We thought we were just going to a screening but ended up at the domestic premiere of Stephen Chow's Kung Fu Hustle (originally titled Gong Fu) at the Arclight. Sony Pictures Classics treated us to Chinese dragon dancers and a kung fu display before we waited for 10 minutes while the overbooked cineramadome tried to clear the aisleways so the movie could start.
What a film. We really enjoyed last year's Shaolin Soccer but this tale of tommy gun era Kung Fu gangsters and a lock picker who may or may not have a destiny to meet is an excellent movie theater experience. Part-comedy, sometimes musical, all-action, the crowd laughed regularly and was consistently surprised with the turns of the story that has no right to make sense but does.
It is officially our favorite film of 2005. At least until Sin City opens tomorrow.
Highly, highly recommended.
