The scene I decided to analyze is from the movie Kung Fu Hustle, which is directed by Stephen Chow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOMP58-DILA (44 seconds to 3:58)
Some context: This movie is a comedy that pays homage to Hong Kong martial arts cinema. Stephen Chow (both the lead actor and director) blends together intense drama, super precise fight choreography and his own brand of slapstick physical comedy.
The scene opens with Stephen walking out the door of a run down living complex in 50-60's Shanghai. The place is an obvious slum which is made clear through the dirty buildings, lack of decorations and small living spaces. The shot then goes to the old couple that took him in, (they were both accosted by the gang which is outside of the house, and he is currently protecting them.) He steps out and a point of view shot is used to show how large his adversary is. There are hundreds of axe-gang members outside and they have taken up all the space in the complex. The gang leader looks in awe as Stephen Chow is still alive. An extreme close up is used to convey his emotion of excitement and surprise. Then one of the gang members commands the others to kill him, and the fight begins. Stephen is always at the center of the camera, and many extreme close ups are used to show his composure and effortlessness as he fights the many gangsters. His attacks are comically overpowered, as he sends them flying mid air in a comic book style. Soon, a birds eye view close up is used to show him stepping on the feet of his enemies. The circle formed by his enemies create a perfect line that draws the eye to the center of it, which is Stephen Chow. Every so often, the camera cuts to the gang leader, who looks down on the fight and is laughing to himself, only to be shocked by a body flying towards him. Slow motion is frequently used to show the raw energy and power behind Stephen's attacks. (Again, a blend of comic physics and martial arts). An over the shoulder point of view shot is used to show Stephen running through the hallway while the gang members make a last ditch effort to resist him. The scene then cuts to the gang leader watching as nothing but punching sounds are heard. In a moment of mise en scene perfection, gang members are hanging out the ceiling, walls, windows and on the floor in a scene that is only ever seen in cartoons. Juxtaposed with the serious emotions and dramatic tension of the gang leader and Stephen Chow, the scene is powerful and dramatic without being overwhelming.
