Everybody was Kung Fu fighting...
If you've ever seen a Kung Fu movie, ever looked back on those movies that came on the Fox Network in the 80's on Saturday afternoons or after midnight with nostalgia (shame they don't do that anymore.. too high-falutin, I suppose).. then this is the movie for you.
Stephen Chow (director/actor) does a fantastic job with "Kung Fu Hustle" (also known as "Gong Fu"), a comedy/drama complimented by fantastic martial art choreography. A slight morality tale of being true to oneself, and good triumphing over evil, it is one of the best movies I've seen in probably ten years. Taking place in a psuedo 1920's era complete with killer gangs wandering about, the poorest of the poor living simply, the concepts are lovely in their simplicity; the comedy and slapstick, well-timed. The acting was purposeful and well done. The opening scene reminiscent of Slim Pickens playing a thug, a homage to Quinten Tarantino's "Resevoir Dogs", a musical dance scene and cartoon-esque chase scenes are just some of the larger things that make this movie delightful. . Little details spring out with every viewing. Some scenes are just beautiful.. when the No. 2 killers are at work with their musical instruments.. good grief, it's a gorgeous, well made movie.
I don't know what else to say. The story is simple and very engaging, with a wonderful sense of completeness.. the comedy, well.. soda pop came out my nose, I laughed so hard. The sentiment so innocent and sweet.
You might not like it.. but as for me..
"Everybody was kung fu fighting..."