Chow's best movie... one of the best knee-jerk laugh-out-loud crack-ups I've seen in a long time.
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
An infectious knockabout kung fu comedy with amusing special effects combined with breathtaking stunts.
This kung-fu comedy is so unabashed in its cheesiness that it could be spread on crackers; it may spike your cholesterol levels.
Despite more than 400 visual effects from Hong Kong’s leading CGI shop, Centro Digital Pictures, the film’s narrative manages to retain a sweet-natured feel.
the stars of this film are the over-the-top stunts and kung fu action, which sublimely blend artfulness with silliness
The movie has a rambunctious and likable energy that compensates for its unsteady, only intermittently amusing narrative.
The likable no-brainer is half buoyant goof, half groaner, and all Chow.
Crammed with wild action, obvious but well-mounted gags, and playful effects, the film is refreshingly silly.
It’s The Matrix without the pretentious pop-philosophy, and Bend it Like Beckham without the teen angst.
A terrific comedy. It has fun with the conventions of sports movies while also being completely original. It's like live action anime.
Chow brings the same kind of vibe to the screen as the Farrelly brothers.
Shaolin Soccer’s multimedia madness is so excusable because most of its antics are actually more crude than seamless.
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.
Comedy, even that of the low-brow variety, is not served well with an exaggerated version of Jim Carrey.
. . . this movie represents comedy-action lunacy of a truly high, and endlessly bizarre, order.
There's no question Chow is talented. But this just isn't the vehicle that will make him an international star.
Chow delivers his own lines fairly well, but the overall effect is like a sputtering engine that's not firing on all cylinders. And the new edit doesn't solve the main problem with the original film.
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 |
|---|---|
| 90% 90% | District 9 |
| 86% 86% | 500 Days of Summer |
| 63% 63% | Extract |
| 06% 06% | All About Steve |
| 78% 78% | It Might Get Loud |
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