Click to read the article
Shaolin Soccer (2002)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
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
Get This Movie
Rent DVD
Click on the "ADD" button to put this movie into your Netflix queue.
Buy DVD
Release:
Aug 24, 2004
Reviews for Shaolin Soccer
Sometimes it's so goofy you want to slap it for foisting so many dud slapstick gags. And sometimes it's so intentionally goofy you have to laugh.
There is not a moment that this film takes itself seriously, yet it comes off as a totally un-self-conscious piece of entertainment with laugh out loud moments of pure comedy
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.
It is wildly enjoyable whether or not you appreciate the game, but for those bitten by the soccer bug it should prove particularly sublime.
Catnip to those familiar with the conventions of Hong Kong martial arts movies.
A good-hearted comedy that clearly illustrates why Stephen Chow is so revered.
[T]his is an Asian version of that comedy staple, the snobs versus slobs comedy... [It's] good, goofy fun that will leave audiences smiling.
This kind of boorish treatment is usually worthy of scorn, disrespectful of both the artist and the audience, but with a fizzy soccer comedy, the moves seem inspired.
Has heart and a freewheeling spirit that makes you smile at the same time you're calling it the stupidest thing you've ever seen.
Beckham never bent it like this...a delightful, if empty-headed treat.
We don't recommend this for your 'Mother's Day outing'... but it's positively the best movie mixing kung fu and soccer ever.
Chiau takes all of the wire-acrobatics and CGI gimmickry made ponderous by long-winded Matrix knockoffs and done the impossible. He's made them fun again.
As always, Chow shows himself an acute parodist of other genres while adding his own cherry on the top.
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...
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 66% 66% | Public Enemies |
| 83% 83% | Harry Potter and the H… |
| 44% 44% | Night at the Museum: B… |
| 75% 75% | Julie & Julia |
| 32% 32% | Terminator Salvation |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 88% 88% | Inglourious Basterds |
| 78% 78% | The Hangover |
| 49% 49% | Taking Woodstock |
| 26% 26% | The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard |
| 47% 47% | The Girl From Monaco |
RT On Current TV
DIRECTV 358 | Comcast 107 | DISH Network 196
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
CloseSponsored Links
Around The Network
- Shaolin Soccer at Rotten Tomatoes
- Shaolin Soccer at IGN
- Shaolin Soccer at AskMen
Fresh Links
Featured

Take a look at MSN's choices for the Top 10 films of 2009.

Last week, Moviefone offered us their worst films of the 2000s. Now see their 40 best!

Hollywood.com explores why QT's characters resonate so well with audiences.

TIME chimes in with their own list of the best films released this year.

Click through to see which movies BuzzSugar placed in their Best-of-Decade list!
Promos

Get the latest Tomatometer updates on upcoming movies!



Top Critic


