Chinese title:

Gong Fu / Kung Fu

 

English title:

Kung Fu Hustle

 

Set up:

Set in the 1940's China, small time thief, aspires to be one of the sophisticated and ruthless Axe Gang whose underworld activities oversahdow the city...

 

Official international site

 

Official US site

 

Asia:

Dec. 2004

 

North America:

Apr. 8, 05 (NY / LA)

Apr. 22, 05 (Nationwide)

 

Posters:

 
 
 
 
 
 

Trailer:

Teaser 3

Teaser 2: A B
Teaser 1: A B
 
US trailer:
QuickTime: High Low

Windows Media: High Low

Real: High Low
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

Stephen Chow Postpones KUNG FU HUSTLE 2 for a Space Adventure (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

 

 

April 16, 2006

 

(Universe)

During a promotional event yesterday in Shanghai, Stephen Chow said he would postpone the production of Kung Fu Hustle sequel to have more time to polish the story and he would do another project first. This untitled project will involve a lot of kid actors and according to an earlier report, Chow will play an astronaut somehow falls in love with a girl in space. Casting and location scouting have already began for the new project. No further details have been given.

 

More Kung Fu / Kung Fu Hustle

 
 

     
   
     
     

 

KUNG FU Returns to HUSTLE in July, According to Yue Qiu (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

 

 

February 1, 2006

 

Yuen Qiu in Kung Fu Hustle
(China Film Group)

Yue Qiu, who played the landlady in Kung Fu Hustle, said shooting of the sequel would begin in July, according to some newspaper in China. She said the project was very well on track and the rumor about Stephen Chow's next project, in which he plays an astronaut helping an alien kid returning home, was completely bogus. There has been many rumors about the sequel and few of them are confirmed true. Stephen Chow has rarely talked about about the developing of the sequel project.

 

 

 

 

 

 

British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Nomination List (BAFTA.co.uk)

 

 

January 19, 2006

 

(Focus Features, Columbia Pictures, DreamWorks Films, China Film Group)

Ang Lee's cowboy love story Brokeback Mountain received nominations in nine categories, including film, direction, actor in a leading role, actor in a supporting role, music, cinematography and editing. Memoirs of A Geisha, a tale about the east told in the west, is nominated to compete for six awards, including actress in a leading role (Zhang Ziyi), music, cinematography, production design, costume design and make up & hair. Stephen Chow's comedy actioner  Kung Fu Hustle is listed in the category of film not in the English language.

 

 

Brokeback Mountain

Film - Diana Ossana / James Schamus

The David Lean Award for achievement in Direction - Ang Lee

Adapted Screenplay - Larry McMurtry / Diana Ossana
Actor in a Leading Role - Heath Ledger

Actor in a Supporting Role - Jake Gyllenhaal

Actress in a Supporting Role - Michelle Williams
The Anthony Asquith Award for Achievement in Film Music - Gustavo Santaolalla

Cinematography - Rodrigo Prieto
Editing - Geraldine Peroni / Dylan Tichenor


Memoirs of a Geisha

Actress in a Leading Role - Ziyi Zhang

The Anthony Asquith Award for Achievement in Film Music - John Williams

Cinematography - Dion Beebe
Production Design - John Myhre

Costume Design - Colleen Atwood

Make up & Hair - Noriko Watanabe / Kate Biscoe / Lyndell Quiyou / Kelvin R Trahan 
 

Kung Fu Hustle

Film Not in the English Language  - Stephen Chow / Chui Po Chu / Jeff Lau

 

The complete nomination list.

 

 

 

Yue Qiu Says Shooting of KUNG FU HUSTLE Sequel Might Start in May (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

 

 

December 14, 2005

 

Yuen Qiu in Kung Fu Hustle
(China Film Group)

Yue Qiu, who played the landlady in Kung Fu Hustle, recently said shooting of the action comedy might start in May and director Stephen Chow had asked her to boost her weight to over 140 pounds and to do more martial-art practice. She said she knew nothing about the sequel's plot except she would resume her role as the landlady. There have been many casting rumors lately and none of them is confirmed by Stephen Chow himself. Huang Shengyi, who played the deaf girl in the original, has lost any hope of returning to the sequel since she departed from Stephen Chow's agency company.

 

 

 

KUNG FU HUSTLE 2 Will Go into Production This Fall? (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

 

 

August 14, 2005

 

Stephen Chow and Huang Shengyi. Chan Kwok-Kwan Huang Shengyi
(China Film Group Corp. / HTF / Columbia Tristar Film Distribution International).

