With no inhibitions about whom or where he borrows from, Chow makes us complicit in his stylistic shoplifting. The result is the definition of guilty pleasure.
Shaolin Soccer (2002)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:87
Fresh:79
Rotten:8
Average Rating:7.1/10
Consensus: The plot is utterly ridiculous, and the soccer in the movie is unlike any ever played anywhere on Earth, but watching Shaolin Soccer, you will probably find it impossible to care.
Rated: PG [See Full Rating] for martial arts action and some thematic elements
Runtime: 1 hr 51 mins
Genre: Comedies
Theatrical Release:Apr 2, 2004 Limited
Box Office: $172,448
Synopsis:
The action comedy SHAOLIN SOCCER has become the all-time most successful Hong Kong production ever--in part due to its eye-popping action, crazy special effects and wicked humor. The film has...
The action comedy SHAOLIN SOCCER has become the all-time most successful Hong Kong production ever--in part due to its eye-popping action, crazy special effects and wicked humor. The film has shattered box office figures throughout Asia and has won many awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Visual Effects at the Hong Kong Film Awards.
Stephen Chow, who has appeared in over 50 films, is arguably, the most famous and loved comedian in Asia today. Often referred to as the "Jim Carrey of the East," Chow has made 5 of the top 10 highest grossing films in Hong Kong, with SHAOLIN SOCCER being #1. Chow is most known for his clever parodies and has used his razor-sharp wit to spoof James Bond ("From Beijing with Love"), Chow Yun Fat ("All for the Winner"), Bruce Lee ("Fist of Fury '91"), and even himself ("Forbidden City Cop"). This multi-talented comedian produced, directed, wrote, and edited SHAOLIN SOCCER as well as acted in the lead role, performing his own stunts.
Shaolin was an art practiced through the ages; a skill mastered in the heart. In SHAOLIN SOCCER, it is so much more than a philosophy for six young believers. It is a complete way of life. But as the world changed around them, and Honor and Discipline become forgotten virtues, they lose their way --except for one loyal follower, Sing (Chow). With the help of a former soccer star, he reunites his old, out of shape, misfit friends, and recruits a young woman with extraordinary Kung Fu skills. Together, they're out to combine the ancient power of Shaolin with the modern game of soccer and in the process, just might take the world's most popular sport to its most extreme. -- © Miramax
Starring: Stephen Chow, Vicky Zhao Wei, Ng Man-Tat, Cecilia Cheung
Starring: Stephen Chow, Vicky Zhao Wei, Ng Man-Tat, Cecilia Cheung, Lau Kar-Ying, Karen Mok, Alan Tam
Director: Stephen Chow
Director: Stephen Chow
Screenwriter: Stephen Chow, Tseng Kan Cheong
Producer: Yeong Kwok Fa
Composer: Raymond Wong
Studio: Miramax Films
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Release:
Aug 24, 2004
Reviews for Shaolin Soccer
Hong Kong's highest-grossing film ever comes west with all its no-brow humour and cheeseball effects intact.
As long as your expectations are focused in the right direction, it's a sure bet that you'll have a good time watching this infectiously entertaining comedy.
No doubt there are sports pedants who will find themselves echoing the sentiments of one exasperated opponent as he exclaims "Please don't play like this! I really want to play soccer!" -- but everyone else will be too busy grinning...to care very much.
The movie's one notable hurdle is that Chow clearly values all this comical lunacy over a good script, (but) this never becomes enough of a burden to spoil the fun.
A good-hearted comedy that clearly illustrates why Stephen Chow is so revered.
Not an earth-shattering achievement, but not something to miss if you haven't yet met Stephen Chow.
Comedy, even that of the low-brow variety, is not served well with an exaggerated version of Jim Carrey.
It is wildly enjoyable whether or not you appreciate the game, but for those bitten by the soccer bug it should prove particularly sublime.
the stars of this film are the over-the-top stunts and kung fu action, which sublimely blend artfulness with silliness
Chow's best movie... one of the best knee-jerk laugh-out-loud crack-ups I've seen in a long time.
It so deliriously riffs on everything from The Bad News Bears and Jurassic Park to super heroes and break dancing that it's hard not to get caught up in the goofy fun.
We don't recommend this for your 'Mother's Day outing'... but it's positively the best movie mixing kung fu and soccer ever.
Shaolin Soccer is one of those unlikely combinations, like Vanilla Coke or Christian rock, that fits so well, you're left wondering why no one thought of it before.
Latest News for Shaolin Soccer
July 24, 2007:
Seth Rogen Wants Stephen Chow as His Green Hornet Sidekick
If the idea of Seth Rogen as a superhero sounds a little crazy, well, it is. But at least the guy has good taste in co-stars. He'd like to get Stephen Chow to play 'sidekick' Kato. More...
January 07, 2005:
Stephen Chow's Kung Fu Hustle Breaking B.O. Records
Stephen Chow's "Kung Fu Hustle" is breaking box office records across Asia, Variety reports. On its Dec. 24th opening day in Singapore, "Hustle" set the... More...
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