Augustin, King of Kung-Fu (1999)

Augustin, King of Kung-Fu Poster
Original Title: Augustin, roi du kung-fu

The solitary and largely self-contained Augustin (Jean-Chretien Sibertin Blanc), on obscure young actor of bit-parts and advertisements, has but one ambition - to play the lead role in a Kung Fu epic. But hours of Kung Fu practice alone in his room are not enough. Augustin knows he must pack up and start a new life in China... or at least that part of China within bicycling distance: Chinatown in south-east Paris. There he meets Ling (Maggie Cheung), a young Chinese woman who practices ocupuncture, and little by little, Ling's needles awaken emotions in Augustin that his virginal body had never dreamed of. Where will this lead him? To Kung Fu stardom, maybe not, but to another destiny, a quirky but logical continuation of the same dream.

Introduction
"Augustin, King of Kung-Fu" is an interesting French movie released in 1999. It was directed by Anne Fontaine and stars the increasing talent, Jean-Chretien Sibertin-Blanc in the titular function. This comic drama is the follow up to the 1995 film "Augustin", more developing the quirky character of Augustin through his comical pursuits of studying Oriental disciplines.

Character Overview
Augustin is an eccentric character: a less than outstanding star with an attitude that verges on odd. His fixation with becoming a Kung-Fu master mesmerizes the audience as he encounters a series of misadventures during his journey. Regardless of his medical condition, he remains unbending in his decision to discover and master the martial art of Kung-Fu.

Plot Summary
In "Augustin, King of Kung-Fu", the goofy Augustin sets himself a new target: accompanying on a journey to Hong Kong to participate in a Kung-Fu school. He is being much less effective than he would ideally like to be, lacking natural skill and coordination. He regularly fumbles down rather than increasingly combating yet remains relentlessly committed to his ambition.

His misadventures take him across Paris, where he works as an administrative assistant with Ling (played by Maggie Cheung), a Chinese woman who runs a service importing human hair. Augustin, obsessed by Chinese culture, attempts to suit this foreign society. His interactions with the Chinese community in Paris are marked with a blend of humor, empathy, and cultural misconception.

Noteworthy Elements
"Augustin, King of Kung-Fu" centers quite around efficiency, rendering the character of Augustin into an entirely believable entity. The character's rawness combined with his absence of coordination make for a lovely bundle of clumsiness. Jean-Chretien Sibertin-Blanc's performance has lots of warmth, humor, and a certain emotional undercurrent, all encapsulated within an extremely enthusiastic, yet under-skilled Kung-Fu aspirant.

Conclusion: Impact and Influence
Director Anne Fontaine's skill in expanding a character who is unique yet relatable adds depth to this comedic drama. Augustin's charming naivety and persistent belief in the power of dreams, despite his lots of failings, lead to a heartwarming story that gets in touch with the audience. "Augustin, King of Kung-Fu" is charming comedy-drama, showcasing a charming blend of cultural exploration, simplistic ambition, and entertaining character advancement in a vibrant narrative. The film's appeal surpasses humor, managing to impart life lessons about determination, welcoming other cultures, and the enduring pursuit of seemingly unreachable dreams.

Top Cast

  • Bernard Campan (small)
    Bernard Campan
    Boutinot
  • Jean-Chrétien Sibertin-Blanc (small)
    Jean-Chrétien Sibertin-Blanc
    Augustin
  • Paulette Dubost (small)
    Paulette Dubost
    Madame Haton
  • Maggie Cheung (small)
    Maggie Cheung
    Ling
  • Jackie Chan (small)
    Jackie Chan
    [archive footage]
  • Darry Cowl (small)
    Darry Cowl
    René