Why It Ranks
Shaolin Soccer is the most inventive sports comedy in world cinema. Chow's physical comedy is masterful. The kung-fu-meets-football concept is perfectly executed. It proved that sports films could transcend cultural boundaries through sheer creative audacity.
The Film
Shaolin Soccer combines kung fu and football into one of the most wildly entertaining sports films ever made. Stephen Chow plays a Shaolin monk who recruits his former temple brothers to form a soccer team that uses supernatural martial arts skills on the pitch. The CGI-enhanced soccer sequences are outrageously fun. The film was a massive hit in Asia and developed a devoted cult following worldwide.
Fun Facts
The film was the highest-grossing film in Hong Kong history at the time of its release.
Miramax bought the US distribution rights and cut 24 minutes — the full version is far superior.
Stephen Chow went on to make Kung Fu Hustle, which used similar CGI-enhanced martial arts comedy.
Real soccer players were used as movement references for the CGI-enhanced sequences.
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