Review of Shaolin Soccer (2001) by Matt M — 26 Dec 2013

Comedy about a team of kung fu fighting brothers entering a soccer tournament. An intriguing concept, ridiculous as such, but what mostly makes the film work is the fact that throughout its whole length it fails to take itself seriously, and thus remains fun, entertaining and cartoonish.

Spectacular stunts and exciting action sequences as well as genuinely funny childish and harmless gags complete the picture. On top of that, Chow has admirably succeeded in breaking a taboo with his soccer and cinema match that has rarely meant solid entertainment on the big screen in a narrative form.