According to the Taiwanese media, filming of the sequel to Kung Fu Hustle will begin in Shanghai this September or October and will complete by the yearend. Almost everyone, including Stephen Chow himself, Lam Tse-Chung (Chow's sidekick), Yuen Qiu (the Landlady) and Yuen Wah (the Landlord), will reappear in the sequel. Even Chan Kwok-Kwan, whose character died in the first film, will return with a new character. However, Huang Shengyi, who played the female lead, is currently trying to leave Steven Chow's agency and her chance of returning to the sequel is quite small. The action will still be handled by Yuen Wo-Ping and there will be more action sequences in the sequel. The budget is about US$ 15 million and part of it comes from Sony Pictures.

 
 

KUNG FU / KUNG FU HUSTLE US Poster (Sony Pictures Classics)

February 27, 2005

(Sony Pictures Classics)

It is a variation of the original Chinese poster.

 

(Thanks to Alexis Moore of Sony Pictures Classics.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KUNG FU / KUNG FU HUSTLE Official US Site Launched In Full (Sony Pictures Classics)

February 24, 2005

(Sony Pictures Classics)

Official US site

 

(Thanks to Alexis Moore of Sony Pictures Classics.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

KUNG FU / KUNG FU HUSTLE Becomes Hong Kong's Top Grower (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

February 8, 2005

Stephen Chow

Stephen Chow and Leung Siu-Tung. Stephen Chow and Yuen Wo-Ping.
(TungStarl)

By yesterday, Kung Fu Hustle's box-office revenue has soared to HK$ 60.83 million (US$7.80 million), surpassed the previous record holder Shaolin Soccer by HK$ 30,000. Shaolin Soccer's record was achievement through 84 days and  Kung Fu Hustle' has only been released for 46 days.

 

KUNG FU / KUNG FU HUSTLE US Trailer in QuickTime (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

January 27, 2004

(China Film Group Corp. / HTF / Columbia Tristar Film Distribution International).

It is the same trailer released in December. About the background music in the trailer - the first one is from the original soundtracks and the second one is not. I am glad people from Sony Pictures Classics decided to drop that "Everybody was kung fu fighting" song, which is not part of movie. March 18 is the day picked for the North American release.

 

QuickTime: High Low (Thanks to Alexis Moore of Sony Pictures Classics.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hong Kong's The 10th Golden Bauhinina Awards Nomination (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

January 25, 2005

Universe International Holdings, Ltd., Beijing New Picture Films, Elite Group (2003) Enterprises, Inc., HTF, Media Asia, Tang Moon International Productions, Ltd., Block 2 Pictures, Shanghai Film Group Corp., / China Film Group Corp. / Columbia Tristar Film Distribution International).

Hong Kong Film Critics Associated has released the nomination list for the 10th Golden Bauhinia Awards yesterday. Stephen Chow's comedy action Kung Fu Hustle received six nominations and local production One Nite in Mongkok gets five. Wong Kar-Wai's 2046, A World without Thieves from the mainland China and 20, 30, 40, co-production between Taiwan and Hong Kong, each has four nominations. Winners will be announced next month.

 

Click here for the complete list.

 

 

Hong Kong Film Critic Society Awards Announced (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

January 18, 2005

L to R: McDull Prince de la Bun, One Nite in Mongkok, A-1, 2046 (Mov3.com, Media Asia, Panorama Entertainment, Block 2 Pictures, Shanghai Film Group Corp.)

Yesterday Hong Kong Film Critic Society announced its pick of the best of 2004. Although Hong Kong film industry only released 60 movies last year, it spent the critics a long time to come out the list. The best film is awarded to McDull Prince de la Bun, an animated sequel about the new adventure of a little pig. Yee Tung-Shing won the title of Best Director for One Nite in Mongkok. Gordon Chan and Chung Kai-Cheong's screenplay for A-1 is selected as  the best. Leung Chiu-Wai was named the Best Actor, after defeating Lau Ching-Wan (Fantasia), Eason Chan (Love Battlefield) and Leung Ka-Fai (A-1 and Dumping - Three ... Extreme). Previously he received the title for Infernal Affairs. However, the tightest competition was for the title of Best Actress. According to local newspaper Sing Pao Daily, there were five actress remained in the race after the first round of ballot - Zhang Ziyi (2046), Bai Ling (Dumping - Three ... Extreme), Teresa Cheung (Colour Blossoms), Yuen Qiu (Kung Fu Hustle) and Liu Joyin (20 30 40). Among them, Zhang Ziyi and Teresa Cheung were tied as the front runner, and  Zhang Ziyi finally won after five rounds of ballot. This is her first best actress title from the city.

