Kung Fu Hustle (2004) * Hidden Gem * * Viewed Twice *

How she pulls off cool with that outfit is a great feat of acting, but she does it!

Genre: Action Comedy Crime Fantasy (China, Hong Kong)

Starring: Stephen Chow, Qiu Yuen

Directed By: Stephen Chow (Shaolin Soccer)

Overview: A city is run by the Axe Gang, except for the Pig Sty Slum. When The Axe Gang throws it's weight around the slum, the tenants and Landlords have something to say about it.

Acting: The acting was terrific. I like the way everyone ISN'T this big fighting machine full of attitude. It's plain to see that the director is quite experienced, as are all the players.
Rating: 8

Cinematography: The cinematics aren't only impressive, the CGI is nigh seamless, the sets are unique, but most of all the look of this movie is like none other you've ever seen before. Gorgeous. Everything about the look of this is spectacular, especially the fighting.
Rating: 9

Script: The writing is great. Funny and detailed enough to get a good sense of the characters, without being bogged down with any deep sentiment or moral lesson. They knew what the audience came for. A nice little battle of good versus evil, with a couple jokes and a lesson here and there, but most of all, simplicity. Perfect.
Rating: 8

Plot: The best part of this is that every twenty minutes, you're surprised with another twist! You think it's going to be "these good guys versus these bad guys", but the subtle changes in plot and character focus shifts the tables constantly. And funny! They don't take themselves seriously, which throws in just the right hint of suspension of disbelief to make this an even better story.
Rating: 9

Mood: The mood is ridiculously original. So it's one of those Wire-Kung-Fu movies, which kicks ass, and add some of the best CGI that you've ever seen and you end up with a great movie, like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Add on top of that that all the fighters have their own unique set of specific super-powers and you're entertained all the way through. Movies like Drunken Monkey are great, but the staying power can wane after an hour and a half of the same sort of thing. Well this throws in comedy and magic powers on top of it. Seriously mind-blowingly amazing.
Rating: 9

Oh yeah, the sweet choreography!

Overall Rating: 86% (Kicks Your Ass From Downtown to the Slums!)

Aftertaste: I thought this would be good and corny. I found myself retelling one scene to several people, it cracked me up so bad. This surprised me to no end as to how good it was, and the score was great too. I'm glad I bought it, really glad. I'll go see Shaolin Soccer for sure now.

First Reviewed June 25, 2005. See comments for re-viewed review.