(HONG KONG)
KUNG FU HUSTLE -
Stephen Chow

A tribute to the legendary Shaw Brothers martial arts films he grew up on in the 1960s, actor-director Chow weaves comedy, drama and an explosion of astounding kung-fu choreography that will delight fans of the genre. In Canton in the 1930s, Sing (Chow), a gangster wannabe, wants to join the infamous Axe Gang, the feared black-clad mafia that rules Hong Kong. Feeling cool and imagining what it would be like to be a member, he and a sidekick pose as Ax members to impress the locals in an out of the way neighborhood. But things dangerous get out of hand when the real Axes show up on the scene. But it turns out the locals are no slouches when it comes to defending their territory from outsiders and pretty soon the kicks are flying in high style. As the comedic plot roars along, the Western-style kung-fu showdowns, tuxedoed Mobster dance scenes and dazzling digital special effects will sustain lovers of the genre as well as those unschooled in Chow’s enthusiastic nostalgia. Aficionados will recognize veteran stuntman Yuen Wah—Bruce Lee’s double—as the seemingly shy landlord who turns out to be the master of kick-ass. (1:35:00) Print courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.

Selected Filmography: Actor-All for the Winner (90). From Beijing with Love (co-director, 94), The God of Cookery (co-director, 96), King of Comedy (co-director, 99), Shaolin Soccer (01).

Showtimes:
19-02-2005 | 9.15PM | WH
20-02-2005 | 12PM | WH