I got to see Kung Fu Hustle tonight in a free preview screening at Sony Pictures Studio. I don’t watch kung fu movies, so I have no basis for comparison, but I thought this one was awesome. Very stylized, incredibly incredibly funny, and great use of music. During one scene Margaret said she was laughing so hard she cried, and I know I myself was at the point where I wasn’t even laughing audibly anymore, just shaking in utter hilarity–quite a change from the last movie I watched with Margaret! I loved it. The movie also made me think, this is why I don’t like Kill Bill all that much: I have very little stomach for graphic violence and gore, and this movie shows that you can have that fabulous style and great humor without having to be so incredibly bloody. (Not that this one didn’t also have its moments, but still. I did spend most of it with my eyes open.) Watching this movie (and hanging out with Margaret) was the perfect end to my last day of classes for the quarter.
I encourage you to go see the movie when it comes out! Check for it in the first couple of weeks of April; release dates are limited and I think they vary by city.
Now I have to see Shaolin Soccer, since it’s by the same director.
[This post was imported on 4/10/14 from my old blog at satsumabug.livejournal.com.]
satsumabug.com | Lisa Hsia 
Lucky ducky, getting to check out that preview screening. I liked Kill Bill, but I expect to really love Kung Fu Hustle (though to be fair, Kill Bill is an homage to many genres, not just HK cinema and aims for sinister tone).
That’s true, you’re right about that. I missed many of the finer points of Kill Bill, since I watched most of it either through my fingers or with my face mostly buried in my boyfriend’s shoulder! Can’t stand watching the violence.
Too bad you couldn’t be at the screening, since you’re so interested in watching: the theatre was less than half full!
Ack! Get me an invitation next time 😉
Get thee on their mailing list! (Try emailing this person.)
Also, next time I’ll post an announcement of my journal for the LA people. 🙂
Er, announcement on.