Kung Fu Hustle (2004)

90% of critics liked it
(179 reviews)
86% of users liked it
(203,090 ratings)

The work of international superstar Stephen Chow, Kung Fu Hustle is a humorous, special-effects-filled, action-packed martial arts epic set in early '40s China. A bumbling thief named Sing (Stephen Chow) desires to be the toughest member of the dreaded gangster hit squad known as The Axe Gang, but… More The work of international superstar Stephen Chow, Kung Fu Hustle is a humorous, special-effects-filled, action-packed martial arts epic set in early '40s China. A bumbling thief named Sing (Stephen Chow) desires to be the toughest member of the dreaded gangster hit squad known as The Axe Gang, but to completely join the gang he has to commit murder. When Sing attempts to rob a crowded run-down apartment complex known as Pig Sty Alley, the locals begin to defend themselves with some high-flying kung fu skills, and a tiny war erupts between the local masters and the axe-wielding gang. After the gang busts the ancient kung fu king known as The Beast (Leung Siu Lung) out of jail, tensions reach a boiling point as Pig Sty Alley's landlady (Yuen Qiu) leads an all-out attack against the gang and Sing discovers his true heroic fate. Kung Fu Hustle, which set box-office records across Asia during its December 2004 release, also stars Yuen Wah and Xing Yu, and features fight choreography by legendary masters of martial arts cinema Yuen Woo Ping and Sammo Hung. ~ Jason Gibner, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 39 min.
Directed By: Stephen Chow
Written By: Stephen Chow, Tsang Kan Cheong, Lola Huo, Chan Mankeung, Tseng Kan Cheong
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Art House & International, Comedy

In Theaters: Apr 8, 2005 Limited
On DVD: Aug 9, 2005
Studio: Sony Pictures Classics

Critic Reviews

David Ansen, Newsweek
So disarmingly eager to please that only a stone-faced kung fu purist could object.
Ken Tucker, New York Magazine
Chow's movie may seem nutty on the surface, but its slyness, its dreamy unfolding of so many moods and genres, becomes intoxicating.
Desson Thomson, Washington Post
Kung Fu Hustle snaps and crackles like nuclear popcorn on a scorching griddle.
Ann Hornaday, Washington Post
But for all its stylishness, verve and moments of visual poetry, the relentlessly punishing slapstick and overall cruel tone left me cold.
Geoff Pevere, Toronto Star
Retrieving the martial arts movie from the gentrified middlebrow tastefulness of movies like House of Flying Daggers is only one item on Kung Fu Hustle's agenda.
Richard Corliss, TIME Magazine
With Hustle's release on 2,000 U.S. screens this week, Americans get to see what's so funny about Chow. The laugh's on them for not noticing him before.
, Film4
Slapstick silliness and martial artistry of the highest calibre.
Felix Vasquez Jr., Cinema Crazed
A smart and very funny action comedy that will really knock your socks off.
Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com
The ever-shifting genre of martial arts films takes on yet another variation with writer/director/actor Stephen Chow's CGI spectacle infused comic Kung Fu adventure.
Mark Halverson, Sacramento News & Review
Gravity takes a backseat to levity.
Cynthia Fuchs, Common Sense Media
This rowdy martial arts comedy is best for older teens and up.
Joe Lozito, Big Picture Big Sound
Keeps the gags flying almost as rapidly as the fists.
Keith H. Brown, Eye for Film
A film that is geared simply, straightforwardly and, above all, honestly to providing absolute entertainment.
Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com
Absolutely insane comic tribute to classic martial arts films and stars.
Rob Gonsalves, eFilmCritic.com
The laws of physics no longer apply, if they ever did; characters leap, run at neck-breaking speed, bash each other through several walls with one blow.
Brian Webster, Apollo Guide
The 'Axe-Kickin' Edition' DVD comes with a nice selection of extras.
Brian Webster, Apollo Guide
While those who can't stand long fight scenes might find it a bit tiresome, everyone else is going to consider this a sweet, light-hearted martial arts treat.
Russ Breimeier, Christianity Today
A strange, fun flick that loves its source material dearly, Kung Fu Hustle is destined to become a cult classic.
Dan Jardine, Cinemania
Simultaneously and paradoxically irreverent and loving. A terrific piece of cinematic entertainment
Kurt Loder, MTV
Kung Fu Hustle flies by on bursts of dizzying slapstick invention. There's rarely a dull moment, but the wise-guy tone and the non-stop frenzy wear you down.

