Product ReviewsKung Fu Hustle (Blu-ray, 2004)

STEPHEN CHOW STRIKES AGAIN!

I rented Kung Fu hustle because of some previews that I had seen that I thought looked interesting, and found it to be one of the most entertaining, unpredictable, humourous, and enjoyable martial arts films I have ever seen. Actor and director Stephen Chow has been dubbed "The King of Comedy" by the Hong Kong entertainment media, although it was doubtful at first that his comedic style would fly in the United States as it consisted mainly of mo lei tau (nonsense), or a non-stop stream of double entendres and euphemisms that does not translate well. However, his critics have been silenced with the roaring success of his wuxia hit "Kung Fu Hustle". Chow plays a small time hustler, Sing, who poses as a dangerous Axe gang member in order to shake down the seemingly simple and poor slum tenants in Pig Sty Ally. Instead, he incites a riot and its aftermath that encompasses the Axe gang, the peasants unveiled as kung fu masters, Sing's loyal and plodding accomplice, a deaf but beautiful ice cream vendor, and the world's top kung fu killer. The movie races along with side-splitting gags, cartoonish special effects and top notch martial arts sequences, with homages to western action and classic kung fu films as well as old silents and Looney Tunes cartoons. The filmmaking is amazingly deft, with camera angles that soar, visual tricks that astound, and scenes that flout the laws of phyics. The insanely rapid-paced plot of this action/comedy/musical/drama is set in a colorful 1930's Shanghai, and the comic set-up is offset by darker themes later in the film. I don't believe in plot spoilers, so the ending won't be revealed here, but suffice to say that it's all completely unpredicatable, highly outlandish, totally off the top, and yet delivers real charm, imagination, wit, and humor in an unforgettable tale of redemption. This is a must see for anyone, and a liking for martial arts flicks is definately NOT a prerequisite here.

PROS - Unique style, side splitting humor, top notch special effects, over the top martial arts sequences, artful traditional Chinese music as well as an excellent orchestral score, and a far-from-predictable storyline.

CONS - Spotty pacing in some scenes.Read full review...

Kung Fu Hustle (2006, Blu-ray Disc)

I wanted to see this movie after I saw some previews when it first came out in the movies. When it came out on DVD, I had to rent it. My brother actually saw it before I did. Prior to the viewing, he thought it looked kind of dumb and was reluctant to watch it. He told me that it was really good and then I watched it later. This became one of my all-time favorite movies after watching it. There are many funny and action scenes. The fight scenes are impressive and rival that of Iron Monkey. I do not recall at any time when I thought it was boring. The English dubbing is pretty good and funnier than reading the subtitles (they do not match at times). I later bought a PS3 (regular price) and needed to boost my blu-ray collection and I chose this one. This movie is well-balanced and worth the money and time to watch. I have watched a lot of martial arts movies and you won't be disappointed, even though most Chinese martial arts endings suck (hello Hero and Crouching Tiger). I even enjoyed this better than Fearless. If you love this movie, check out Shaolin Soccer. It has most of the cast from Kung-Fu Hustle in it and is very funny. Other martial arts movies/shows worth mentioning are Iron Monkey, White Dragon, SuperCop, Samurai Champloo and Legend of Drunken Master, which I think is the best martial arts film ever made.Read full review...

Kung Fu Hustle - BluRay

Although it starts a bit heavy handed with the rise of the Axe Gang, the music and dance theme blunt the viciousness somewhat. The R rating is earned. Once the introduction is completed, the bumbling bad guy wannabees initiate the real entertainment value. Introduction of the Beast is well done, and his sinister aspect is tamed by the virtue of merely looking for a worthy opponent.
The movie is comedic and surprisingly touching. Your genuinely begin to hope the anti-hero can find his way out of the mess he's been living in. I give it five stars if you like this kind of comedic drama, and three and a half if your neutral. You'll still come away liking the movie. It's respectful of the movies it spoofs, and clever as it reveals the main character's false wannabee badness and big effects surprises. I loved it!Read full review...

Stephen Chow's Finest Moment...

Background//
"From Walking Disaster to Kung Fu Master" The front of the DVD says it all. This hilarious action movie combines both Comedy and Action to form a blend of movie that is truly perfect. Although this could be considered a guy movie, it does attract a wide audience, just as Mr.Chow's last film (Shaolin Soccer) did.

Plot//
"Meet a gang of Unlikely heroes" Sing, a boy from a town ruled by the 'Axe Gang' desperatly wasnts to be a member. In his journey he stumbles upon a slum ruled by wife and husband landlord team who actually turn out to be Kung Fu masters! Sing's stupidity eventually cause the Axe Gang to challenge the Slum Landlords to an explosive kung-fu battle. When it is over, one side will emerge as the greatest kung fu master of all.

Cast//
Stephen Chow does a brilliant job acting as 'Sing' while still directing the movie perfectly. The supporting cast have their time in the spotlight but the film is all about showcasing Stephen Chow.

Summary//
The Kung-fu moves in this movie are matched by very few and the imaginative dance sequences with the tuxedo-clad mobsters are absolutly hilarious! It is no wonder though that the fight sequences are so amazing, because they are directed by legendary action choreogragher Yuen Wo Ping(Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon & The Matrix!) This movie is a must-see for all action, comedy or Kung-fu fans... Im sure you fit under 1 of those catagorys!

5/5Read full review...

Awesome movie to own

I love this movie to death and don't feel like paying monthly to enjoy a recently made classic. This is basically a parody to all the old school kung fu movies. So much humor was put into this movie and are guaranteed to laugh your lungs out.Read full review...

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Clever, funny loads of content!

Very clever, need to watch at least two times. Wait a year or so to watch a second time. There are little thing that get missed like some shadows. Very special. Thanks Steve. Dean, aka Ding Ding.

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kung fu hustle

Visually dazzling, fascinatingly strange, oddly sweet and laugh-out-loud funny, "Kung Fu Hustle" is truly something special. How special? This Hong Kong chop-sockey comedy features amazing special effects; cartoonishly frantic fight scenes; a dance number performed by tuxedoed gang members wielding hand axes; a pair of blind musician-assassins who magically conjure up flying swords and skull-faced demons; the most abusively loud landlady in history; a toad-man master killer; a mute and sweetly adorable ice-cream vendor; an all-powerful butt-kicking savior from the skies...and more!Read full review...

Great movie

I love this movie, and personally the subtitled version is better than the English
Classic comedy/ martial arts / mobster movie
if you haven't seen it , it's worth the watch
Entertaining for sure :)Read full review...

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Hustle to your kung fu!

Must have movie for those who love watching badass kung fu with a lil comic relief. Stephen Chow is super cool in Kung Fu Hustle with a lil kick ass to him in this movie. Music to this movie is also a must have. nice tunes in the background while bad guys getting their butts whipped out of pig sty! Bonus features are amazing with behind the scenes look of how Stephen Chow directs the movie.Read full review...

One of my favorites

The camera work is great. The comedy is well done and balanced out with some great action sequences. Well done

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: classicconnection1