KUNG FU HUSTLE aka GUNGFU
Year: 2004
USA: Sony Pictures Classics
UK: Columbia TriStar Films (UK)
Cast: Stephen Chow, Yuen Wah, Leung Siu Lung, Dong Zhi Hua, Chiu Chi Ling, Xing Yu, Chan Kwok Kwan, Lam Tze Chung, Tin Kai Man, Jia Kang Xi, Fung Hak On, Feng Xiao Gang, Huang Sheng Yi, Yuen Qiu, Lam Suet
Director: Stephen Chow
Country: China / Hong Kong
Language: Cantonese (English Subtitles)
USA & UK: 99 mins
USA Rated: R for sequences of strong stylized action and violence
UK Certificate: 15 contains strong violence
USA Release Date: 22 April 2005
USA Release Date: 8 April 2005 (Limited Release - Los Angeles and New York)
UK Release Date: 24 June 2005


Synopsis

From Asia's top comedy star Stephen Chow comes KUNG FU HUSTLE, the much anticipated follow-up to his smash 2001 hit SHAOLIN SOCCER, which broke box office records across the region, becoming the highest grossing action comedy in Hong Kong history. Columbia Pictures Film Production Asia, the Asian film production unit of Sony Pictures Entertainment and Beijing Film Studio of China Film Group Corporation are proud to be partnering with Chow's Hong Kong-based company, The Star Overseas Ltd., on KUNG FU HUSTLE. The film marks Chow's first collaboration with a Hollywood studio.

For the production, Stephen Chow assembled some of the industry's top cast and crew, including the legendary action choreographer Yuen Wo Ping. Yuen's work on Columbia's CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON and THE MATRIX has set the standard for breathtaking action sequences over the past few years.

KUNG FU HUSTLE also marks the realization of Stephen Chow's long time dream to make a film that celebrates the many forms of martial arts - a lifetime passion for Chow. The film also displays Chow's wry sense of humor, very much evident in SHAOLIN SOCCER, while at the same time giving Chow what he calls "the chance to pay homage to the type of kung fu movies I grew up on." In addition to starring in and directing the film, Chow is also one of the producers and writers of KUNG FU HUSTLE.

Set amid the chaos of pre-revolutionary China, small time thief, Sing, aspires to be one of the sophisticated and ruthless Axe Gang whose underworld activities overshadow the city. Stumbling across a crowded apartment complex aptly known as "Pig Sty Alley," Sing attempts to extort money from one of the ordinary locals, but the neighbors are not what they appear. Sing's comical attempts at intimidation inadvertently attract the Axe Gang into the fray, setting off a chain of events that brings the two disparate worlds face-to-face. As the inhabitants of the Pig Sty fight for their lives, the ensuing clash of kung fu titans unearths some legendary martial arts masters. Sing, despite his futile attempts, lacks the soul of a killer, and must face his own mortality in order to discover the true nature of the kung fu master.




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