This is a likable, if rather daft, slapstick comedy, of which about 75% is completely hilarious whilst the remaining 25% is just silly and misses the mark.
That the movie is as enjoyable as it is, is entirely down to the central performance of Lee- Jung Jae as Cheon-doong, a street fighter who through a bizarre series of events finds himself leader of a powerful gang with devoted followers.
The story involves his rivalry with foppish gang leader Man-deuk (Kim Suk-Hoon) and his slightly underdeveloped romance with courtesan Seol-ji (Kim OK-bin).
The period setting of 1724 is pretty nominal since from the clothing and music it could just as easily be set in some modern-day villages.
If you're expecting a standard action or oriental historical piece you'll likely come out disappointed, but if you're after a killer off the wall comedy along the lines of Kung Fu Hustle then this film is for you.
That the movie is as enjoyable as it is, is entirely down to the central performance of Lee- Jung Jae as Cheon-doong, a street fighter who through a bizarre series of events finds himself leader of a powerful gang with devoted followers.
The story involves his rivalry with foppish gang leader Man-deuk (Kim Suk-Hoon) and his slightly underdeveloped romance with courtesan Seol-ji (Kim OK-bin).
The period setting of 1724 is pretty nominal since from the clothing and music it could just as easily be set in some modern-day villages.
If you're expecting a standard action or oriental historical piece you'll likely come out disappointed, but if you're after a killer off the wall comedy along the lines of Kung Fu Hustle then this film is for you.