Shaolin Soccer
(Siu lam juk kau)
Written January 3, 2005
I've seen this movie five times and still enjoy it just as much the fifth time as I did the
first. I've even seen the english dubbed version, which is... less than ideal. Music is
changed, scenes are cut, and writing is changed in the dubbed version. Just stick with the
original, Chinese version.
Some things that people can't get over enough to enjoy this film is how unrealistic it can be.
In my opinion, that's what makes it so cool. Seeing a soccer ball kicked at such a speed that it
catches on fire and/or leaves a trail of destruction in its wake is really cool-looking. Besides,
movies don't always have to be realistic to be good, as long as an explanation is provided for
where the unrealistic things come from (in this case being Shaolin Kung-Fu). I bet you can think
of several examples.
Another thing that makes this film great is how unique it is. I have never seen a movie like this
one before. Applying kung fu to sports is a really cool idea. I'm surprised it took so long for
a good movie with this idea to come out.
One of my favorite aspects of this movie was the humor. There are hilarious scenes all throughout,
placed at just the right moments so that they don't seem too silly. There are also several parts
where you think one thing is going to happen and suddenly something totally unexpected happens.
I'd give examples, but I'd rather you be surprised.
There is also a cute love story on the side between a girl named Mui (Vicki Zhao), who is ashamed
of her appearance, and the main character Sing (Stephen Chow, also the director) who aims to gives
her confidence. It's kind of funny how you never end up seeing what she really looks like in this
movie. She is a very pretty lady. I'll put pictures of her in the Miscellaneous section sometime.
One thing I didn't get was the Manny's Salon thing, where some crossdressing guy gives Mui a
makeover, which ends up making her look weird. I also wish the film would've elaborated on where
Mui got her kung-fu abilities.
I would recommend this film to anyone who is willing to stick with the original, Chinese version
and who enjoys funny movies (particularly slapstick comedy), kung-fu, and is willing to suspend
their disbelief to enjoy a good movie.
Moments of Greatness: The spontaneous dancing scene near the beginning of the film and the
end of the final match.
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