Stephen Chow wrote, directed and starred in the 2004 martial arts comedy “Kung Fu Hustle.” He plays Sing, a small-time criminal whose dream of joining the Axe Gang drives the story’s chaotic blend of slapstick, kung fu and redemption.
The Hong Kong film followed Chow’s international breakthrough, “Shaolin Soccer” (2001), and was produced through his company Star Overseas with Columbia Pictures Film Production Asia. Although Chow is often described simply as the writer, he co-wrote the screenplay with Huo Xin, Chan Man-keung and Tsang Kan-cheung.
The film was shot in Shanghai and features several respected veterans of 1970s Hong Kong action cinema, including Yuen Wah, Yuen Qiu and Leung Siu-lung. Martial-arts choreography was supervised by Yuen Woo-ping, whose work also helped define films such as “The Matrix” and “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.”
A common mix-up is confusing Chow’s role with that of the martial-arts choreographer or supporting cast. Chow was the film’s central creative force and its lead performer, while Yuen Woo-ping handled the fight choreography.