I just finished watching one of the greatest movies ever made for the umpteenth time. Of course, I’m talking about the Stephen Chow masterpiece, Kung Fu Hustle.
I say “of course,” and yet hint that maybe it’s “obscure,” because in all honesty, Kung Fu films usually don’t play big in a lot of peoples’ inventories. Sure, there are a lot that may be considered “classics” of film, but their seeming hokiness and cheap action don’t lend themselves to the top tiers of filmmaking.
And yet Chow has a way.
In Kung Fu Hustle you’ll find a brilliant mix of so many genres and styles; along with a story line that is altogether heroic, fascinating, and that lends itself to a perfect subtlety of humor. You’ll find the obvious elements of your typical Kung Fu film, but if you pay attention, you’ll easily see a bit of spaghetti western, The Matrix, some superhero, and redemption from a path of innocence that took a wrong turn. The main character (played by Chow) lived in a mismatched world, and it was in his return to his true self that he was reborn.
For those who listen to the soundtrack, the subtlety in the music adds even more to the experience. In it you’ll find everything from the flavor and mysticism of something like Men in Black to the mythology and tragedy of Beijing opera. It is all rounded out by an incredible cast of characters that add flavor and humor to every piece of the film.
You’d think by my description that this movie is all over the place; but it is so perfectly blended and brilliantly pieced together that, despite the common prejudices against the Kung Fu genre, it is a true work of art. Kung Fu Hustle is playing on Korean Netflix right now, and hopefully in the US also. Give it a try if you haven’t already (and watch it again if you have). When you’re done with that, I also recommend Chow’s other popular work, Shaolin Soccer.