas of town don't concern themselves with one another until a wannabe member of the Axe Gang, Sing (Stephen Chow) and his sidekick (Chi Chung Lam) poses as a member in the tenement to extort money, causing a series of events to occur in the tenement that wind up with most of the Axe Gang either killed or injured and Brother Sum (Kwok Kuen Chan), the leader of the gang, to do everything in his power to wreak revenge on both the tenement and its occupants, particularly those who act as its safeguards.

As I mentioned earlier, there were a lot of parts that I found so funny that I was either finding myself almost lightheaded from laughing so hard, or finding myself obnoxious because I would struggle to recoup in order to read the subtitles in time to not miss anything. While there are several movie "in jokes" (even one dedicated to Chow's prior film "Shaolin Soccer") it was the sight gags that really did it for me. The chase between Landlady and Sing and especially the knife scene with Sing and his sidekick were brilliant slapstick. A lot of the action was extremely over the top, and complimented by some pretty decent CGI work.

While anyone who has seen "Shaolin Soccer" knows that Chow does not employ a normal cast of "heroes", it was still interesting to see that for the most part, almost anyone who could have heroic qualities attributed to them did not fit the "normal" model. As a matter of fact, several of the major players in the film were middle aged or even elderly, a notion that is both funny and refreshing for anyone who looks for something a little different in their heroes. Surprisingly, there was also a very well conceived scene in the middle of the film involving two professional assassins who are trying to kill the main defenders of the tenement that I found to actually be a pretty kick-ass action sequence. Despite a couple of gags here and there, until the end when the Landlady got involved, the scene was playing off like something I would say "cooool" in an awed tone about in a Tarantino film or something. So while the film was overall one of the funniest I've seen in recent memory, there were a couple of great moments of highly stylized action.

"Kung Fu Hustle" wasn't a perfect film by any means, but the criticisms I have about it are completely nitpicky. For instance, the romance between Sing and the mute girl was just kind of thrown in, though some of it was necessary for background on his character. And a purely aesthetic complaint; I wanted more dancing by the Axe Gang. Chow shouldn't have teased us with the little bit that they danced and then abruptly take it away for the rest of the film. Hey, it's a review – I've got to air the good and the bad.

But since the good outweighs the bad exponentially, I highly recommend "Kung Fu Hustle" to just about anyone because of both its action and comedic elements. For making me laugh to the point of near-aneurysm, "Kung Fu Hustle" gets a solid 8/10.

It is hard to mark a movie such as this, I give it a 7 just before I liked more a lot of other movies, but essentially, for what the movie wanted to be, it was almost flawless.

The script is funny, with a lot of irony and humor unlike the silly childish humor most Chinese movie have. Combine this with the references to American cult movies and you get something edible for the western public. But it's not only this. The action scenes are great, but so are scenes in other movies. What sets this one apart is the choice that the director makes NOT to follow walked paths, be innovative, funny and subtle in the same time. You will find major themes of human stories in this movie, but packed so nicely in unexpected and vision that you end up feeling you've seen a film unlike any other. And so it is.

Watch this one, especially if you are am Asian movie buf.

I saw this movie in theaters, and it was the funniest movie I've seen in years. It was extremely well done, and I was quite surprised that the humor translated so well form Chinese to English subtitles. The compositing was masterful, and the kung fu was very entertaining. Overall, this was my top movie of 2004/2005.

Unfortunately, the same does not ring true of the recent DVD release. Rife with anticipation, I bought the DVD the day it was released. Sadly enough, it has apparently been re-edited into an inferior version. Several shots were altered or removed completely, and the subtitles were changed into less funny dialogue. It's amazing what a few "tweaks" can do to ruin a great film.

If you can find a copy of the theatrical release, I highly recommend it, but if all you can find is the DVD release, don't bother. It's simply not as enjoyable.

I saw this movie at the Toronto filmfest and I have to say I loved it, I really didn't know what to expect as I didn't know the director and had only really seen some pretty bad kung fu many years before. There are many pop culture references in there like reservoir dogs and the matrix.. all done very tongue in cheek.

