Shaolin Soccer

As far as I'm concerned, this film is a delightful masterpiece. It's full of silly comedy, but it also has a very nice story about a team of losers seeking to become something more. Yes, that's nearly every sports movie that's ever been made, but what seperates Shaolin Soccer is its visual flair.

The movie takes those old Wu Shu cliches and puts them on the soccer field. More importantly, it does so without insulting the kung fu genre. This is a silly movie, but it's also full of geniune characters and enjoyable action. Never has soccer been more ridiculous or awe-inspiring.

I hate to compare movies, but I'd have to say that though this film and Kung Fu Hustle share a lot in common, they are also very different. Shaolin Soccer is more realistic, set mostly in the real world, with super martial arts as its only strong fantasty element. It's a quieter film, but by no means did I find it boring. It's still a unique and entertaining film, full of nonsense, grace, and heart. And that's not something you get to see everyday.

Stephen Chow directs and stars in this powerfully creative comedy and special effects masterpiece. This is the best movie I have seen in years!

I'm not a big fan of the "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon" special effects by any means. Yet in this movie with similar effects I couldnt get enough of it. Mainly due to Stehpen Chow and the excellent writing, casting and directing (Stephen Chow pretty much does it all.) This is a movie that leaves an impression on you due to the fantastic cast and hilarious story. Wich by the way is about a soccer team of misfits put together for revenge and profit. Revenge on the part of the coach of the Shaolin team who is out to get back at his nemesis for past wrong doings. Profit for the ex-Shaolin kung-fu masters down on thier luck.

I wont say much more about this movie since I couldnt come close to doing it justice. If you like creative and original movies this is a priceless treasure. Mind blowing creativity and all round production.

I would be hard pressed to even think, of anyone, in cinema more talented and refined at making movies than Mr Chow. By making I dont mean just acting in or directing movies just to make a quick Hollywood buck. I mean having creative power all the way from the initial idea to making and putting it on screen.

Stephen Chow does a lot in this movie and others. He will stand out though for having tons of screen presence and massive charm. This whole cast is as top-notch as it gets. If you like comedy or kung-fu or creativity or epic and imaginary special effect scenes, or all of those things watch this movie!

I love kung-fu soccer!

I had heard about this movie online years ago and ordered it international from Taiwan because I was excited about it. It is an award-winning film. I was interested in the culture and views of these other people too, this being a top film over there. I am very much interested in other cultures and worldwide films.

I was amazed at how awesome this movie was. It is one of my favorite films of all time. Full of timeless themes of heroism, spirituality, and right and wrong -- all woven into a fun and entertaining film. I love the chi-energy-like fire effects when the players get their Shaolin power. Their film-making is poetic and gripping and this makes a great story.

This is a must-see film by any standard, great for the whole family (unlike a lot of films these days...).

I caught this one on cable just a few nights ago and I have to admit I laughed my you know what off. I think my teenaged son laughed harder than I did. This is like Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon Meets the Mighty Ducks. A former soccer great called Golden Leg Funghad his career ruined after a gangster caused him to break his legendary leg. years later, Fung meets a Kung Fu Master named Sing whose steel leg can do wonders on a soccer ball. Sing is a Bruce Lee look-alike and even wears the yellow jump suit that Lee wore in Game of Death. Fung reunites Sing with his former Shaolin brothers and puts their remarkable Kung Fu skills to work on the soccer field. The brothers all have names which are clues to their Kung Fu Skills such as Iron Head, Lighting Hands, Iron Shirt Tin, and hooking leg.

Together they form one outrageous teams complimented by Matrix like special effects as balls are kicked and scream like rockets, trailing fire and tearing up the field as they fly towards the opponents goal. Or Hooking Leg demonstrates the most incredible degree of hook ever seen as his kicks turn 90 degrees. Fung sets them up for a run in a bis soccer tournament and a show down with the team of the mob leader who caused his injury years earlier. His team is called the dastardly "Team Evil" just in case their black uniforms and scowls didn't tip you off.

The formula works like any of those American films such as Mighty Ducks, Bad News Bears or the like. Shaolin Soccer is like watching a live action cartoon with the wild, slap-stick action and special effects. The cast is hilarious with brilliant one-liners and facial expressions. The film is dubbed in English. Star Steven Chow directed the film and Chow also directed the highly successful Kung Fu Hustle that came out in 2005.

Definitly Stephen Chow's best film. I have to admit I didn't really enjoy Kung Fu Hustle as much as some. I miss the old Stephen Chow and love his older films such as God of Cookery, 60 Million Dollar Man, and Beijing with Love. Shaolin Soccer is right along the same lines. Very funny, and very well done. Miramax actually did a good job with this DVD, as it includes the original uncut version, and the dubbed version. They even included scenes not on the Hong Kong DVD like the dance scene. Very recommended!