Kung Fu Hustle
Kung Fu Hustle

Kung Fu Hustle

2004Movie99 minCantonese

It's the 1940s, and the notorious Axe Gang terrorizes Shanghai. Small-time criminals Sing and Bone hope to join, but they only manage to make lots of very dangerous enemies. Fortunately for them, kung fu masters and hidden strength can be found in unlikely places. Now they just have to take on the entire Axe Gang.

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Insights

IMDb7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes84%
Metacritic78/100
Google Users87%
Director: Stephen ChowGenres: Action, Comedy, Fantasy

Plot Summary

In 1940s Shanghai, a wannabe gangster attempts to extort a landlord but inadvertently unleashes the Axe Gang, a notorious criminal organization. As the conflict escalates, he discovers his hidden kung fu potential while the residents of Pig Sty Alley, a seemingly humble slum, reveal themselves to be retired kung fu masters. The ensuing battle pits the slum's legendary protectors against the brutal Axe Gang and a terrifying, legendary assassin.

Critical Reception

Kung Fu Hustle was met with widespread critical acclaim, lauded for its inventive blend of action, comedy, and fantasy. Critics praised Stephen Chow's visionary direction, the film's visual effects, and its unique sense of humor, drawing comparisons to classic martial arts films and Looney Tunes cartoons.

What Reviewers Say

  • A wildly inventive and hilarious martial arts spectacle.
  • Visually stunning with creative action sequences that blend comedy and impressive choreography.
  • Stephen Chow delivers a crowd-pleasing film that honors kung fu traditions while offering a fresh, comedic take.

Google audience: Audiences overwhelmingly enjoyed Kung Fu Hustle, praising its unique comedic style, exhilarating action sequences, and Stephen Chow's signature blend of slapstick and heart. Many highlighted the film's creative visual effects and memorable characters as key strengths.

Awards & Accolades

Won Best Action Choreography at the Hong Kong Film Awards and Best Picture at the Golden Horse Awards. Nominated for numerous other awards globally.

Fun Fact

The distinctive 'Lion's Roar' technique performed by Sing (Stephen Chow) was inspired by the signature move of the legendary martial artist Wong Fei-hung.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
John Chard

John Chard

Quite an experience, and in a great way as well! Went into this one totally blind as to its contents, truth is, is that I was mooching round the shops yesterday and came across an Asian triple pack DVD at a bargain price, since one of t...