Shaolin Soccer poster & wallpaper
Get movie widget Recommend it Add to Favorites

Stephen Chow, Wei Zhao, Man Tat Ng, Patrick Tse, Wong Yat-fei ... see more see more... , Kai Man Tin , Vincent Kok , Hui Li , Lam Tze Chung , Chan Kwok Kwan , Mo Mei Lin , Lu Wei , Karen Mok , Cecilia Cheung , Zhang Mingming , Cao Hua , Min Hun Fung , He Wen Hui , Hu Shao Qi , Lam Tsz Sin , Lee Kin Yan , Li Bin Hong , Lo Hoi Ying , Ma Jun Long , Pu Ye Dong , Shi Heng Jiang , Shi Zi Yun , Sun Chang Meng , Sun Chi Wing , Tse Chi Wah , Tsui Na , Wong Kai Yue , Wong So Ming Kim , Wong Yan Kit , Xian Jian Rong , Yao Xu , Au Yeung Yiu Lun , Yuan Xiao Long , Zhao Yong , Ng Mang-tat , Kar-Ying Law , Sarondar Li , Yin Tse , Yut Fei Wong , Chi Chung Lam

One of Hong Kong's top screen comics, Stephen Chow, co-wrote, co-directed, and headlines this three-way blend of sports, action, and humor. Sing (Stephen Chow) is a modern-day Shaolin monk who has bec... read more read more...ome a master of traditional fighting skills, and is renowned for his "leg of steel." However, these days there isn't much call for a Shaolin warrior, and Sing and his fellow monks earn their keep working menial jobs until a soccer coach gets the bright idea of translating Sing's talent for kicking to the soccer field. Sing becomes the lynchpin of a team playing in a tournament that could net them a $1 million purse, but even with Sing's footwork, beating the steroid-fueled champions will be no easy task. Shaolin Soccer also features Man Tat Ng and Vicki Zhao. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Flixster Users

82% liked it

65,880 ratings

Critics

91% liked it

88 critics

PG-13, 1 hr. 52 min.

Directed by: Stephen Chow

Release Date: April 2, 2004

Keywords: funny, sports, arts, soccer

Invite friends to see

DVD Release Date: August 24, 2004

Stats: 4,965 reviews

report incorrect info

Photos

Shaolin Soccer Shaolin Soccer Shaolin Soccer Shaolin Soccer Shaolin Soccer Shaolin Soccer Shaolin Soccer Shaolin Soccer Shaolin Soccer
Upload a Photo | View All Shaolin Soccer Photos

Your Rating


clear rating

Flixster Reviews (4,965)

  • xXGiNoBiLiPRXx
    February 19, 2012
    xXGiNoBiLiPRXx
    Get ready to kick some grass!

    Good solid fun! I enjoyed it alot and I would watch again because its clean fun no dirty jokes or with double meaning.

    Sing is a skilled Shaolin kung fu devotee whose amazing "leg of steel" catches the eye of a soccer coach. Together they assemble ... read morea squad of Sing's former Shaolin brothers inspired by the big-money prize in a national soccer competition. Using an unlikely mix of martial arts and newfound soccer skills, it seems an unbeatable combination until they must face the dreaded Team Evil in the ultimate battle for the title.
  • fb1463751009
    November 27, 2011
    fb1463751009
    I watched this as a kid and remember thinking, "My gosh, these guys are absolutely getting owned by a soccer ball." The action is so absurd and outrageous that it makes everything hilarious. A joy to watch.
  • garyX
    July 11, 2008
    garyX
    Soccer star "Golden Leg" is bribed into throwing an important match and has his legs broken in retribution. Twenty years later he teams up with a young Kung Fu master to win a prestigious Soccer Tournament and revenge himself on the man responsible. Shaolin Soccer is a witty, ton... read moregue in cheek pastiche of multiple film genres, including martial arts epics, Jackie Chan style chop socky slapstick, sports underdog films and even spaghetti westerns. This mish mash of styles and genres reminded me very much of the kind of knowing comedy Simon Pegg would make rather than the juvenile scattershot parodies of Zucker/Abrams. There's a lot of humour in the notion that ordinary people are using Shaolin Kung Fu in everyday life and Chow cleverly uses loony tunes-style CGI and costumes to intercut between the mundane and "epic". The sports film formula is cleverly parodied (the villain's team is called "Team Evil") and the wire work during the match sequences is hilarious! Unfortunately, like Shaun Of The Dead, it is a bit of a one-idea film, and it could've stood to lose a little flab in the middle as it runs out of steam occasionally. But only occasionally. It's a very funny film with plenty of laugh out loud moments, and the combination of martial arts and football will appeal to stereotypical heterosexual men everywhere!
  • DrZeek
    March 23, 2008
    DrZeek
    [talking to a TV camera]
    Sing: I want to say hello to my parents and my Kung Fu master, but they're all dead.

    A team of former Shaolin martial artists take on Team EVIL in the ultimate showdown combining soccer and kung fu. How would this not be a good movie?

    From star/writer/... read moredirector Stephen Chow, basically China's Jim Carrey, this is a movie that is entertaining every time I watch it. It is almost a parody of most sports movie, but still manages to have an original story, combined with a great sense of humor, fun effects to show what happens when soccer and martial arts are mixed together, and even a sweet romance angle. It also helps that the action scenes are completely over-the-top, including the music.

    Chow and a host of other funny Asian actors assemble the rag tag soccer team, challenging all comers in their soccer league, and make one hell of an entertaining and funny movie.

