Sik san

I've seen all of Stephen Chow's comedies, and The God of Cookery is on the top of my list (right above From Beijing with Love). This film is the perfect "Intro to Stephen Chow" for all the unfortunate people that have yet been subjected to his spectacular brand of humour. If you're a fan of Chinese films, you must see this movie. If you're not, that's just too bad... it's never too late though.

God of Cookery is a hilarious parody of a number of other great HK films (the gambler series, early Jackie Chan, and "Chinese Feast" style cuisine dramas), though I didn't know that when I first saw it... it's how I got into the genre. Because it's satire is so over the top though, you also start to get a feel for the huge differences in film tabus between western and eastern cinema. Production values are amazingly high, and although they "fixed" a couple of hilarious subtitles in the DVD version, at least you can read them in most scenes. The self referential jokes about english translation and subtitles are still there.

The best of Kung Food!

Even though there is some region specific humor in this movie that the subtitles completely glaze over, it is still a fantastic watch because there is plenty of other great humor to enjoy. Any food lover with a good sense of humor or a Honk Kong cinema fan would really enjoy this movie. There is a bit of 'toilet humor' in this movie, so if that offends you, you may want to consider one of Stephen's other movies.

I've watched it at least 6 times myself while showing it to various friends and family members and it's always a good for laugh. This movie contains most of Stephen's standard crew. However, if you are looking for an all-out kung-fu explosion, you might be disappointed with this movie. It definitely has some great moves and some fighting, but the story is fun, engaging and very unique. And you just can't beat the 12 brass monks! No really, you can't beat them... just watch the movie and enjoy. and enjoy. ;)

Shi Shen is a hilarious parody to Chow Yun Fat's God Of Gamblers movies. It is all about Stephen Chow playing a role of a famous Chef with a natural born talent for cooking. He makes it big and shows his unmatched strength in the Chinese Cuisine Underworld. He encounters a counterpart who frames him and takes his position as the God Of Cookery and fights his way back to try and regain his position. I enjoyed this movie quite a bit since I enjoyed the God of Gamblers and am amused by Stephen Chow's witty sendups. I give it an 8 out of 10.

You don't have to be a devotee of Hong Kong cinema to love this delightfully silly spoof movie. While you might enjoy this film even *more* if you recognize the targets of its barbs, each gag stands alone. Karen Mok as Sister Turkey is one of the finest comedic portrayals I've seen in quite a while. Of course Stephen Chow, one of Hong Kong's most famous actors, gives a typically over-the-top performance as one of the world's great weasels turned... well, not exactly a good guy, but at least a bit *less* of the weasel.

Lots of genres get their turn in this film: martial arts movies, cooking shows, Chinese television commercials, you name it. A definite must for HK cinema fans or for anyone who likes to laugh out loud at films which are silly and witty at the same time.