The fight sequences are very well done and keep the movie moving at a frenetic pace, the jokes tend to be visual in nature and as such side step the normal translation problems.

All in all I thought this was a great movie and suspect this will be a huge hit !

In general, it's a movie which puts tribute to all the Kung Fu Movie.

Some argue that Stephen uses a lots of old jokes and routines in this movie that makes it a little bit weak on the script. However, I think it's one of his best. He doesn't make as many dirty jokes as usual, but you can really learn his philosophy through this two-hours movie and have a very good laugh at the same time. If you really watch the movie carefully, you will know what kung-fu is. Stephen Chow truly understands kung-fu, in my opinion, and it a sure thing that he crazies about it.

It's not a common kung-fu movie like "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" or "Hero". Stephen Chow uses his own way to express kung-fu. I sincerely recommend this movie to those who still has the slightest hesitation whether you should watch this movie or not.Just Go!!!!!!!!!! You won't regret it!!!!

I liked Shaolin Soccer, it was full of laughs and Stephen Chow has done it again with Kung Fu Hustle. It's not in the same vein as Shaolin Soccer and it is not a belly full of laughs, but it certainly emphasised his love of action movies especially Martial Art movies. The film pays homage to all those Hong Kong Martial Arts Serials, Bruce Lee and the action genre in general. I would even say that Kung Fu Hustle is a more refined Shoalin Soccer in terms of storyline, action sequences and acting.

The setting is great with some nice scenes of old Hong Kong and the way people used to live. The fight scenes were pretty good, especially at the start with the three masters fighting the Axe Gang. Okay, the story was predictable but that didn't take away the enjoyment one bit.

Overall, it is a highly recommended movie to watch and I can't wait for his next film.

In the wildly imaginative and action-packed Kung Fu Hustle, petty thief Sing (Stephen Chow) aspires to be a ruthless gangster. Stumbling across a gang-controlled apartment to extort money from the locals who are actually kung fu masters in disguise. Sing's actions attracts the notorious Axe Gang, and set off a relentless chain of events that brings the clans together in an explosive battle.

From kung fu showdowns to dance sequences featuring tuxedoed mobsters, you've never seen martial arts action this outrageous! With jaw-dropping fight sequences by Yeun Wo Ping (famed action choreographer of Kill Bill Vol.1 & 2 and The Matrix) Kung Fu Hustle will blow you away! Chow's movie is set in 1940s Guangdong Province, China. Chow plays Ah-xing, a street rascal who fools around constantly. He is good at talking glibly, but at the core he is feeble-minded and stuck in poverty with an unknown future. So, it doesn't look good for A-xing at the beginning of the movie.

It doesn't get any better, either a little later as we discover it is A-xing's goal is to become a member of the notorious Axe Gang, the fiercest, cruelest and most widespread gang of the city.

One day when A-xing goes into a slum, Pig Cage Town, to do his usual extortion, he witnesses a real clash between two gangs: the Axe Gang is clearing out a local gang that has not shown allegiance to the Axe. A-xing realizes the slum residents -- including the plump landlady and her skinny and wimpy-looking husband -- have each turned into kung-fu masters to fight against the large group of gangs.

A-xing then realizes this is a battle between good and evil and that he is called to choose one side.

Stephen Chow continues his unique comedy style, twisting the slapstick jokes and reinterpreting them with his composed face. In Kung Fu Hustle, Chow intensifies the self-torture sequences and creates more funny points in his suffering. For example, when Chow shows his characters practising kung-fu while faced by a middle-aged woman in the slum, he is quickly kicked in the groin. He is also stabbed by three flying daggers which were supposedly aimed at his enemy and is later bitten in the face by two poisonous snakes. Through all these trials he manages to survive for another day.

Apart from creativity, Kung Fu Hustle has also demonstrated a higher quality comedy than his early 1990s works such as Fight Back to School (1991) and King of Beggars (1992). The cinematography is more sophisticated, with an authentic 1930s aura. And like Shaolin Soccer, Kung Fu Hustle heavily adopts computer graphics to present special effects such as the snake, daggers and flying axes.

