Kung Fury

Kung Fury is a unique and quirky 2015 movie written and directed by David Sandberg. This Swedish English-language martial arts comedy plays lovingly and nostalgically on a mix of 1980's synth-pop culture, kung fu clichés, and over-the-top action sequences intended to entertain and amuse audiences who enjoy a more colorful and offbeat cinematic experience.

The film features Sandberg in the title role, playing a Miami detective who gained superhuman fighting abilities after being simultaneously struck by a bolt of lightning and bitten by a cobra. Sandberg's character, a martial arts maverick, is an invincible, fearless cop whose duty is to protect the city from a dystopian underbelly of crime. His charisma and direct approach to law enforcement make him an unforgettable character.

Jorma Taccone, known from comedy troupe The Lonely Island, also stars in an eccentric and memorable role as Adolf Hitler, also known as Kung Führer. Hitler is portrayed not just as a dictator but a kung fu master himself. This rendition brings forth an unconventional narrative, setting the tone for a hilarious and unexpected showdown that is central to the storyline.

Additional standout performances come from Steven Chew as Dragon and Leopold Nilsson as Hackerman, who bring their characters to life with impressive dedication. They add dimension to the faux-80's world Sandberg creates.

The narrative is as extraordinary as it is outrageous: Kung Fury must travel back in time to defeat Hitler, but accidentally ends up in the age of Vikings and dinosaurs. This bizarre journey through time and space weaves together the most outrageous elements of fantasy, science fiction, and history. The odd yet fascinating blend of reality and imagination keeps viewers engaged throughout the movie.

Through Kung Fury, Sandberg offers chaotic and hilarious storytelling alongside flashy visual effects. Yet the film doesn't rely solely on spectacle. While the over-the-top action, retrowave aesthetics, and hilarious one-liners are certainly center stage, there's surprising depth beneath the neon surface.

Kung Fury explores themes of friendship, duty, and facing danger head on, regardless of the bizarre circumstances. Sandberg accurately captures the essence of the retro 80s martial arts movies and Saturday morning cartoons in his writing and directing style. He allows for injection of subconscious nostalgia that enhances audience engagement while unapologetically maximizing the humor in each scenario.

The film's production values defy its relatively low budget. The visual effects are particularly impressive, leaning heavily into a retro aesthetic full of neon glows, analog synth beats, and purposefully cheesy "special" effects that mirror arcade games and VHS tapes of the 1980s. This visual style immerses the audience in a world where every frame feels like a throwback to a forgotten era.

Kung Fury's soundtrack is worth mentioning as well: it is steeped in analog synthesizers with a strong 1980s aesthetic, complimenting the film's visual style. The upbeat synth-pop melodies and driving rhythms provide a perfect backdrop for the film's absurd antics and high-energy action sequences.

Ultimately, Kung Fury is a love letter to the 80s, filled with an array of pop culture references that adds to its irresistible charm. It's a wildly imaginative, joyously over-the-top cinematic experience that invites viewers into a world where anything can (and does) happen.

This short film is a cult classic in the making, a joyride through a digital dreamscape that's as absurd as it is visually appealing. With its blend of martial arts battles, time-traveling detectives, and dinosaurs, Kung Fury takes cinematic silliness to extraordinary new heights.

In short, Kung Fury is a pastiche of 1980s action cinema and video games, packed full with outrageous humor and striking visuals. It's an unmissable cinematic spectacle that invites viewers on a thrillingly wild ride they'll never forget.