Shaolin Soccer (2001)
The cult Hong Kong comedy that fused kung fu mastery with soccer madness, launching Stephen Chow to international stardom.
Shaolin Soccer - Movie Information
- Original Title: 少林足球
- Release Year: 2001
- Directed by: Stephen Chow
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Comedy
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 1h 53m
- Original Language: CN
- Spoken Languages: Cantonese, Mandarin
- Release Date (Theatrical): July 5, 2001 (China), November 12, 2004 (United Kingdom - 12A), March 11, 2004 (Germany - 12), August 21, 2002 (France - TP), July 29, 2004 (Australia - PG), July 12, 2001 (Brazil - L), April 11, 2003 (Italy - T), May 16, 2002 (South Korea - ALL)
- Alternative Titles: Shaolin gola (PL), Shaolin Soccer - Arbitri, rigori e filosofia zen (IT), Atsalini klotsia (GR), Futbol Kung Fu (AR), Shaolin Soccer (ES), Shao Lin zu qiu (HK), Üsd, vágd, focizzál! (HU), Kung Fu Soccer (NL)
- Production Companies: Star Overseas, Universe Entertainment, Miramax
- Production Countries: Hong Kong
Shaolin Soccer - Plot
A young Shaolin follower reunites with his discouraged brothers to form a soccer team using their martial art skills to their advantage.
Shaolin Soccer - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see kung fu meet the beautiful game:
Get ready to kick some grass!
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Shaolin Soccer - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Stephen Chow
Main Cast
- Stephen Chow
- Richard Ng Man-Tat
- Vicky Zhao
- Patrick Tse Yin
- Karen Mok Man-Wai
- Wong Yat-Fei
- Mo Meilin
- Tenky Tin Kai-Man
- Danny Chan Kwok-Kwan
- Lam Tze-Chung
Writers
- Stephen Chow
- Tsang Kan-Cheong
- Steven Fung Min-Hang
- Andrew Fung Chih-Chiang
- Lo Mei
Producers
- Yeung Kwok-Fai
- Lee Lik-Chi
Shaolin Soccer - FAQs
What are the most memorable special effects in Shaolin Soccer?
Shaolin Soccer is celebrated for its wildly inventive CGI sequences, including fireballs erupting from soccer kicks, players launching into the air with superhuman force, and a climactic match that resembles a fantasy battle more than a sport. These effects were groundbreaking for Hong Kong cinema at the time of release.
Who are the main actors in Shaolin Soccer?
Shaolin Soccer stars Stephen Chow as Mighty Steel Leg Sing, Richard Ng Man-Tat as the disgraced coach Fung, and Vicky Zhao as the tai chi baker Mui. The ensemble also includes Karen Mok Man-Wai, Wong Yat-Fei, Tenky Tin Kai-Man, Danny Chan Kwok-Kwan, and Lam Tze-Chung as the Shaolin brothers.
Where can you stream or watch Shaolin Soccer?
Shaolin Soccer is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It can also be streamed for free through Kanopy and Hoopla, making it accessible without a purchase for library cardholders.
Does Shaolin Soccer have a happy ending?
Yes, Shaolin Soccer ends on a triumphant and heartwarming note. Sing's team defeats the villainous Team Evil in the championship final, Fung reclaims his dignity, and Sing reunites with Mui. The film closes with a comedic vision of kung fu integrated into everyday life across society.
What is Shaolin Soccer about?
Shaolin Soccer follows Sing, a devoted Shaolin monk, who teams up with a disgraced former soccer star to recruit his kung fu brothers for a tournament. The film blends slapstick comedy, martial arts spectacle, and underdog sports drama, celebrating the idea that ancient discipline can conquer any modern challenge.
What is the age rating for Shaolin Soccer?
Shaolin Soccer is rated PG in the United States, making it suitable for general audiences with parental guidance suggested for younger viewers. The film contains comedic action, mild slapstick violence, and fantasy martial arts sequences but nothing graphic or inappropriate for family viewing.
Did Shaolin Soccer win any awards?
Shaolin Soccer was a major awards success in Hong Kong, winning seven Hong Kong Film Awards in 2002, including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actor for Stephen Chow. It also broke box office records in Hong Kong upon release and became one of the most celebrated Hong Kong comedies ever made.
What are movies similar to Shaolin Soccer?
Fans of Shaolin Soccer often enjoy Stephen Chow's follow-up Kung Fu Hustle (2004) and his earlier The God of Cookery (1996). Other recommended titles include Kung Fu Dunk (2008), The Forbidden Kingdom (2008), Ong-Bak (2003), Cool Runnings (1993), and CJ7 (2008) for similar blends of comedy, action, and heart.
More About Shaolin Soccer
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