 

The complete list:

Best Picture: McDull Prince de la Bun

Best Director: Yee Tung-Shing (One Nite in Mongkok)

Best Screenwriters: Gordon Chan and Chung Kai-Cheong (A-1)

Best Actor: Leung Chiu-Wai (2046)

Best Actress: Zhang Ziyi (2046)

Films Recommended: Dumping - Three ... Extreme, One Nite in Mongkok, Throw Down, Kung Fu Hustle, Love Battlefield, A-1, Colour Blossoms, 2046, Breaking News.

 

KUNG FU / KUNG FU HUSTLE US Trailer (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

December 28, 2004

(China Film Group Corp. / HTF / Columbia Tristar Film Distribution International).

Windows Media: High Low

Real: High Low

 

(Thanks to Alexis Moore of Sony Pictures Classics and "Paul".)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KUNG FU / KUNG FU HUSTLE Is Still Making History In Asia (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

January 10, 2005

Stephen Chow

Stephen Chow and Leung Siu-Tung. Stephen Chow and Yuen Wo-Ping.
(TungStarl)

According to variable sources, the film has made 160 million yuans (US$19.33 million) by the third weekend, surpassing Zhang Yimou's House of Flying Daggers as the second all-time top grower, only next to Zhang Yimou's another film Hero (250 million yuans / US$30.21 million). In Hong Kong, it dropped to the second slot with the accumulated revenue of HK$53.40 million (US$6.85 million), after occupied the top slot for two weeks. In Taiwan, it remains at the top after three weeks. The accumulated box-office revenue, of less than ten countries in Asia, has reached US$47 million, with openings in South Korea and Japan yet to come.

 

More Kung Fu / Kung Fu Hustle

-

KUNG FU / KUNG FU HUSTLE Makes History Continuously (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

January 3, 2005

Stephen Chow

Stephen Chow and Leung Siu-Tung. Stephen Chow and Yuen Wo-Ping.
(TungStarl)

Kung Fu (Kung Fu Hustle) is continuously making box-office wonder. In the mainland China, the 10-day revenue (Dec. 23 - Jan. 1) crossed the mark of 100 million yuans (US$12.08  million) on the first day of 2005 (Sat.); in Hong Kong, it collected HK$ 46.91 million (US$ 6.03 million) by the 11th day (Dec. 23 - Jan. 2); and in Taiwan, the figure reached TW$ 100 million (US$ 3.15 millions) in 9 days (Dec. 24 - Jan. 1), breaking the previous record of 11 days, set by Lord of the Rings: The Return of the Kings.

 

More Kung Fu / Kung Fu Hustle

-

Stephen Gets A Few Scripts For KUNG FU / KUNG FU HUSTLE Sequel (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

December 28, 2004

(China Film Group Corp. / HTF / Columbia Tristar Film Distribution International).

According to Chinese newspaper Nanjing Daily, Stephen Chow's assistant Ngai Dat-Sing said  several scripts were prepared for Kung Fu / Kung Fu Hustle sequel and shooting would begin after  they made the pick. A series of contests have been held in several Chinese cities for people to show up their tricks. Winners will be given the opportunity to perform in the sequel. (Click here to download a commercial for the contests.)

 

More Kung Fu / Kung Fu Hustle

 

 

 

 

 

 

KUNG FU / KUNG FU HUSTLE Breaks Records Everywhere (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

December 27, 2004

Stephen Chow

Stephen Chow and Leung Siu-Tung. Stephen Chow and Yuen Wo-Ping.
(TungStarl)

In the mainland China, the three day record (Thur. - Sun.) is approximately

50 million yuans (US$ 6.04 million), breaking the record set by Hero two years ago. It collected more than 10 million yuans (US$ 1.21 million) on opening day (Thur.) and the record doubled on Friday, breaking the single-day record set by Hero (18 million yuans). In the city of Hong Kong, the revenue in the first two days (Thur. and Fri.) reached HK$10,560,770 (US$ 1.36 million) and the three day record (Thur. - Sat.) is roughly HK$ 15 million (US$ 1.93). During the first day (Thur.), it earned HK$ 4.11 million (US$ 0.53 million), ten times more than The Polar Express (opened on the same day) and Shark Tale (opened a week earlier) did. In Taiwan, the opening day record (Fri.) is TW$ 15.4 million (US$ 0.48 million), breaking the Friday record set by The Day After Tomorrow (TW$ 10.0 million) and the Saturday number reached TW$ 25.0 million (US$ 0.78 million), 25% more than the preview record set by Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets. The number should reach TW$ 100 million by Sunday. Kung Fu is also doing very well in Singapore and Malaysia.

