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The Year of the Yao

Play trailer Poster for The Year of the Yao PG 2005 1h 27m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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67% Tomatometer 33 Reviews 70% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
This documentary chronicles Yao Ming's first year of playing in the National Basketball Association. When Ming signs with the Houston Rockets, he becomes the first player from China to play in the NBA, a feat that makes him immensely popular in his homeland. However, the style of play in the league is vastly different from that in China, and Yao initially struggles. As he becomes more familiar with his teammates and the American culture, however, Yao starts to excel on the court.
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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.

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Critics Reviews

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Fred Camper Chicago Reader Mar 25, 2008
James D. Stern and Adam Del Deo's taut, engrossing 2004 documentary on Chinese basketball player Yao Ming's first year in the NBA offers insight into the game and its stars. Go to Full Review Michael Wilmington Chicago Tribune Aug 5, 2005
3/4
Should be a natural for NBA fans and please non-enthusiasts as well. Go to Full Review Kevin Crust Los Angeles Times Aug 4, 2005
2/5
As bright and shiny as you would imagine something co-produced by NBA Entertainment to be, The Year of the Yao provides little insight beyond hanging out with its super-sized star. Go to Full Review Jason Gorber Film Scouts Jun 21, 2007
A-
The film never feels like some sort of shill, but an actual historical document of this strangest of cultural immersions for a national superstar. Go to Full Review Lewis Beale Film Journal International Mar 1, 2007
By playing up the hoopla and glitz, the filmmakers have created a vacuum at its center. Go to Full Review Harvey S. Karten Compuserve Jan 19, 2007
B
The film is happily as fast paced as the sport of basketball itself: there are no bearded, stuttering academics discussing any aspect of the story. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Stephen C @bob25009 Aug 9, 2025 Real footage in 1 hour and 27 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $34,700.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! See more May 1, 2020 I remember the hype so it was interesting to see the intimate view of his rookie basketball season from practices to crucial head to head and championships. See more Apr 30, 2020 Great story, young man had the whole country on his back. Underrated sports documentary that is being forgotten, more people should see this. See more May 25, 2017 I loved this documentary! It made me want to learn more about him. See more Oct 13, 2016 Yao Ming is a NBA legend from China. This is a movie of Yao's first year of NBA.If you are interested in basket ball and the city of Houston, you may learn something from this movie. 1.I learned how popular Yao was in China.he was not only a player, but also an ambassador. He built great relationships between China and Houston. 2.I enjoyed watching his friendship with his interpreter. Yao was not able to speak English.The interceptor sincerely helped Yao.The interpreter was not only English teacher but also some mentor of American culture, because Yao would like to learn American culture. 3.Regarding basket ball, he was struggling with NBA. Many analysts predicted Yaos failure.People were laughing at Yao' awkward play. Then Yao learned. He scored and blocked.He played at an all star game. Finally he was successful. The movie describes Yao's frst year at NBA.YAO retired but People in Houston still remember him. He still actively plays an important role between Houston and China.Thanks! See more Dec 4, 2015 good sports doc and another lost review flixter-grrr See more Read all reviews
The Year of the Yao

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Cast & Crew

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Adam Del Deo

Director

James D. Stern

Director

Ming Yao

Self

Shaquille O'Neal

Self

Christopher C. Chen

Co-Producer

Adam Del Deo

Producer

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The Year of the Yao

The Year of the Yao (2004) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis This documentary chronicles Yao Ming's first year of playing in the National Basketball Association. When Ming signs with the Houston Rockets, he becomes the first player from China to play in the NBA, a feat that makes him immensely popular in his homeland. However, the style of play in the league is vastly different from that in China, and Yao initially struggles. As he becomes more familiar with his teammates and the American culture, however, Yao starts to excel on the court.
Director
Adam Del Deo, James D. Stern
Producer
Adam Del Deo, James D. Stern
Distributor
New Line Cinema
Production Co
NBA Entertainment, Endgame Entertainment
Rating
PG (Some Mild Language)
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Apr 15, 2005, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
May 1, 2011
Box Office (Gross USA)
$34.7K
Runtime
1h 27m
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