I saw this movie yesterday and it is definitely one of the best movies that was made in the history of Hong Kong. The plot itself is simple, and the storyline is all about kung fu. Yet, it is not just a funny comedy about kung fu. It is more than that. Somehow it is similar to Harry Potter (in this case is wizard) or animations by Hayao Miyazaki in which a world of imagination is created. The characters in the film are so funny and classic. Most of them appeared in some of Stephen Chow's movies before but because the context of every movie is different, the overall result is hilarious. This is a movie that make Hong Kong people proud. I hope it will be a box office success in other countries too. I think I'll definitely buy the movie DVD for my personal collection.

There is a dish in South East Asian countries called the 'rojak'; a mix of sliced greens, fried fritters, squid and eggs and topped with a thick peanut gravy. It doesn't sound particularly promising, looks much worse but locals justifiably pick their plates clean every time. This much can be said of Stephen Chow's erstwhile effort, the dodgy cornball humour of "Shaolin Soccer", and now, the chowster is back for another dose of shenanigans with "Kung Fu Hustle", already a huge hit in this region. Just like the 'rojak', Hong Kong cinema and movies like KungFu Hustle would never be mistaken for high art, with subtlety thrown further out the window than the protagonists are during the action sequences, and slapstick jarringly pitched at hysterical levels wedged in between dramatic sequences. There is a feeble plot about finding one's true self and being the "chosen one" as the denizens of a local town must fight against the powerful Axes gangsters, but one can't seriously discuss narrative possibilities when the lead in the film uses such gifts as the "hurricane power palm blow" (it's a kung fu move diametrically opposed to David Carradines "exploding palm" technique in Kill Bill; one strike and a 50 foot palm print appears on the side of buildings. You get the drift).

Stephen Chow is already a veteran in his native Hong Kong, where he first started out in collaboration with or in imitation of that other master of lowbrow humour, Wong Jing. One dimensional caricatures feature prominently in these movies, and Chow puts on the same deadpan expression and parochial cantonese drone in literally dozens of (best-selling) films. It is nice to see him maturing somewhat, just like Tom Hanks did; currently, Chow is already a reliable male lead in dramatic roles, not that his role in KungFu hustle would stretch any reasonably seasoned thespian.

It is interesting to note the role slapstick in Hong Kong films; it is similar to the recitativo in Italian opera, and the singing sequences in Bollywood films. They are interludes in the narrative designed to play to the audiences, which says a lot about audience tastes. Western viewers not familiar with Hong Kong cinema have generally been perplexed, but those of us in the know take it with a groan and quickly wait for the next kung fu sequence. There are, however, several laugh out loud slapstick sequences in Kung Fu Hustle that comes as a nice surprise (the surprise being that it was actually funny, and reasonably inoffensive).

The action choreography is first rate, the special effects are hugely imaginative, all in all the technical credits are above par for a Hong Kong film.

The references to the Matrix are courtesy of great wire-kung fu fights choreographed by the inestimable Yuen Wo Ping. But it is the less obvious references to Terry Gilliam's "the adventures of Baron Munchausen" that truly bring a chuckle. One of the characters is as fleet of feet as Berthold, while the ending is a nice touch: a small boy leads a girl by hand towards a movie theatre, and on the streets, a peddler sells a series of kung fu adventure comics to another urchin. As most young Asian boys will know, a kung fu comic promises fantastical adventures on the cheap, very much in the spirit of this often low brow but nonetheless exuberant movie. Just like the Baron on his horse at the end of "adventures", Chow seems to wink: It's silly but fun, hope you enjoyed the show! And yes, I did.

I had an intention to watch the movie for the last few years, the only thing that stopped me was a thought that this was a typical type of an action movie, just with some comedy elements. Take for instance any film with Jackie Chan in the leading role, if you want to understand to what type of movie am I inclining.

However, to my biggest surprise, it's absolutely not the case.

The movie is something like a parody to the whole asian action genre. It's about enormously hyperbolizing action scenes, making fun of eastern philosophical dialogues (inherent to Kung Fu movies) by using proverbs and wise quotes absurdly.

The whole movie is about total absurd with quite decent visual effects for its time.

If you like absurd humor, you will most likely consider this movie to be a hilarious one.