 

Another Chinese film, A World Without Thieves, has earned more than 90 million yuans (US$ 10.87) in the mainland China and HK$ 4.31 million (US$ 0.55 million) in Hong Kong in two weeks. The all-time highest earner in the mainland China is Hero (250 yuans / US$ 30.21million) and this year's champion, so far, is House Of Flying Daggers (150 yuans / US$ 18.12 million).

 

Follow-Up Report:

According to MovieXclusive.com, Kung Fu / Kung Fu Hustle ranked No.1 at Singapore's weekend box-office report with SG$1,885,201 (US$ 1.15 million), a new record for the island nation. It is currently occupies the No.7 spot at the All-Time Opening ranking, with SG$1,885,,210.34, surpassing many Hollywood titles like The Lord Of The Rings, Harry Potter and The Mummy series.

(Thanks to "Ethan aka 'The One'".)

 

More Kung Fu / Kung Fu Hustle

-

Leung Siu-Lung Shows Off "The Toad Skill" In KUNG FU / KUNG FU HUSTLE

(MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

December 26, 2004

(China Film Group Corp. / HTF / Columbia Tristar Film Distribution International).

(Sina.com)

Leung Siu-Lung started his film career in 1973 and in less than two decades he made over 70 films. In the late 1970's, he turned his interest to TV drama and made over 1000 episodes of TV series in less than a decade. In Hong Kong, he was dubbed one of "The Three Dragons", along with Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. In the mid 1980's, he made a visit to the mainland China and his projects were subsequently banned in Taiwan. Because Taiwan was a major market for Hong Kong's film and TV industry at that time, Leung Siu-Lung was forced to quit acting. In 2000, he went to Beijing and starred in a TV series. In Kung Fu / Kung Hu Hustle, he played Huo Yun Xie Shen (Evil God of Fire and Cloud; called "The Beast" on the official site), a mental kung-fu master, who had a final duel with Sing played by Stephen Chow.

 

More Kung Fu / Kung Fu Hustle

-

KUNG FU / KUNG FU HUSTLE The Making-Of Special (ZhouXingchi.cn)

December 25, 2004

(China Film Group Corp. / HTF / Columbia Tristar Film Distribution International).

The following is a special program aired on China's CCTV. It contains a 40 minute long making-of featurette. The file is huge and the download will be very long but it is worthy.

 

Click here to download the video.

 

Note: BitComet is required. Click here to download BitComet first.

 

More Kung Fu / Kung Fu Hustle

 

 

 

 

 

KUNG FU / KUNG FU HUSTLE Sequel Announced? (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

December 24, 2004

(China Film Group Corp. / HTF / Columbia Tristar Film Distribution International).

Stephen Chow's newest CG-enhanced kung-fu comedy - Kung Kung (Kung Fu Hustle) started showing in Chinese cities yesterday. Revenue from midnight screenings is near 10 million yuans (US$ 1.2 million). Yesterday Stephen Chow and company went to Taiwan, which will received its own Kung Fu treatment starting today. At a news conference, a representative from Columbia even announced that the sequel to Kung Fu is definitely coming. Kung Fu is produced by China Film Group Corp., Beijing based Huayi Brothers & Taihe Film Investment Co., Ltd. and the Asian branch of Columbia Pictures.

 

Click here for details.

 

 

 

 

Opening This Week: December 18 - 24, 2004 (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

December 24, 2004

(China Film Group Corp. / HTF / Columbia Tristar Film Distribution International).

This weekend, everybody got see Kung Fu!

 

Click here for details.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KUNG FU / KUNG FU HUSTLE International Full Trailer  (KungFuHustle.com)

December 12, 2004

 

(China Film Group Corp. / HTF / Columbia Tristar Film Distribution International).

Official site

 

(Thanks to the anonymous for the screen grabs).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More KUNG FU / KUNG FU HUSTLE Stills (NetEase / ZhouXingchi.cn

December 6, 2004

(China Film Group Corp. / HTF / Columbia Tristar Film Distribution International).

