Kung Fu Hustle (soundtrack)
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The soundtrack to the film Kung Fu Hustle was released in 2004 and 2005 in conjunction with the 2004 Hong Kong-Chinese martial arts film directed by and starring Stephen Chow. The majority of the film's original score was composed by Raymond Wong and performed by the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra.[1] The score imitates traditional Chinese music in 1940s swordplay films.[2] Along with Wong's compositions and various traditional Chinese songs, classical compositions are featured in the score, including excerpts from Zigeunerweisen by Pablo de Sarasate and "Sabre Dance" by Aram Khachaturian.[3]
One of Wong's works, "Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained" provides a stark contrast between the villainous Axe Gang and the peaceful neighbourhood of Pig Sty Alley, depicted by a Chinese folk song, "Fisherman’s Song of the East China Sea".[4]
A song is sung in the background by Huang Shengyi at the end of the film. The song, "Zhi Yao Wei Ni Huo Yi Tian" (只要為你活一天; Only Want to Live One Day for You) was written by Liu Chia-Chang in the 1970s. It tells of a girl's memories of a loved one, and her desire to live for him again.[5]
Kung Fu Hustle was nominated for the Best Original Film Score in the 24th Hong Kong Film Awards.[6]
The Japanese version uses "Shiwase Nara Te wo Tatakou" by Nobodyknows as the theme song.[7]
Asian and American versions of the soundtrack have been released. The Asian version of the soundtrack was released on 17 December 2004 by Sony Music and has 33 tracks.[8] The American version of the soundtrack was released on 29 March 2005 by Varèse Sarabande and has 19 tracks.[9]