Read all 21 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Albert K

I seem to be the only one that did not enjoy this movie. I found the comedy to be way too elementary. I ended up not laughing too much. (It's been a while since I've watched this movie so bear with me).
xGary X

An inept would be gangster inadvertently causes a war between a tap dancing, axe wielding gang and a poor rural village which unwittingly acted as a retirement community for ex-martial arts masters. The follow up to Stephen Chow's amusing genre send up Shaolin Soccer, Kung Fu… More
An inept would be gangster inadvertently causes a war between a tap dancing, axe wielding gang and a poor rural village which unwittingly acted as a retirement community for ex-martial arts masters. The follow up to Stephen Chow's amusing genre send up Shaolin Soccer, Kung Fu Hustle is more Loony Tunes than Crouching Tiger. Its mix of slapstick comedy and cartoon violence feels like a breath of fresh air in such a po-faced genre, and anyone who enjoyed the mix of martial arts and comedy of Mr. Vampire or A Chinese ghost Story will surely enjoy this. It's a deconstruction of classic Asian cinema from the likes of the Shaw Brothers and introduces tongue in cheek, post modern comedy that almost reminded me of Terry Gilliam in places which makes for a warm homage to the genre with plenty of laughs at the expense of grandiose Asian mythology. As action packed as it is deeply silly, Kung Fu Hustle is huge fun from beginning to end.
Jan Marc M

Kung Fu Hustle guarantees entertainment with intense, wild, and creative martial arts.
Lewis C

This movie is a gem. Let's go ahead and get that out of the way! Wildly inventive and relentlessly funny, Kung Fu Hustle is one of the most entertaining light-hearted martial arts flicks that you'll ever see. From the dance numbers of the Axe Gang, to the surprising… More
This movie is a gem. Let's go ahead and get that out of the way! Wildly inventive and relentlessly funny, Kung Fu Hustle is one of the most entertaining light-hearted martial arts flicks that you'll ever see. From the dance numbers of the Axe Gang, to the surprising talents of some of the denizens of Pig Sty Alley, the impressive fight scenes, and a genuinely sweet love story, this movie just rocks. It loses a little momentum in the latter half when the comedic elements are pushed to the side and the fighting is given sole focus, but overall, Kung Fu Hustle is a great movie for fans of stellar, fanciful martial arts fighting, fans of physical comedy, and those who like to dabble in both both genres. This is one of the best combinations of the two that you'll find.
moon r

Poetry. And funny too.
Idrees K

It's like if Bruce Lee and Charlie Chaplin had a baby
Coxxie M

funny, kinda. i dont know.. its like, "yea. i know, man, you're right. bodies really CAN'T fly that far when they get kicked. funny, i guess."
MisterYoda ?

5 stars!!
Tim S

I love this movie!
Randy T

Delightfully funny! Kinda' ENTER THE DRAGON meets THE MARX BROTHERS.
Lorenzo v

"In the world of kung fu, speed determines the winner." In Shanghai, China in the 1940s, a wannabe gangster aspires to join the notorious "Axe Gang" while residents of a housing complex exhibit extraordinary powers in defending their turf.… More
"In the world of kung fu, speed determines the winner." In Shanghai, China in the 1940s, a wannabe gangster aspires to join the notorious "Axe Gang" while residents of a housing complex exhibit extraordinary powers in defending their turf. <center>REVIEW</center> "Kung Fu Hustle" is "Kill Bill" with a healthy dose of Looney Tunes thrown in for good measure. It's a rip off of about a hundred other films, but yet it never feels like a rip off. To Stephen Chow's credit, it feels totally original, and you find yourself as you're watching the movie eagerly waiting for the next bit of insane craziness he's going to throw on to the screen. This movie pokes fun at the earnestness of recent films in the genre, like "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," "Hero," and "House of Flying Daggers." Nothing is taken seriously here, and thank God for that. This is one bit of nonsense after another, and it's enormously entertaining. Film buffs should have a blast ticking off the homages to other films. The Axe Gang brings to mind the Crazy 88's of "Kill Bill." Chow tips his hat to the blood-spurting elevator scene from "The Shining." A poster for "Top Hat" is prominently displayed in the background of one scene (suggesting that Chow draws inspiration for his dazzling fight choreography from the fancy footwork of Fred and Ginger). And "The Matrix" gets its due as well. Chow gives himself a fun character to play, and he's also written a very clever screenplay. Pay careful attention to the early scenes, because clues that you might be tempted to shrug off as just being silly bits of embellishment actually become quite important later on. And lastly, this movie has an awesome soundtrack.
Anthony L