For more stills, click here and here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New KUNG FU / KUNG FU HUSTLE Poster (Star Daily)

December 2, 2004

(China Film Group Corp. / HTF / Columbia Tristar Film Distribution International).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KUNG FU / KUNG FU HUSTLE Behind The Scene Clip (Sina.com)

December 1, 2004

(China Film Group Corp. / HTF / Columbia Tristar Film Distribution International).

This is a short video of Kung Fu / Kung Fu Hustle press conference held yesterday in Hong Kong. It also contains a few behind the scene clips:

 

Hi-Res   Lo-Res

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KUNG FU / KUNG FU HUSTLE Stills (Sohu.com)

November 28, 2004

(China Film Group Corp. / HTF / Columbia Tristar Film Distribution International)

For more: click

here, here, and  here.

 

More Kung Fu / Kung Fu Hustle

 

 

 

KUNG FU / KUNG FU HUSTLE Clip (ZhouXingchi.cn)

November 27, 2004

 

This clip was shown to representatives of potential sponsors and reporters at a press conference in China recently.

 

Click here for details.

 

Left: the third poster design exclusively to Hong Kong (China Film Group Corp. / HTF / Columbia Tristar Film Distribution International).

 

Stills: KUNG FU / KUNG FU HUSTLE (Mov.3 / KingNet.com.tw / TungStar)

November 22, 2004

Stephen Chow

Teaser poster

(MonkeyPeaches)

Stephen Chow and Lam Tse-Chung

Yuen Qiu

 

 

 

 

Chan Kwok-Kwan as the leader of Axe Gang.

Click here for more.

Director Feng Xiaogang (L) cameoed the head of Crocodile Gang.

(China Film Group Corp. / HTF / Columbia Tristar Film Distribution International)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KUNG FU / KUNG FU HUSTLE Images (Various)

November 7, 2004

(China Film Group Corp. / HTF / Columbia Tristar Film Distribution International / Photocome)

The Chinese language poster and a small collection of stills.

 

 

 

KUNG FU / KUNG FU HUSTLE International Trailer (Sony Pictures Japan)

October 31, 2004

The international trailer from the official Japanese site:

QuickTime: Hi Lo

Windows Media: Hi Lo

Real: Hi Lo

 

KUNG FU / KUNG FU HUSTLE Official Site Launched In Full (KungFuHustle.com)

October 22, 2004

(China Film Group Corp. / HTF / Columbia Tristar Film Distribution International)

Click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More KUNG FU / KUNG FU HUSTLE Reviews (AICN)

September 21, 2004

Click

here

here

and here.

 

(Thanks to "Liling Chen".)

 

 

KUNG FU / KUNG FU HUSTLE - More Stills And More Trailers (Sina.com / Sony Pictures Japan)

September 9, 2004

(China Film Group Corp. / HTF / Columbia Tristar Film Distribution  International)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More stills.

 

Teaser trailer No. 3: Kung Fu / Kung Fu Hustle (Windows Media Video / 0:43)

 

Teaser trailer No. 2: Kung Fu / Kung Fu Hustle (Windows Media Video / 0:48)

 

Official Japanese Site (with teaser trailer No. 1 in Japanese).

 

KUNG FU / KUNG FU HUSTLE Official Site Launched With Teaser No. 2 (KungFuHustle.com)

September 8, 2004

(China Film Group Corp. / HTF / Columbia Tristar Film Distribution International)

Click here

 

(Thanks to "Jay".)

KUNG FU / KUNG FU HUSTLE Stills, Lots Of (ZhouXingchi.cn / Apple Daily)

August 30, 2004

(Star Overseas / Huayi Brothers Taihe Film / Sony Pictures Classics)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more, click here and here.

 

(Thanks to Ryo Saeba.)

KUNG FU / KUNG FU HUSTLE Teaser (bvi.com.tw)

August 25, 2004

Teaser trailer: Kung Fu / Kung Fu Hustle (QuickTime / 0:39)

Click here to download the trailer.

 

Just ignore the annoying song!

 

Transcript:

Columbia Pictures proudly presents the highly anticipated new film from internationally acclaimed superstar Stephen Chow. ... "Mister, would you teach us Shaolin soccer?" ... "##!" ... Stephen Chow ... Kung Fu Hustle ... This Christmas ...

 

(Thanks to Curtis Tsui.)

 

KUNG FU / KUNG FU HUSTLE Poster (Information Times)

July 23, 2004

(Shanghai Film Studios)

According to Chinese paper Information Times, this is a teaser poster of Stephen Chow's Kung Fu (English title: Kung Fu Hustle) and the guy in it is Stephen Chow himself.