Due to my humble opinion, it's one of the best representatives of its genre.

Part of what makes a Stephen Chow comedy special is his ability to deliver a combination of non-sequitur humor while reminding us the harsh-realities in life. There's the betrayal by his apprentice chef in GOD OF COOKERY, the hardship of an aspiring actor in KING OF COMEDY, and the lost-cause martial artists in SHAOLIN SOCCER. What is missing with KUNG-FU HUSTLE is exactly that ingredient that made his past films so successful, and what would turn Stephen Chow into a local hero both in China and Hong Kong.

To be fair, Chow had all the ingredients ready on the table, but somehow they just weren't fully utilized as they should have been. What results is a very CG-heavy film that's a cross between MATRIX, VOLCANO HIGH (2001, a Korean film directed by Kim Tae-gyun), and KILL BILL.

There is greatness to homages when they are done in the right way, and KUNG FU HUSTLE seems to be full of tributes... whether it is the Tarantino tribute with the Axe-gang scenes, King-Hu with the DRAGON'S INN set-design, VOLCANO HIGH's CG-texture and feel, or even scenes reminding us of Keanu Reeve's fight-sequence with over a hundred black-suited villains in Matrix Reloaded... the list goes on, and he even throws in a Stanley Kubrick shot from THE SHINING... at one point, it's almost as if we're asked to name the movies certain scenes or shots were inspired by.

Innovations? Chow broke-away from the typical Director/Actor/screenwriter formula of having the lead (i.e. chow) take up all major scenes in the story (e.g. ask yourself if you've ever watched a Jacky Chan film where he's not in almost every scene). Instead he gives ample time to the support cast of long-time-no-see martial arts experts who were at the top of their game during the 70's and early 80's. The Villain (Leung Siu-Lung) in KUNG FU HUSTLE was one of the top 'B' film stars known for his Bruce Lee-type roles 20 years ago. We haven't seen him since then, and Chow gave him a big home-coming in this film... The same also applies to the Land Lady (Yuen Chao). She was one of the few stuntwomen in Hong Kong's film industry during the 70's. If you've watched THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN(yes, a bond film), you would remember her as the butt-kicking school girl who saved Roger Moore's behind. We all know of Sammo Hung & Jacky Chan, but few of us know that she was actually trained under the same martial arts teacher as these guys since childhood.

Chow had the opportunity to follow his sentimental-lead early on in the film. In the scenes when we find out who the real kung-fu masters were at PIG-STY, and how they explain they've moved to the village to get away from all the fighting and reminisce over their faded past... those were some of the best scenes in KUNG FU HUSTLE, but sadly all the potential gave way to special effects soon after. What follows is a combination of 3D-cartoon with contrived humor.

As a Chow fan, like most of the audience whom I shared the theatre with, we all went to be entertained - to laugh, to feel the melancholy... but quoting a middle-aged housewife as she leaves with her husband at the end of the movie, "It's no Shaolin Soccer." Was this film made this way to make a better export? The minimal dialogue after the 1st act, all CG-action... basically you could turn the volume off after 30 minutes and still get what's going on... I wonder if this is a marketing decision so the film will be more easily digested overseas....

Oh well, what began as the most feared competitor in HK theatres during the Xmas holidays (no other HK film wanted to be released at the same time), is at best a could-have-been-better Chow film. Hopefully his next films will once again have more weight on story and clever dialogue...

that's the stuff dreams are made of, and we expect nothing less.

Hi all, I started watching Kung-fu hustle out of sheer boredom on my flight to Japan. I expected it to be another boring martial arts movie with clichéd story lines and bad acting. What I found was an amazingly entertaining, crazy, novel story with slap-stick comedy that had me laughing my *ss off loud. Stephen Chow is definitely putting China on the world cinema map with his genre of movies. The action is of course not real and has used computer effects - but I don't believe Chow is trying impress everyone just by having real martial arts a la Ongbak. He is an entertainer like Jackie Chan was in his prime. He even takes a cheeky punt at western movies like the Matrix and Spider-man which is pretty cool. The story of Kung-fu hustle itself is set in a sort of 70's China and people like me who love travelling and different cultures get a real feel of being in China. The story throws up a lot of crazy surprises like that of a children's fairy tale and is very funny and refreshing. I watched Kung-fu hustle a few times now and bought it on DVD and cant wait for his next movie. Kung-fu hustle gets a well deserved 9/10

