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Yao Ming, Colin Pine, Shaquille O'Neal

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 bec... read more read more...ame 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. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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67% liked it

1,252 ratings

Critics

66% liked it

32 critics

PG, 1 hr. 28 min.

Directed by: Adam Del Deo, Adam Del Toro, James D. Stern

Release Date: April 15, 2005

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DVD Release Date: March 14, 2006

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Stats: 91 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (91)

  • bbcfloridabound
    December 5, 2007
    bbcfloridabound
    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 fo... read moreund 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.
  • philliprenke
    January 14, 2008
    philliprenke
    It's interesting to see someone come from a country that opposes individualism come and play in a league that is all about standing out. There is also an interesting side story to this doc, the young inexperienced interpreter that is whisked through the limelight along with Yao.
  • AndySitzerFan
    January 14, 2008
    AndySitzerFan
    I was impressed with how universal this story can be. For someone who isn't interested in basketball, this can show them how a sport can bring two cultures together.
    Yao and his translator share a bond that can be appreciated by anyone who watches this doc.

View All The Year of the Yao Reviews

Critic Reviews

Fred Camper
March 25, 2008
Fred Camper, Chicago Reader

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. Full Review

Michael Wilmington
August 5, 2005
Michael Wilmington, Chicago Tribune

Should be a natural for NBA fans and please non-enthusiasts as well. Full Review

Kevin Crust
August 4, 2005
Kevin Crust, Los Angeles Times

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. Full Review

Tom Long
July 22, 2005
Tom Long, Detroit News

There appears to be much more to Yao than is captured here. That's where the movie drops the ball.

G. Allen Johnson
July 15, 2005
G. Allen Johnson, San Francisco Chronicle

A surprisingly layered portrait of a rookie with the hopes of a nation -- a big nation -- riding on his shoulders, and the frustrations and small victories that entails. Full Review

Liam Lacey
May 6, 2005
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail

Sure, it's fun to watch big-screen close-ups of Yao battling with O'Neal, though it feels like another ESPN special. Full Review

Geoff Pevere
May 6, 2005
Geoff Pevere, Toronto Star

There's not much else of interest going on. Full Review

Bruce Westbrook
April 15, 2005
Bruce Westbrook, Houston Chronicle

Win or lose, in an era of sports idols as rock stars, Yao is a breath of fresh air. Full Review

Joe Leydon
April 13, 2005
Joe Leydon, Variety

You don't have to be a hoops fanatic, or even a sports aficionado of any sort, to enjoy The Year of the Yao, slickly entertaining docu. Full Review

Owen Gleiberman
April 13, 2005
Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly

A skillful and winning piece of honest booster portraiture directed by James D. Stern and Adam Del Deo. Full Review

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