Stephen Chow Returns To Shanghai For More Shoots (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)
February 18, 2003

Kung Fu /

Kung Fu Hustle

According to Nanfang Daily, Stephen Chow and his team secretly returned to Shanghai to get make shots. During the postproduction, some shots were found less satisfiable, and fixing these shots with computer would be too costly.

 

See Stephen Chow Vs. The Axe Gang In KUNG FU / KUNG FU HUSTLE (Southca.com)

January 15, 2004

The first production still of Kung Fu (English title: Kung Fu Hustle) has been posted on Southca.com.

 

The new comedy action flick by Hong Kong star Stephen Chow is currently under post-production.

 

More coverage on the film

KUNG FU Cast And Crew Posing For Camera (Jiefang Daily)

October 8, 2003

 

The incomplete cast and crew of Kung Fu / Kung Fu Hustle have shown up during a promotional event (not related to the film) in Shanghai. Can you tell who is who?

 

Jiefang Daily

 

Report From The Set Of KUNG FU (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

September 8, 2003

Stephen Chow (facing away from the camera), Yuen Wo-Ping and leading girl Huang Shengyi.

Unusual hot weather forces the crew to shoot daytime scenes during the night.

                               

                                 Jiefang Daily

Action director Yuen Wo-Ping has been working with KUNG FU crew for two weeks in Shanghai, according to Shanghai's Jiefang Daily. As the new AD to replace Sammo Hung, he has modified some fight sequences. Reportedly, Yuen's demand is much higher and tougher. His choreography is also different from his predecessor. The paper also revealed names of more cast members - 1970's kung-fu film veteran Leung Siu-Lung, one of the "Seven Fortune" Yuen Wa, three cast members from Shaolin Soccer - Tin Kai-man, Lam Ji-chung and Chan Gwok-kwan, director Lau Chun-Wai, who is also sharing some directing works with Stephen Chow, and the leading girl, newcomer Huang Shengyi.

KUNG FU On-Set Earthquake - Sammo Hung Out And Yuen Wo-Ping In (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

August 20, 2003

Stephen Chow  felt very sorry. Sommo Hung had "nothing to say". Yuen Wo-Ping will take over the action.
Jiefang Daily Jiefang Daily Edko Films

According to Shanghai paper Jiefang Daily, Sammo Hung has resigned from the post of action director yesterday and Yuen Wo-Ping has been called in to fill the blank. Reportedly, Sammo Hung and Stephen Chow have been clashing on the set. Interviewed by Hong Kong media, he talked about everything, from the high temperature to mosquito on the set. He said he would focus on the production of a new movie in the States. Stephen Chow has shown his regret for Sammo Hung's departure. He praised Sammo's work and said his health was a major concern. However, neither one of them admitted there was any clash on-set. Yuen Wo-Ping has returned from the States and is gathering his troops in Hong Kong for the Shanghai trip. Yuen Wo-Ping told Hong Kong's The Sun that Stephen Chow's Star Overseas would arrange everything and according to his assistant, Yuen must return to the States for a Hollywood production by the end of the year.

Stephen Chow Says KUNG FU Won't Be Out Until Spring 2004 (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

August 13, 2003

KUNG FU /

KUNG FU HUSTLE

Stephen Chow has been talking to Jiefang Daily. He said shooting of KUNG FU (KUNG FU HUSTLE) will last at least four month in Shanghai and all CG effects would be done overseas. Sony, financed the film, will decide when we will see it and according to Stephen Chow, this will not happen until the coming Chinese New Year, at least.

Another Batch Of Spy Photos From The Set Of Stephen Chow's KUNG FU (HUSTLE) (Jiefang Daily)

August 11, 2003

Stephen Chow with an axe wired in the air.

Stephen Chow was tortured along with a big guy.

                                       Jiefang Daily

Photographer from Shanghai's Jiefang Daily has snapped more shots on the set of Stephen Chow's KUNG FU (KUNG FU HUSTLE). This time the shooting took place inside an old factory house at the northeast corner of the city and lasted two full nights. The scene is something like Stephen Chow's character and a big guy getting caught by the bad guys, probably the Axe Gang, and being rescued later.

 

More shots: A, B, C, D, E, F, G

More Shots From The Set Of Stephen Chow's KUNG FU (Jiefang Daily)
July 26, 2003

Jiefang Daily

 

More KUNG FU coverage

(Left) Shooting under way at the multi-million set.