A very funny film, Kung Fu Hustle kicks bottom kung Fu Style!
Greg S

With the help of an incompetent wannabe criminal and his fat bumbling sidekick, a gang of dapper axe-wielding criminals tries to take over a Shanghai tenement where every other resident seems to be a legendary kung fu master with mystical powers. Insanely fun popcorn action/comedy… More
With the help of an incompetent wannabe criminal and his fat bumbling sidekick, a gang of dapper axe-wielding criminals tries to take over a Shanghai tenement where every other resident seems to be a legendary kung fu master with mystical powers. Insanely fun popcorn action/comedy with genuinely hilarious sequences and bizarrely inventive battles.
Mark H

special effects+martial arts+carttons=to hilarious effect.
Lady D

It took me a few watches to totally appreciate the humour in this film, but once I did I thought it was totally unique. I really love the dancing gangster during the first scene. Very creative characters especially the landlady. Just a very entertaining and comical film.
Aaron N

Brother Sum: Ever killed anyone? Sing: I've always thought about it. For a movie called Kung Fu Hustle, there is not nearly enough dancing, but that's okay, there's plenty of inventive fight scenes and some really funny moments. Stephen Chow brings the people another… More
Brother Sum: Ever killed anyone? Sing: I've always thought about it. For a movie called Kung Fu Hustle, there is not nearly enough dancing, but that's okay, there's plenty of inventive fight scenes and some really funny moments. Stephen Chow brings the people another very entertaining movie that parodies the plots of kung fu movies, while combining influence from Looney Tunes and The Matrix among other things. The film takes place in 30s Shanghai, the dangerous Axe Gang is taking over the area. The gang is so evil that dark clouds literally arrive with them. The next place in the Axe Gang's path is the quaint village known as Pig Sty Ally. This is populated by a bunch of funny characters, some with some secrets of their own. Stephen Chow plays a bum and wanna be gangster, responsible for bring the Axe Gang to Pig Sty. Soon he is on his way to become an Axe Gang member, but his choices may or may not lead him to showing his full potential as a Kung Fu Genius that fights for the good. There are so many bizarre moments in this movie involving the comedy and kung fu aspects, but the movie remains very entertaining. Along with the memorable characters and humor, the movie is also technically extremely well done. The fight scenes are very well choreographed, combining great martial arts, with wire-fu, and other cool computer effects. The scoring is very well done, combining a classy Asian sound with the mayhem going on. Chow has outdone himself in making a very entertaining movie combining various aspects to make a respectable kung fu film that is also a great comedy. Landlady: You may know kung fu... but you're still a fairy.
Chris W

This is a very fun, entertaining, tongue-in-cheek, and funny movie. Definitely worth watching at least once.
Robert C

Funny as HELL!
Jens S

After Chow's soccer movie I didn't expect a real change of mood for this film and got pretty much what I expected. Certain plot aspects, characters and effects were even pretty much alike. The problem being that I found Shaolin Soccer to be terribly pretentious and this even… More
After Chow's soccer movie I didn't expect a real change of mood for this film and got pretty much what I expected. Certain plot aspects, characters and effects were even pretty much alike. The problem being that I found Shaolin Soccer to be terribly pretentious and this even more so. Sure, the fights are sometimes fun to look at, but even those lose themselves in new heights of exaggeration and silliness. A few laughs work too, others just made me shake my head. The CGI is simply not always convincing and there isn't much "real" fighting going on anyway. As a 90 minute showdown this still could have worked, but the horrible dialogues and jokes in between made this a real case of WTF? Easily one of the silliest things I have ever seen in my life.
Matthew C

Great movie. I recommend this to everyone to try.