Kung Fu Hustle
Kung Fu Hustle
功夫
Overview
"In a chaotic 1940s Shanghai heavily controlled by the vicious Axe Gang, a wannabe gangster named Sing accidentally starts a turf war by extorting Pig Sty Alley. The impoverished residents happen to unknowingly house three retired martial arts masters who defend the slum, plunging Sing into a surreal conflict involving deadly musicians and an imprisoned killer."
Iconic Tracked Scenes
- ▶
A comedic sequence where a wannabe gangster spectacularly fails to intimidate the hidden masters of a slum apartment complex.
"pig sty alley""failing to intimidate" - ▶
A visually stunning, terrifying moonlight battle against two blind assassins who strum magic zithers to launch invisible, flying swords.
"zither""invisible swords" - ▶
An unbelievable chase sequence resembling a cartoon where the hero and a furious landlady run at superhuman speeds.
"super speed chase""cartoon running" - ▶
Reborn as a martial arts genius, the hero uses the legendary Buddhist Palm technique to flatten a building and defeat the ultimate villain.
"buddhist palm""giant handprint"
Why It's Remembered
- ★The beautifully coordinated, rhythmic dance sequence of the murderous, well-dressed Axe Gang.
- ★The stunning battle against the blind assassins utilizing a musical guzheng to slash the air with sword energy.
- ★The overwhelming power of the legendary 'Buddhist Palm' crushing the Beast from the sky.
Cultural Context
- ◈Stephen Chow's masterpiece, perfectly blending classic Wuxia tropes with Looney Tunes-style cartoon violence.
- ◈Sammo Hung originally choreographed the early fights but left mid-production, transferring duties to Yuen Woo-ping.
- ◈The film acts as a loving parody and massive homage to dozens of classic martial arts films, incorporating legendary retired actors.
About the Action Elements
Kung Fu Hustle is widely celebrated among martial arts cinema fans for sequences involving intimidation fail, slum, pig sty alley, hidden masters, tailor. One of the most memorable sequences features Stephen Chow naturally executing pig sty alley, where the choreography and unique set pieces become the unexpected highlight of the film.