(Right) Office of a community center. The sign shows "Pig Cage Walled City Community Welfare Society / Public Security Squad / Fire Squad) - looks like the set was modeled after Kowloon Walled City of Hong Kong.

 

Other Shots:

Stephen Chow entering the set.

Sammo Hung leaving the set.

Sammo Hung thinking about getting some foot massage at the hotel he stays in.

Stephen Chow entering the hotel he stays in.

A crewmember painting a outdoor sign.

A Look Inside Set Of Stephen Chow's KUNG FU (Jiefang Daily)
July 23, 2003

Jiefang Daily Sina.com

Shanghai's Jiefang Daily just posted picture (left) taken inside the set of KUNG FU / KUNG FU HUSTLE. It shows the interior of an old apartment building from the 1940's. The is also a street built next to the apartment, which is not shown. Picture on the right is the exterior of the set. According to the paper, Stephen Chow is thinking about blowing the set up after the shooting wrapped up or even including the destruction in the story. Based on what we know so far, this is where Stephen Chow's character lives.

Fresh Shots From KUNG FU's Set In Shanghai (Sina.com)
July 14, 2003

Sina.com posted three snapshots taken at the heavily guided backlot of Shanghai Film Studio. The first one is the overall view of the set; the second one shows Stephen Chow, half-naked and bearded; and the third one shows action director Sammo Hung walking out of the set. He said shooting of fight scenes has not started yet  because the actors still need more practice.

First Shot From The Set Of Stephen Chow's KUNG FU (Sina.com)

July 7, 2003

Sina.com

Sina.com just posted the first spy photo taken on the set of Stephen Chow's new comedy action KUNG FU / KUNG FU HUSTLE. Stephen Chow (left) is talking to director Feng Xiaogang (not directing this time), who is making a cameo appearance as a gang leader. The face over Stephen Chow's left shoulder is the representative from Columbia Pictures. The photo was taken at the backlot of Shanghai Film Studio.

 

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Stephen Chow's KUNG FU Starts Rolling In Shanghai June 28, 2003

Stephen Chow's KUNG FU Starts Rolling In Shanghai (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

June 28, 2003

Traditional cutting roasted pig ceremony with Stephen Chow (8th from left), Feng Xiaogang (2nd from left), action director Sammo Hung (2nd from right), suspected female lead Huang Shengyi (3rd from left) and the representative from Columbia (4th from right). (Oriental Daily)

According to Hong Kong media, production of Stephen Chow's newest comedy action KUNG FU (English title: KUNG FU HUSTLE) has started yesterday on the backlot of Shanghai Film Studio in the town of Chedun. A set of old and crowded urban living sector from the 1940's Guangdong Province was built. Stephen Chow's friend, director Feng Xiaogang (BIG SHOT'S FUNERAL) will cameo as a gang leader in the film. Production will last about four months with finance from Columbia's Asian branch. Apparently, Stephen Chow has picked the female lead, whose identity is still unknown

Picture: Stephen Chow's new look

 

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Columbia Picks Up Stephen Chow's KUNG FU (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive) June 3, 2003

Columbia Picks Up Stephen Chow's KUNG FU (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

June 3, 2003

KUNG FU

According to various reports, Columbia will co-finance Stephen Chow's KUNG FU and take charge of the international distribution. This means MiramAxe's handling of SHAOLIN SOCCER has angered another Asian talent. According to Hong Kong's The Sun, the film's English title is KUNG FU HUSTLE. Shooting will start on June 27, most likely in Shanghai. Barbara Robinson, the CPO of Columbia Asia, said KUNG FU would continue Steven Chow's film tradition - small person getting his dream fulfilled. In additional to the element of comedy, the film will also include martial-art and CG effect. Gareth Wigan, Vice Chairman of Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group, said he was very excited about being able to work with Stephen Chow. He said, "Stephen Chow's films are not only very original but also generate fans outside of Asia." KUNG FU will be made by Steven Chow's The Star, Beijing based Huayi Taihe and the Fourth Division of China Film Corp.

 

The plot of KUNG FU is something like this: 1940's, Guangzhou (not Hong Kong?). A Xing (Stephen Chow) is a young man good at gabbing and short on will. Dreaming about becoming somebody, he is eager to join The Axe Gang, notorious for its ruthlessness. The Axe Gang is planning to invade the last remaining spot which is not under their control and is also where A Xing lives. However, A Xing's over-weight overly-demanding landlady and her overly-skinny overcautious husband are all highly skilled martial-artists. And, that's not all - looks like everyone around A Xing has some special talent...

