Cinema Atlas Connection

Director Destin Daniel Cretton studied Ang Lee's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) for the balletic grace of wuxia fights—bodies moving through space as if gravity were optional. He also drew from Stephen Chow's Kung Fu Hustle (2004) for how to blend martial arts mastery with comedic timing. The bamboo forest scene is pure Lee; the absurdist humor comes from Chow.

One of the biggest inspirations for us was 'Kung Fu Hustle,' and the way Stephen Chow was able to blend drama, comedy, and incredible action in a beautiful and sometimes crazy, over-the-top way.