Its a very early release date. Too early? Most of the nominees aren't even released in the states when the awards come out, and the ones that are, never before September or October.

But Hustle has alot of momentum going for it because it would have had long veiwing time here. On the other hand, Best import is usually heavy-handed, existential, or deals with a war. We like to vote conscience in this category.

It could have a nom though, but only on certain conditions. One being very looooong legs. What this means is that it can't have a huge opener this week. It actually has to build momentum and hold off at least through the summer. Good examples of such previous movies include the 50 something week runs of Big Fat Greek Wedding (which got screenplay) and City of God (also screenplay and a few others i believe).

But f Hustle is out by July, even if it by far the highest grossing import of the year, it won't see a nod. That would be a shame, because I'd like a bit of diversity in that category, its pretty much a perennial showcase of current world issues and WWII/Holocaust. Hell last year there were two movies about the Europe in the 40's and one about Euthenasia. I think its time for a bit of Hustle!

Jesus Christ, what's with these wild predictions. Revenge of the Sith for Best Picture, Hustle for Best Foreign film.

Insane

Hustle has been getting the most hype of any foreign film in quite some time though, not to mention the best reviews of ANY movie so far in 2005. :razz:

LIES. Hustle is not the best reviewed film of 2005. [-X

But feel free to champion it. It won't be nominated though.

Hong Kong has to submit it first as their official selection to compete in the category. Considering they submitted Infernal Affair, a previous box office record setter with great reviews, it's a possibility.

Hey, if Zus and Zo could get an Oscar nod and no one's heard about it even four years later, I don't question any film having a chance, and certainly not one with decent reviews and, well, knowledge of its existence.

I do however see this going the Amelie route and getting a nod but not a win. I'm trying to guess when the last time a comedy or action movie actually won this category, and I'd venture to say, uh, never. Even Anotnias Line still has a nice bit about a mentally challenged girl getting raped, and Anotnia of course lays down and dies at the end. But hey, at least she was expecting it and ocntent with life. Still....not a comedy or action movie.

Yeah I think it's a lock for a nomination.

CTHD doesn't count as action? Belle Epoque and Vita è Bella were comedies.

CTHD, yes - action. Which set up the precedence for why I think Martial arts get a little bit more support from the academy. Hero did get a nom, it was just a good year and a half before it was even released here.

You must be joking...you thought La Vita e' Bella was a comedy??? I've seen Begnini's other comedies, this wasn't anything like them. He uses absurd physical humor to actually address a very real and depressing subject. EVeryone I know was balling (including myself) at the end of that movie. The first two times I saw it actully. It actually fits in quite nicely to my previous statement. That the Academy sure does love any import that has to do with WWII or the Holocaust. Also...pretty much any other war. Did Cuckoo's nest get a nom? I don't remember, but I do remember No Man's land even won (as it deserved to, but it still proves my point).

I forgot about Belle Epoque. Quirky movie. Still had the WWI disserter and political undercomments, but it pretty much was just a funny little love orgy. Ok, I'll give you that one.

Now I'm mad because I somehow was reminded how Like Water for Chocolate didn't even get a nom.

Original screenplay is still a possibility for Kung Fu Hustle. It needs to have unbelievable box office legs to keep itself on the radar screen like My Big Fat Greek Wedding did, becoming a success story that academy couldn't ignore. It does seem like the expansion is a little too big too soon. Hope and pray. [-o<

I have heard of it and even seen it. Quit the film after a boring 40 minutes, maybe even less. Simply plain bad. The worst Dutch Oscar entry ever.

Well, with that, I now definately think Hustle has a chance!

Sorry, but you reminded me of one of my worst movie experiences. This is Dutch cinema at its worst.
Back to Hustle....