Bulletproof Monk

Right now you can watch Bulletproof Monk in the US on Amazon Prime Video and Kanopy — and it is funnier than its reputation suggests. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. With 1,013 viewer ratings on TMDB, this is not a title flying under the radar. Chow Yun-Fat is the obvious draw, but the whole ensemble earns its laughs. Available now on Amazon Prime Video — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Bulletproof Monk is worth clearing space for. Bulletproof Monk does what great comedies rarely manage — it is actually funny, consistently, across the whole run. A mysterious and immortal Tibetan kung fu master, who has spent the last 60 years traveling around the world protecting the ancient Scroll of the Ultimate, mentors a selfish street kid in the ancient intricacies of kung fu. Chow Yun-Fat and Seann William Scott lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2003. The timing in Bulletproof Monk is precise enough that even the throwaway lines land on a second watch. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

Comedy fans looking for a reliably funny watch will find it in Bulletproof Monk. If you have run out of similar titles to watch, this is a strong next pick. It is a manageable watch, easy to fit into a single evening. Chow Yun-Fat is funny in a way that holds up on rewatch. Put it on when you need something guaranteed to land.