Peak Cinema: Kung Fu Hustle
Have you ever had an incredible movie watching experience? It’s rare, I know. Many people spend ages searching for a movie worth watching. Luckily, I have the answer. A masterpiece possessing infinite replayability -- Stephen Chow’s “Kung Fu Hustle.” You may have heard Chow’s name before: he’s a prolific director who often stars in his own films. Fan favorites of his include “God of Gamblers,” “Fight Back to School,” “Shaolin Soccer,” “The God of Cookery,” and, of course, “Chinese Odyssey” parts I and II. While all of these movies are legendary in their own right, there is something special about KFH that sets it apart from the pack.
Picture this: a lowly drifter and a dunce live life aspiring to be part of the infamous Axe Gang, a cutthroat criminal organization that dominates the various slums around Shanghai. They spend their days committing petty crimes by impersonating the mob bosses they worship, fooling the unsuspecting people of their town. Things take a turn for the worse when the real Axe Gang, led by the fearsome Brother Sum, shows up in town, threatening to take over. The residents of the village take the situation into their own hands and hire three retired kung fu masters to fight back against the Axe.
This synopsis barely does the film justice. The action scenes, which would be enough for a good movie by themselves, are balanced with hilarious comedy that will leave you with a collapsed lung and soiled pants. Stylistically, the movie is a feat of cinematography: the gripping, choreographed opening scene along with impressive use of color and framing make KFH a feast for your eyes.
“The action scenes are really impressive but also really funny. I’d definitely recommend [KFH] to anyone that wants a silly, home-y feel from a different style of kung fu movie,” said JP Heaps, 12.
With its unique take on its genre, KFH stands out as a testament to joyful expression of creativity. This puts it near the top of my favorite movie list. If you feel overwhelmed with mediocre movie options and find yourself struggling to make a choice, this is a surefire pick to end your searching.