    Sing: [after his team gets brutally beaten by Team Gangster] Why don't you stop them? They're being unlawful!
    Golden Leg Fung: I'm the referee! I won't stop them!
    Sing: What do you mean by that? You basically want us to die!
    Golden Leg Fung: [blows his whistle] You! Out of the game!
    Sing: Have you gone nuts?
    Golden Leg Fung: This is a test! If none of you can pass it, then you can't play in the soccer league!
    Sing: Well, this is a soccer game! This isn't a war!
    Golden Leg Fung: The final soccer game is a war.
  • skactopus
    February 9, 2008
    skactopus
    What can you say? Soccer and kung fu. A recipe that sounds like a complete stupid disaster. Well, this isn't a disaster, but it is stupid. In a good way.

    The story for this movie is ludicrous, but that's what makes this film so entertaining. Sure, there are a ton of other

    ... read moremovies with ridiculous stories that just plain suck, but Stephen Chow doesn't let that happen here. He has a good knack for directing. A quick pace keeps you from falling asleep and parts that should be long and boring are kept alive with slapstick comedy. It does take a while for the soccer to become heavily involved, but everything leading up to it makes sense and it is well worth the watch. You get some good character development from these parts.

    CG is used in abundance and while it isn't the greatest, it is still visually pleasing. Thankfully this movie is part comedy, otherwise the CG may have worked against it. A bunch of the "kung fu" moves in this film use CG. While real time un-CG martial arts action is great, just remember that this isn't really a martial arts action movie. There isn't a ton of kung fu, but it definitely has its share.

    The acting isn't outstanding, but it is good. This also keeps this film from being classified as crap. Stephen Chow shows that he can do it all. Directing, writing, and acting. Zhao Wei is as good as she is beautiful and the cameos from Cecelia Cheung and Karen Mok are also hilarious.

    This film will cater to many people including Stephen Chow, kung fu, comedy, and maybe even soccer fans. If you have a chance to see this, take it. Don't even hesitate.
  • kenstachnik
    January 24, 2008
    kenstachnik
    Best Kung-Fu Soccor movie of all time
  • ajaymuthecooldevils
    January 20, 2008
    ajaymuthecooldevils
    funny and entertaining...
  • barrys
    May 23, 2007
    barrys
    interesting combination of kung-fu action and soccer. I has very good humor, action and adventure and even a piece of romance. It has a nice story and a decent plot
  • Beefy
    April 25, 2007
    Beefy
    So very entertaining if you can accept it for what it is.
  • DragonEyeMorrison
    March 24, 2007
    DragonEyeMorrison
    Pure fun in every way, Stephen Chow comic timing is perfect on this one. Already a comedy classic.

View All Shaolin Soccer Reviews

Critic Reviews

J. R. Jones
March 26, 2007
J. R. Jones, Chicago Reader

A spirited crowd-pleaser. Full Review

Jay Boyar
August 13, 2004
Jay Boyar, Orlando Sentinel

May be the funniest out-and-out comedy of the summer. Full Review

Janice Page
August 6, 2004
Janice Page, Boston Globe

As goofy action comedies go, Shaolin Soccer is one of the best. Full Review

Geoff Pevere
July 9, 2004
Geoff Pevere, Toronto Star

Catnip to those familiar with the conventions of Hong Kong martial arts movies. Full Review

Ray Conlogue
July 9, 2004
Ray Conlogue, Globe and Mail

A very funny movie. Full Review

Tom Long
May 28, 2004
Tom Long, Detroit News

A complete pleasure.

John Monaghan
May 28, 2004
John Monaghan, Detroit Free Press

Has heart and a freewheeling spirit that makes you smile at the same time you're calling it the stupidest thing you've ever seen. Full Review

Gary Dowell
May 6, 2004
Gary Dowell, Dallas Morning News

A quirky, lighthearted and pleasantly goofy Hong Kong comedy. Full Review

Steve Murray
April 29, 2004
Steve Murray, Atlanta Journal-Constitution

It's genial goofiness can keep you smiling for 87 minutes. Full Review

Derek Elley
April 27, 2004
Derek Elley, Variety

As always, Chow shows himself an acute parodist of other genres while adding his own cherry on the top. Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Cast

More Like This

Click a thumb to vote on that suggestion, or add your own suggestions.

  • Kung Fu Hustle
    Kung Fu Hustle (92%)
  • Dragonball Evolution
    Dragonball Evolution (85%)
  • Kung Pow! Enter the Fist
    Kung Pow! Enter the Fist (68%)
  • Twosabu ilchae (My Boss, My Student)
    Twosabu ilchae (My Boss, My Student) (50%)

More Movies like Shaolin Soccer

Facts

Submit a Fact | View All
  • Get Ready To Kick Some Grass!
Submit a Fact | View All

Shaolin Soccer : Watch Free on TV

Shaolin Soccer Trivia

  • In Shaolin Soccer, what was the name of the enemy soccer team?  Answer »
  • In "Shaolin Soccer", what is the country of origin of the "enhancement" drugs that Team Evil uses?  Answer »
  • what soccer movie is about chinese peeple hu use kung fu to help them play  Answer »
  • Who is not only the director of films such as Shaolin Soccer and Kung Fu Hustle, but is also their star?  Answer »
More Shaolin Soccer Trivia

Movie Quizzes

Create a Quiz |

All Quizzes

Video Clips

Upload a Video |

All Shaolin Soccer Videos

Meet Other Fans

Add Shaolin Soccer to favorites

Recent News

No recent headlines. Got one?

Recent Lists

Make a List |

View All Lists

Most Popular Skin

No skins yet. Interested in creating one?