Martial arts and comedy rarely go together, unless you're laughing at a Steven Seagal movie. Only Jackie Chan seems able to get the mix right and to be frank, most Chan movies are fairly similar anyway. But now, there is a new judo-chopping comedian on the scene - Stephen Chow. Having given us a taster of his films with the amusing but bizarre "Shaolin Soccer", Chow goes well and truly overboard with "Kung Fu Hustle" which is possibly the most over-blown, chop-socky action film in existence but unlike some, this film is a great deal of fun.

The film take place in 1940's China where the police are powerless to stop the vicious Axe Gang from ruling the city. But down in Pig Sty Alley, things are much more peaceful. At least, until petty thief Sing (director Chow) and his overweight companion Bone (Chi Chung Lam) begin masquerading as Axe Gang members and begin panicking the locals. Soon, real Axe gang members arrive and chaos ensues. Before long, a full-scale riot is on the cards between the gangsters and their prize fighter The Beast (Siu-Lung Leung) and the residents with their assorted fighters. But where will Sing's loyalties lie, with the Axe Gang or the citizens of Pig Sty Alley?

Let me just say that although story-telling isn't the strong point of martial arts movies, "Kung Fu Hustle" is one that bucks the trend. It is, at times, hilarious as well as being one of the most visually stunning films I've seen. Imagine "Matrix-style" violence and kung-fu with Looney Tunes touches such as the banter between Sing and Bone (the moment where they try to assassinate the landlady (Qiu Yuen) is just brilliant). This is probably the best Asian film I've seen since "House Of Flying Daggers" and is probably even better - I enjoyed watching this film more than I did watching Daggers, despite more CG being used.

So what's not to like? There are more moments that confuse than annoy, such as the dance scene involving hundreds of axe wielding, top-hat wearing gangsters that feels more like Bollywood than Hong Kong cinema. There are a lot of people who like their kung-fu films and who wouldn't like this - this is not your traditional martial arts film, not by a long way. But I love this film because it is different, because it's not sticking to the formula and is daring to do something original in a genre that has been stagnant for too long. Chow is to be commended for producing a brilliant, witty and exciting film that will delight fans bored with seeing the likes of Seagal grunting through various set-pieces. Watch it and enjoy - I just did!

Kung Fu Hustle is one of many high rated modern Chinese movies where I don't understand how comes it's so well received and critically acclaimed in the whole wide world.

I must admit that the movie kicks off with a couple of solid jokes and some sympathetic characters that may addict you. The first twenty minutes or so are entertaining and promising.

But the downward spiral starts soon after. The lazy, stereotypical but somewhat sympathetic character of the main hero's corpulent friend almost disappears. The fight scenes move away from aesthetics and get more and more random, ridiculous and unreal. The plot development is strange but not in a good sense. The dialogues are thin and seem as if they were written in a hurry. We get some horrible special effects towards the end that add the little cherry on the top of your cheese cake.

I'm aware of the fact that this movie somewhat wants to parody the stereotypes of classic Chinese and Hongkong Kung Fu movies. I'm a big fan of these old films and I have no problem with a good comedy or a solid homage to them. This movie is not an original parody with many déjà-vu moments but a very childish attempt to attract a larger public. The jokes work in the beginning but the same ideas are repeated all the time and we get to see more and more exaggerated fighting techniques with over the top slapstick moments throughout the whole movie. Many movies that mix martial arts with comedy fail to find a good balance between both styles and I don't like most of these attempts but this film here is one of the worst attempts to combine these two genres. I usually adore Asian humour a lot, especially in many South Korean movies but this one is comparable to the bunch of Hollywood parodies that came out when Scary Movie rose to fame.

In the end, I would only recommend this movie to somebody that laughs about anything and almost only watches any kind of comedy movies. Any fan of the artistic side of martial arts or modern Chinese cinema should stay away from this superficial embarrassment.