It’s funny how so few Americans know the name Stephen Chow, when on the other side of the planet he is one of the biggest celebrities to grace the Hong Kong big screen. Though not the first martial artist to turn to acting, he is probably one of the most innovative to emerge from the phalanx-like Bruce Lee fan base. He began starring in movies 15 years ago, and since then has directed seven full length films that has brought him to the height of his success.
Though released in Hong Kong in 2004, Kung Fu Hustle is just now getting its first taste of the silver screen in America. The advertising seems to portray Kung Fu Hustle as a slap-stick comedy that slightly resembles Kung Pow: Enter the Fist, with a few action sequences here and there. The advertisements couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, this movie is rather a thrilling action film with comedy intertwined throughout.

The film follows an unlikely young hero who is desperate to prove his “notoriety” by joining an axe-wielding gang. Said gang decides to hassle a seemingly typical slum with seemingly typical slum tenants only to find out that there may be more to this village than meets the eye. The conflict escalates when they hire different assassins with incredible talents to take care of the shanty.

The action sequences are completely plagued with the most unconscionable and gaudy special effects you may ever see. Chow meant for this to be. Unlike in American cinema, Chow takes on a rather expressionistic perspective with graphics. He intentionally designs the computer graphics to take on an almost cartoonish role. So when you are in the theaters it won’t be a good idea to shout out “That looks so fake!”, for you will look like an idiot. Though, the film is not without its American movie homage. References to Spider-Man, The Shining, Kill Bill, and pretty much any Looney Tunes cartoon are found all throughout the movie. They also ridicule The Matrix as well. One of the most tacky moments of the movie occurs when the hero emerges from near death after a miraculous transformation, and a witness of the event turns to her husband and says with the most operatic and dramatic expression, “He is The One!”.
With dazzling art-films such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Hero stereotyping Chinese cinema, it is refreshing to experience the chop-sock humor that Chow brings to the table. Of course, the humor is silly and far-fetched at times, ironic and referential at others, yet it adds a unique component to the experience of the movie.

All and all, Kung Fu Hustle, being a smash hit in Hong Kong, promises to captivate American audiences. This mixture of unforgettable characters and spectacularly choreographed action scenes will impress even the most inexorable movie-goer.