Stephen Chow's KUNG FU Got Another Working Tile - MASTER! I SEE ANOTHER MASTER (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

May 27, 2003

Jiefang Daily reports both names are kept as the project's working titles for now. Stephen Chow just finished his six-day trip to Shanghai. According to the paper, Stephen Chow visited several locations in Shanghai, including the Shanghai Film Studio backlot in the town of Chedun, which has hosted many film and TV productions including PURPLE BUTTERFLY, MO LI HUA KAI (JASMINES BLOOM) and MiramAxe production THE GREAT RAID. City scenes of the old Shanghai has been recreated on the backlot, which will be used to double Hong Kong from the 1950's. While in Shanghai, Stephen Chow also met Sammo Hung, the film's action director. Stephen Chow's assistant Tin Kai-man, told the paper the film will be "absolutely different from SHAOLIN SOCCER" but he refused to say any further. Tin played Iron Jacket in SHAOLIN SOCCER and will take another small role this time. Chinese director Feng Xiaogang (BIG SHOT'S FUNERAL), who worked together in an iced tea commercial, may take one or more than one cameos in the film. Zhao Wei, Mui the steamed bun cook from SHAOLIN SOCCER may also return, but not as the female lead and Stephen Chow has yet decide who should be the female lead. Stephen Chow will fly back to Shanghai next week.

 

Set in the 1950's Hong Kong and a few other places in the mainland China, Stephen Chow is playing some nobody who is dreaming about becoming a kung fu master. He travels around, meets many masters, and eventually becomes a master of his own.

 

MiramAxe has announced a wide released of a chopped and disfigured SHAOLIN SOCCER in North America on August 8, 2003, two years after the film's initial release in Asia.

Sammo Hung To Direct Action For Steven Chow's KUNG FU (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)
May 23, 2002

KUNG FU

According to Hong Kong's Oriental Daily, Sammo Hung has been brought on board as the action director of KUNG FU, the upcoming comedy action by actor/director/screenwriter Steven Chow. Construction of the set of the 1950's Hong Kong will start next month in Shanghai. But he has yet found the female lead after months of searching.

Stephen Chow's KUNG FU Starts Rolling Next Month In Shanghai (Hollywood North Report)

May 11, 2002

KUNG FU

(Stephen Chow)

According to Chengdu Evening, Stephen Chow is about to shoot a new martial-art comedy KUNG FU (formerly known as KUNG FU SCHOOL) starting next month in Shanghai. The story is about some nobody learning martial-arts in the 1950's Hong Kong. The backlot of Shanghai Film Studio at the little town Chedun, also hosted films like PURPLE BUTTERFLY, JASMINES BLOOM and THE GREAT RAID, will be used to double the old Hong Kong. The HK$100 million (US$12.8 million) budget is shared by Stephen Chow's Star / Star Overseas and Beijing-based Huayi Brothers Film Company. Columbia has acquired the international distribution rights. Right, no more MiramAxe! Ng Man-Tat, Stephen Chow's longtime partner, will once again be the No. 2. Zhao Wei, the female lead of SHAOLIN SOCCER, will play a small role and director Feng Xiaogang (BIG SHOT'S FUNERAL) has agreed to do a cameo. Huayi Brothers is still searching for a "fresh face" to be the female lead.

Rumor About Stephen Chow's Next Project Which Might Make Everyone Feel Good (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

March 11, 2003

Stephen Chow's Next Movie

From an unknown source: Columbia is tossing $20 million US into Stephen Chow's next project, a film about a young mean's search for the true masters of martial-art. Sammo Hung will be the action director and the shooting will start in May. But Stephen Chow told Hong Kong's The Sun that there were many unsolved problems about his next project, including script problem and casting problem, and he had never stopped communicating with the American.

 

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More Storm To Ride And More Jackie Chan To Watch (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive) December 19, 2001

 

Stephen Chow          Sing

 

Yuen Qiu

Landlady

 

Yuen Wah

Landlord

 

Chan Kwok-Kwan

Brother Sum

 

Lam Tse-Chung       Bone

 

Tin Kai-Man
 

Leung Siu-Lung

 

Feng Xiaogang

 

Huang Shengyi

 

Directed by

Stephen Chow

 

Screenplay

Tsang Kan-Cheong
Stephen Chow
Chan Man-Keung
 

Action director

Yuen Wo-Ping
 

Sammo Hung
 

Production by

China Film Group Corp.
HTF

Columbia Tristar Film Distribution International