Technology & Kung Fu

  The cyborg is a science fiction concept; combining human anatomy with technology to achieve feats beyond what a human can do. In a sense, Chow's figures are cyborgs. The actors perform impressive kung-fu techniques, but Chow uses CGI in post-production to transform their moves into a superhuman display. Mamoru Oshii's film Ghost in the Shell (1995) reckons with the philosophical implications of the cyborg as well, questioning whether it is ethical to create a fighting machine that can be manipulated like a computer. Should a fighting machine be allowed to have human decision-making skills? What if Sing in Kung Fu Hustle used his strength to join the Axe Gang, like Anakin Skywalker joining the dark side in Revenge of the Sith?

   In Kung Fu Hustle, Chow uses this trope for a humanist argument; the idea that one person can, through self-discipline and agency, achieve their "best self". Kung Fu Hustle also carries out a political statement through this trope. The Axe Gang is framed as an oppressive force, wreaking havoc on a poor village. For the main character, Sing (played by Chow himself), joining the Axe Gang is seen as vehicle for socio-economic mobility. However, as he trains physically, he gains wisdom and morality, and by the end he uses the extensive power of knowledge of self to defend Pigsy Alley. It's like The Matrix (1999), where fighters can upload advanced fighting techniques to their brains as a form of evolution. These films, and many others around Y2K, examined themes of the role of technology for its role in society at large and as an extension of identity.

    Is it disrespectful to the form of kung-fu action films to create such an over-the-top display? After all, Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and other action stars have been praised for decades for their ability to perform their own stunts. While Kung Fu Hustle is clearly parody, the action sequences are legitimate. The visual spectacle that Chow is able to create using altered images is testament enough to the validity of his films.

Comments

  1. LaurenNovember 16, 2020 at 1:11 PM

    I think it's interesting that you question if this film is disrespecting kung-fu action films with its excess. I never thought of that, and I think it's along the line of the way the film finds inspiration from iconic Hollywood films. It's fascinating how parody is viewed as innovative when, like the Bordwell article says, it uses the same formulas. This isn't to say I didn't find the film innovative or valid, I just think sometimes parody is a natural evolution of form.

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