The Year of the Yao

Critics Consensus

This sports bio documentary is given a few fresh angles, including culture clash issues, and the friendship that develops between Yao and his interpreter.

67%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 33

69%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 1,288
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Movie Info

While the traditional American stereotype of people from China portrays them as short, studious, and not especially athletic, Yao Ming turned that image on his head -- standing seven foot six, Yao became the most talked about player in professional basketball when he signed to play with the Houston Rockets in 2002, the first Chinese émigré to play in the NBA. Yao was largely unknown when he first suited up with the Rockets, and many were skeptical about his abilities, especially when he displayed an unsure command of the American style of basketball in his early games. But Yao soldiered on, and by the end of the season he was proving his detractors wrong, among them player-turned-sportscaster Charles Barkley, who once on air promised to kiss the rear end of one of his fellow television commentators if Yao ever scored 19 points in a game -- and had to make good on the pledge when Yao managed the feat. The Year of the Yao is a documentary (produced in part by the NBA) which looks at Yao Ming's first season with the Rockets, how he adapted to American basketball, his relationship with his family and teammates, and what his success means to fans in the United States and China.

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Cast

Yao Ming
Charles Barkley
Michael Irvin
Shaquille O'Neal
Frank Deford
Steve Francis
Ernie Johnson
Cuttino Mobley
Colin Pine
Glen Rice
Kenny Smith
Kelvin Cato
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News & Interviews for The Year of the Yao

Yao Ming Turns Down "Rush Hour 3"
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Critic Reviews for The Year of the Yao

All Critics (33) | Top Critics (13) | Fresh (22) | Rotten (11)

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Audience Reviews for The Year of the Yao

  • Dec 05, 2007
    I am not a NBA or Bassketball watcher or fan. Once in a while I may watch the March Madness series. Basketball players have become spoiled with the large sums of money they make. But I am always interested to see how those from the outside the USA react to our ways of life. I found this film to be very interesting, and wish I had the chance to meet Yao and his family. If I find this movie in a used bin or pawn shop I will pick it up. Its not like the other Disney Sports films this is more of a Bio.
    Bruce B Super Reviewer
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