Review of Shaolin Soccer (2001) by Kai82 — 15 Nov 2020

Kung Fu / martial arts mixed with soccer shouldn't be such an entertaining idea but it creates an experience that is unforgettable and an all out attack on your risible muscles. It is the story of Sing a Kung Fu master who drifts trough life wanting to teach / show society the practical and spiritual benefits of Kung Fu.

He meets Fung a legendary but now handicapped former soccer star who is betrayed by businessman Hung. Together they try to form a soccer team with Sings former Shaolin brothers. Sounds crazy but works so well.

All of them have incredible martial arts skills that they use to outmaneuver their opponents. It is a great parody as special effects were used to enhance the Kung Fu skills to superhuman levels. It has also a sweet lovestory, side blows in many direction (like fair play as soccer is war, sportsware contracts etc.

) and an enjoyable villain with Hung and his evil team. Alone the climax with the game against the evil team is worth watching the movie. It helps that they hit the sweet spot between seriousness and goofy parody.

The humor works very well and I cant remember a misfire (Remark: There could be things I did not understand because of my European background). It is directed by Stephen Chow who is a legend in Hong Kongs film-industry.

He made a hidden gem of martial arts / comedy here. Then we have an excellent cast with lead actor Stephen Chow as Sing, Ng Man-tat as Fung, the Shaolin brothers Wong Yat Fei, Lam Chi Chung, Mok Mei-lam, Tin Kai-man, Danny Chan Kwok Kwan (looks like Bruce Lee) and Zhao Wei as Sings love interest.

All nailed their roles and make this movie an incredible experiences. Then there is Patrick Tse as Hung who is so enjoyable diabolic and his menacing evil team. I still have a smile on my face remembering them.

Sadly it is an unrecognized or forgotten masterpiece. It was pretty successful and earned high ratings by critics. Overall I was lucky to see this in cinema. It is one of the most entertaining martial arts comedies out there and a must see for its humor and ideas alone.