It seems the only people who don't have to worry about the cruelty of the Axe Gang are those who are already in dire straits. Only the most poverty stricken are unaware of the Axe Gang, and then only because they have nothing worth taking. So, while they have to fight starvation, some haven't even heard of the Axe Gang.
That is, until one day when a couple of petty street thugs happen into the "Pig Sty Alley" slum and try to push the poor townsfolk around under the pretenses that they were, in fact, Axe Gang members. Since this meant nothing to these poverty-stricken people, the thugs almost had to fight the town. Instead, they "called for reinforcements" the way the real Axe Gang called for reinforcements, with fireworks. Surprising all involved, real Axe Gang reinforcements show up. In the short fight that follows, it becomes apparent that there is a Master Fighter living alongside the residents of Pig Sty Alley. Unfortunately this brings the Axe Gang down on Pig Sty Alley in a big way. The Axe Gang does not take defeat well.
All of these events are set into motion by a fool who is trying to get into the Axe Gang. He wants to be bad, but his reason is because he tried being good and defending someone once and failed miserably and was beaten badly. His epiphany? Good guys never win. However, unbeknownst to everyone, it is this very fool who must find a way to channel his Chi and unlock his true potential, for he is the only one who can ultimately defeat the Axe Gang.
Written by and Starring Stephen Chow (Director and Star of Shaolin Soccer), Kung Fu Hustle is an interesting movie, filled with action and comedy, in nearly equal measures. Kung Fu Hustle features fighting sequences by Sammo Hung and Yuen Wo Ping (famed choreographer of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, and The Matrix). While it's a live action movie, there are certain visuals that are very cartoon-like in appearance, such as feet becoming flattened when they are smashed. Also, there are scenes that feature people running really fast, and these are done in the style of Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote, with a circular blur of motion where legs should be. Some scenes are even accentuated with sound effects that would be at home in a cartoon. Entertainment Weekly put it well, "Think Kill Bill meets Looney Toons".
But, there are more inspirations that can be seen in Kung Fu Hustle than just these two. This film was obviously influenced by old Kung Fu movies, Bruce Lee and The Matrix. There's even a Spider-Man reference... see if you can catch that one.
One thing that could detract from some people's enjoyment is the fact that the movie is subtitled. It didn't bother me much, but some people really frown on subtitles.
Kung Fu Hustle is one of those rare movies that simply works, but is a bit hard to describe. Is it a funny Action flick or a exciting Comedy? Somehow, this one straddles the line, and even looks like it might be a Musical at certain points, creating a style all its own.
