Stephen Chow’s legendary comedy-action film Kung Fu Hustle, a movie that effortlessly draws viewers in until the very last scene once they start watching, has finally returned to South Korean theaters after an incredible 21 years.
The nostalgic humor that had audiences laughing out loud when the film was first released in 2005 is coming back to life on the big screen. Its return has sparked enthusiastic reactions among moviegoers, many of whom are celebrating the comeback of a true cinematic masterpiece.
Kung Fu Hustle was first released in South Korea on January 14, 2005, attracting more than 820,000 moviegoers.
The film introduced a unique blend of comedy and martial arts action, combining the sophisticated fight choreography of traditional martial arts films with hilariously exaggerated scenes and absurd storytelling.
In particular, Stephen Chow’s signature eccentric facial expressions and unpredictable plot developments have given the film a distinctive charm that has not faded over time.
Set in 1940s Shanghai, the story follows Sing, a clumsy small-time gangster who dreams of joining the notorious Axe Gang.
While pretending to be a member of the Axe Gang, he visits Pigsty Alley, a shabby slum inhabited by seemingly ordinary people, including a laundryman, a noodle shop owner, and a coolie. However, a surprising secret lies beneath their humble appearances: they are all extraordinarily powerful martial arts masters.
The unbelievable battles that suddenly erupt in this seemingly ordinary neighborhood deliver some of the film’s most spectacular moments.
One of the main reasons the movie continues to be celebrated is its collection of uniquely imaginative action sequences.
Among the most memorable are the landlady’s devastating Lion’s Roar, unleashed by a woman who normally walks around in slippers, and her husband’s impressive Tai Chi techniques.
Another unforgettable moment is the Tathagata Palm technique, which appears during the battle against the ultimate villain, the Beast. The spectacular CGI, featuring an enormous palm descending from the sky, combined with the film’s over-the-top direction, has continued to inspire countless memes and parodies.
Although the film places a strong emphasis on humor and comedy, its action choreography is equally impressive.
Renowned martial arts choreographer Yuen Woo-ping participated in the production, incorporating the powerful and authentic martial arts choreography he had demonstrated in films such as The Matrix and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
Produced on a budget of approximately $20 million, the film grossed $104.83 million worldwide, successfully demonstrating the appeal of combining comedy with traditional martial arts. It remains one of Stephen Chow’s signature works.
Even after all these years, news of the theatrical re-release has sparked an outpouring of praise online. Comments include, “I’ve watched it dozens of times on Blu-ray, but I absolutely have to see it in theaters again,” and “It’s the kind of movie I can never stop watching whenever it comes on TV.”
Some moviegoers who were in their 20s when the film was first released in 2005 are now returning to theaters in their 40s. Through its November 2026 re-release at Megabox, along with a special weekend movie poster giveaway, Kung Fu Hustle is once again proving that a true masterpiece can transcend generations.
Sources: Daum