A wannabe gangster tries to take over a housing complex to prove
his worth to the Axe Gang but is thwarted by martial arts masters. ACTION/COMEDY
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Kung Fu Hustle (2004)Directed by Stephen Chow
Written by Stephen Chow, Man Keung Chan, Xin Huo, Kan-Cheung Tsang Starring Stephen Chow, Qiu Yuen, Wah Yuen, Kwok-Kwan Chan, Siu-Lung Leung, Chi Chung Lam, Shengyi Huang |
Kung Fu Hustle is a bizarre but entertaining movie that seamlessly blends martial arts awesomeness with old school slapstick comedy. Stephen Chow leads a hilarious and talented cast in one of the funniest movies ever to come out of China.
The film revolves around a group of evil gangsters called the Axe Gang, who are the most feared gang in all of 1940's Shanghai. Sing (Stephen Chow) is a kung fu wannabe who wants to be a bad guy but isn't cut out for murder and robbery. Sing is difficult to root for in the first half but easily becomes our hero in the second once the film's true antagonist is revealed. The character of the Beast (Siu-Lung Leung) is hilariously overpowered and is reminiscent of the final boss in a 90's arcade game. The cheesy effects and the Looney Tunes-esque slapstick moments only add to that effect. For fans of martial arts films and fans of 80's slapstick and dead pan comedy, Kung Fu Hustle is the film you've been waiting for. The plot may not make much sense and at times it feels like two films spliced together, but there's no denying that the film is a good deal of fun. |