Henry Ford was still tinkering around with soap boxes and pram wheels.

That was how long ago I obtained my copy of Kung Fu Hustle. Notice the choice of words too - 'obtained' - for I didnt purchase it through any legitimate retail channel. It was a pirate. Not that it came in a wooden sleeve with a black patch. No, I mean it was of dubious origins. Astounding quality and packaging though, and as good as any original recording. In my opinion, the artwork is superior too - I often find that with copies.

Yes, it was that long ago. The film wasnt even a twinkle in a UGC projectors eye.

If you are not a regular reader, then the reason for it taking so long for me to watch it, is that its one of nearly 100 Ive yet to view.

But finally, the stars were aligned correctly and it was time...

...and what a fantastic film.

I wont go into a review, as Im sure its too late for that. But the mixture of styles and ingenuity of the directing was superb. Stylistically and filmically it was fantastic. Faultless even. It bought to mind a melting pot of those stiffly acted 1940s gangster pics, silent comedy era slapstick, with a whiff of Saturday morning serials - like the ones that would precede a main feature and finish with a cliff hanger each week. Oh, and Loony Tunes. With Kung Fu, naturally.

What took me so long?? Its a masterpiece.