shaolin soccer

About:

Shaolin Soccer (少林足球) is a 2001 martial arts comedy movie about a team of martial arts experts who use their skills to play football (soccer), while also promoting Shaolin kung fu to the masses.

The movie was directed by Stephen Chow, who was also a co-writter, and played the leading role of Shaolin kung fu master and football striker Mighty Steel Leg Sing.

The story revolves around Sing, a Shaoline kung fu master who wish to find a way to promote the spiritual and practical benefits of kung fu in modern society. Finally, he is compelled by the idea of using football to promote kung fu, and coaxes his former Shaolin brothers to help him form a team. Together, they take on Team Evil, a super-doped football team owned by the currupt businessman Hung.

The movie was both a box office succes in Hong Kong and got fine reviews by most critics. The film holds a 91% approval rating at Rotten Tomatoes and has a 68/100 score on Metacritic.

Shaolin Soccer grossed over HK$60,7 million at Hong Kong box office, making it the highest-grossing film in the region’s history at the time. (In 2004, the record was broken by Stephen Chow’s movie Kung Fu Hustle.) Worldwide, Shaolin Soccer grossed US$42,776,760.

The Chinese authorities banned Shaolin Soccer from cinnemas and DVD/VCD, because Stephen Chow did not apply for permission for public screenings in Hong Kong.

Trailer

Cast

Actor Character Info
Stephen ChowMighty Steel Leg SingShaolin kung fu expert

 

Soccer striker

Ng Man-tatGolden Leg FungPlayed soccer in the 1980s, is now crippled
Wong Yat-feiIron HeadThe oldest of the Shaolin brothers

 

Specializes in headers during soccer games

Mok Mei-lamHooking LegThe second Shaolin brother

 

His skills resembles ground tumbling boxing

Tin Kai-manIron ShirtThe third Shaolin brother

 

Can absorb blunt force attacks without much injury

 

Can shoot the ball using his stomach

Danny Chan Kwok-kwanEmpty Hand Lightning HandThe fourth Shaolin brother

 

Resembles Bruce Lee

Extremely fast hands

Lam Chi-chungLight Weight VestThe sixth Shaolin borther

 

Can jump extremely high

Zhao WeiMuiBaker and tai chi expert

 

Sing’s love interest

Patrick TseHungTeam Evil’s coach

 

Corrupt businessman

 

Golden Leg Fung’s former team mate

Shik Zi-yunNo. 9Team Evil’s striker

 

Can back flip, soar into the sky and kick a fiery ball

Cao HuaNo. 21Team Evil’s goalkeeper

 

Increadibly strong hands

Cecilia CheungNo.7Team Dragon player

 

Can run very fast

Karen MokNo.11Team Dragon player

 

Can run very fast

Fung Min-hunCaptain of Team RebellionCaptain of Team Rebellion

 

Vicious mobster

 

Fights using a crescent wrench and a steel mallet.

Vincent KokCaptain of Team TofuCaptain of Team Tofu

 

Basic info about the movie

Chinese title少林足球
English titleShaolin soccer
CountryHong Kong
LanguageCantonese
Lenght1 hour and 52 minutes
Budget10 million USD
Box office42.8 million USD

Behind the scenes

ProducerYeung Know-Fai
Production companyStar Overseas Ltd

Universe Entertainment Ltd

DirectorStephen Chow
Written byStephen Chow

Tsang Kan-cheung

Music byLowell Lo

Raymond Wong

CinematographyKwen Pak-Huen

Kwong Ting-wo

Edited byKai Kit-Wai
Distributed byUniverse Entertainment Ltd

Miramax Films

Starring

  • Stephen Chow
  • Zhao Wei
  • Ng Man-tat
  • Patrick Tse
  • Danny Chan Kwok-kwan

Examples of awards won

  • Blue Ribbon Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
  • 38th Golden Horse Awards for Best Action Choreography and Best Visual Effects.
  • 7th Golden Bauhinia Awards in the categories Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor.
  • Hong Kong Film Critics Society Award for Best Picture.
  • 21st Hong Kong Film Awards in seven categories:
Best Picture
Best Director (Stephen Chow)
Best Young Director (Stephen Chow)
Best Actor (Stephen Chow)
Best Supporting Actor (Wong Yat-fei)
Best Sound Effect (Kinson Tsang)
Best Visual Effect (Frankie Chung, Ken Law, and Ronald To)

This article was last updated on: December 7, 2018