The last few years have seen many excellent Chinese movies ranging from historical dramas, as in The Emperor and the Assassin, to brilliant action movies, Hero, House of Flying Daggers, comedies like Shaolin Soccer, thrillers like infernal affairs and more.

Kung Fu Hustle is the next step of what I consider the growing up of the Chinese Film Industry. Gong Fu is an action film full of some of the finest martial arts you can find. But it does not stop there. Latest cgi and cinematic effects are deployed with ease to make the experience truly magnificent. This part could describe a well made but typical Hollywood action production. But Gong Fu grows beyond that, incorporating very satirical elements that make this movie a treat. If you are a fan of Kung Fu movies or if you are a critic, this film can entice both as it presents a delectable parody of the genre without taking itself too seriously. In so far it accomplishes what Hollywood has lost somewhere along the way, the ability to make a funny and inventive movie that is filled with little thoughtful vignettes to discover while still appealing to a broad public.

There are scenes, which are so overdrawn that they become surreal, moments when you can not believe what is happening on screen. Typical clichés like bad synchronization so common in past Chinese movies are delightfully played upon. In parts of the movie I was even reminded of scenes from Dragonball Z and other anime. But underneath it all Gong Fu does not hide its social critique and puts the finger on several points that might hurt if you think about them.

Overall this is a movie for nearly everyone, providing gags and entertainment, if you just want to relax, and little hints and thoughts to contemplate, if you are of the thoughtful persuasion. In my opinion it is one of this years top movies. Recommended!!!