Kung Fu Hustle 

In 1940s Shanghai, two wannabe gangsters pose as members of the notorious Axe Gang in a failed attempt to extort money from a small rural housing borough. But their actions alert the real Axe gang, who descend upon "Pig Sty Alley" with much force.

But the Axe Gang has not counted on the presence of several retired kung fu masters who make Pig Sty Alley their home, and who are very much prepared to defend it.

Stephen Chow is a legend in China, and made his name by writing, starring in and directing such hit comedies as From Bejing With Love (1994) and God of Cookery (1996).

Chow broke out internationally with 2001's Shaolin Soccer, in which he demonstrated a particular knack for using outlandish CGI special effects to enhance kung fu scenes. Shaolin Soccer possessed a spirited, almost cartoon-like quality, but it never felt like a video game, unlike a certain couple of mega-budget Hollywood sci-fi sequels which also used CGI to enhance their kung fu scenes.

Shaolin Soccer became the highest-grossing locally made film in Hong Kong, and held that record until Chow's follow-up, Kung Fu Hustle was released. It's not hard to see why.

With Kung Fu Hustle, Chow takes his crazy comedy action sensibility to the next level and presents a jaw-dropping parade of set-pieces that dazzle the eyes and tickle the funny bone.

Surpassing the dizzy highs of Shaolin Soccer, Chow is now even defter at using CGI (computer generated imagery) to elevate kung fu scenes, and gives western filmmakers another lesson in the creative possibilities of such enhancements. Fists hurl, legs twirl and bodies fly. And it's all freakin' awesome.

The action scenes get progressively larger as the film progresses, and culminate in a spectacular battle that literally reaches the sky.

Other memorable moments include a musician who fights with his instruments - each note is a lethal weapon; the creative use of a massive bell to amplify an epic scream; and one character realising his true destiny only after having his head smashed literally through the ground.

As that last comment suggests, Kung Fu Hustle is pretty violent, but thanks to the tone and seemingly indestructible nature of certain characters, it never seems extreme or severe. To take offence would be like wincing at Wile E. Coyote being squashed by a boulder in a Road Runner cartoon.

So despite the "M" rating, which recommends the film to people over 16, parents shouldn't worry about anyone aged 10 and up being traumatised by anything they see here. The younger kids will most likely be in heaven - the film is subtitled, but the pleasures are primarily visual.

Chow's weird sense of humour doesn't always translate directly - but sometimes it's refreshing to be exposed to another kind of funny. And anyone who enjoyed Shaolin Soccer will lap it up.

The film has non-traditional character dynamics - Chow's Sing is ostensibly the protagonist, but there are extended periods of the film in which he does not appear. But this allows the aforementioned aging kung fu masters (played by various kung fu cinema veterans) to come to the fore and shine with their odd charisma and bizarre specific skills. Who knew there was a frog style?

Stephen Chow displays a healthy absurdist outlook, and it makes Kung Fu Hustle an uplifting, delirious chop-socky delight.

Highly recommended.

Dominic Corry

Kung Fu Hustle opens nationwide on August 25th.