robyn millarReview of Kung Fu Hustle
November 8th 2006 00:49
Kung Fu Hustle (2004)
Directed: Stephen Chow
Written: Stephen Chow, Xin Huo, Chan Man Kueng, Kan-Cheung Tan
Stephen Chow, Chi Chung Lam, Wah Yuen
Humour Is The Universal Language
For those of you who have never visited it, welcome to the weird and wacky world of Stephen Chow movies.
There can be no doubt that China has produced some of the worlds’ greatest actors and comedians -with over a sixth of the worlds’ population it’s hardly surprising. It is equally true that for every Chow Yun Fat and Jackie Chan recognisable in the west there are at least a dozen others whose talents we never get to see because their films never make it to our cinemas. Enter the brilliant Stephen Chow, another super talented Chinese megastar on the brink of international recognition.
For those already familiar with his previous work (Shaolin Soccer (2004), and my personal favourite, Love on Delivery (1994)) his style of over the top, ridiculous humour will need no introduction, for those who have never heard of him, imagine an intelligent blend of slap stick and situational comedy reminiscent of Arrested Development or Scrubs. But in Chinese. And occasionally taking the piss out of Hong Kong movie staples like ridiculous kung fu moves (especially the flying made famous in Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon).
As its title suggests Kung Fu Hustle is one of those that turns Shaolin on its head. It follows the antics of a pair of small time crims and their anxious attempts to join the notorious Axe Gang by terrorising a community of (apparently) innocent villagers.
It is, in short, hysterical, although one must bear in mind that it is primarily aimed at the Chinese market (some of the scenes have aspects that might offend western eyes). It also has rather a lot of gratuitous violence (of which I’m not necessarily a fan), although to be fair most of it is used in a joke at some point (not that justifies it of course).
I loved it, but then I’m a huge fan of Chinese films, and Stephen Chow in particular, so my recommendation would be only watch this one if it sounds like your cup of tea.
8/10
Thought Question of the Day
Best Jackie Chan movie of all time?
Directed: Stephen Chow
Written: Stephen Chow, Xin Huo, Chan Man Kueng, Kan-Cheung Tan
Stephen Chow, Chi Chung Lam, Wah Yuen
Humour Is The Universal Language
For those of you who have never visited it, welcome to the weird and wacky world of Stephen Chow movies.
There can be no doubt that China has produced some of the worlds’ greatest actors and comedians -with over a sixth of the worlds’ population it’s hardly surprising. It is equally true that for every Chow Yun Fat and Jackie Chan recognisable in the west there are at least a dozen others whose talents we never get to see because their films never make it to our cinemas. Enter the brilliant Stephen Chow, another super talented Chinese megastar on the brink of international recognition.
For those already familiar with his previous work (Shaolin Soccer (2004), and my personal favourite, Love on Delivery (1994)) his style of over the top, ridiculous humour will need no introduction, for those who have never heard of him, imagine an intelligent blend of slap stick and situational comedy reminiscent of Arrested Development or Scrubs. But in Chinese. And occasionally taking the piss out of Hong Kong movie staples like ridiculous kung fu moves (especially the flying made famous in Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon).
As its title suggests Kung Fu Hustle is one of those that turns Shaolin on its head. It follows the antics of a pair of small time crims and their anxious attempts to join the notorious Axe Gang by terrorising a community of (apparently) innocent villagers.
It is, in short, hysterical, although one must bear in mind that it is primarily aimed at the Chinese market (some of the scenes have aspects that might offend western eyes). It also has rather a lot of gratuitous violence (of which I’m not necessarily a fan), although to be fair most of it is used in a joke at some point (not that justifies it of course).
I loved it, but then I’m a huge fan of Chinese films, and Stephen Chow in particular, so my recommendation would be only watch this one if it sounds like your cup of tea.
8/10
Thought Question of the Day
Best Jackie Chan movie of all time?
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Comment by Adele
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My favourite Stephen Chow film is the James Bond send up From Beijjing With Love.
Forbidden City Cop also made me laugh a lot.
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I think, for Western audiences, it's so fresh and bizarrely compelling...making it a masterpiece!