Poster for The Year of the Yao

The Year of the Yao

2004, Documentary, 1h 27m

33 Reviews 1,000+ Ratings

What to know

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. Read critic reviews

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The Year of the Yao Photos

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Movie Info

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.
  • Rating:
    PG (Some Mild Language)
  • Genre:
    Documentary
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Adam Del Deo, James D. Stern
  • Producer:
    Adam Del Deo, James D. Stern
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     original
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $34.7K
  • Runtime:
  • Distributor:
    New Line Cinema

Cast & Crew

Ming Yao
Ming Yao
Self
Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille O'Neal
Self
Adam Del Deo
Adam Del Deo
Director
James D. Stern
James D. Stern
Director
Christopher C. Chen
Christopher C. Chen
Co-Producer
Adam Del Deo
Adam Del Deo
Producer
Bill Duffy
Bill Duffy
Executive Producer
Paul J. Hirschheimer
Paul J. Hirschheimer
Co-Producer
Adam Silver
Adam Silver
Executive Producer
James D. Stern
James D. Stern
Producer
Larry Weitzman
Larry Weitzman
Co-Executive Producer
Gregg Winik
Gregg Winik
Executive Producer
James L. Venable
James L. Venable
Original Music
Michael Winik
Michael Winik
Cinematographer
Peter Winik
Peter Winik
Cinematographer
Michael Tolajian
Michael Tolajian
Film Editing
Jeff Werner
Jeff Werner
Film Editing
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News & Interviews for The Year of the Yao

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

All Critics (33) | Top Critics (14) | Fresh (22) | Rotten (11)
Full Review… Fred Camper Chicago Reader Full Review… Michael Wilmington Chicago Tribune Full Review… Kevin Crust Los Angeles Times Full Review… Tim Grierson L.A. Weekly Full Review… Tom Long Detroit News Full Review… G. Allen Johnson San Francisco Chronicle Full Review… Jason Gorber Film Scouts Full Review… Lewis Beale Film Journal International Full Review… Harvey S. Karten Compuserve Full Review… Don Willmott Filmcritic.com Full Review… Josh Larsen Sun Publications (Chicago, IL) Full Review… Paul Sherman Boston Herald
View All Critic Reviews (33)

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.
    Super Reviewer
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