Introduction
The World Cup has ended, and I am writing this review of Shaolin Soccer (2001) to ward off the symptoms of soccer withdrawal. Is a twenty-five-year-old movie worth the watch? Can it help fill the hole the World Cup has left behind? It is a big ask for a film that the cowriter and star, Stephen Chow, describes as “over the top” and inspired by the “Japanese manga series Captain Tsubasa.” While it may be over the top, this is exactly why I love it. A rewatch of this film (and honestly, who has not already seen this at least once?) allows this movie to shine in two ways. The first way, as someone who practices traditional Chinese martial arts, I enjoyed seeing the homage to old school kung fu films. And the second way, as I watched Argentina lose to Spain in the World Cup finals, it was difficult – yet so much fun – to draw comparisons between Team Evil and Argentina. Why wouldn’t Shaolin Soccer (2001) be worth the watch?
Summary
I sometimes hesitate to write summaries, worried that I will include a spoiler that I should have avoided. Shaolin Soccer (2001) came out two and a half decades ago, so I feel like everyone has already seen it. However, for the new generation that watches this film, let me assure you that knowing the story ahead of time does not make it less enjoyable. The plot revolves around a dirty, poor, Shaolin kung fu practitioner and wannabe teacher named Sing. Sing wants to share the practical relevance of Shaolin kung fu with the world and to demonstrate how kung fu can be applied to every aspect of daily life. The world, however, sees Sing dirtiness and poverty and will not study with him. In a twist of fate, Sing impresses a soccer coach with his strength and agility, and is recruited to play soccer against, you guessed it, Team Evil. Sing convinces his kung fu brothers to join him, and by relying on the power of Shaolin kung fu and teamwork, attempt to beat performance enhanced drug using Team Evil.
Analysis
This film tends to receive favorable reviews, which reflects its mainstream audience appeal. Among martial arts film enthusiasts, I expect Shaolin Soccer (2001) to be ranked as a classic. Each time Sing or his Shaolin brothers used kung fu on the soccer field, the screen would freeze to highlight their skill. It reminded me of old school wuxia when each participant’s style would be announced. Another old school reference is the goalkeeper, referred to as Fourth Brother aka Empty Hand, played by Danny Chan Kwok-kwan. His haircut and yellow tracksuit are identical to Bruce Lee in Game of Death (1978). When the goalkeeper looks at the other players, raises his hand towards them, and beckons them with his fingers, it is old school Bruce Lee at its best.
Twenty-five years ago, I watched the movie through the eyes of Sing and imagined forcing my way through my enemies. Decades later I rewatch the film and cheer each time Mui, Sing’s love interest and a Taiji Quan practitioner, appeared on the screen. Her ability to move forward, to show strength through yielding, and to redirect force against those using it against her were expertly demonstrated. I will not spoil this film for anyone watching it for the first time, but I encourage my fellow internal martial artists to watch how the soccer game ends. You will not be disappointed!
Conclusion
Is Shaolin Soccer (2002) worth the watch? Without a doubt, yes. This film can help transition to a post-World Cup Summer. As the news and social media presents a troubling view of the world, this movie introduces a bit of whimsy and allows us to escape to a place where good beats evil. Finally, for those of us that live kung fu in everything we do, this film lets us see that we are not only the only ones. Watch it by yourself for the enjoyment and old escape and make your spouse/partner/significant other watch it when they are tired of you kicking the refrigerator door closed and watching you seek the bridge in order to open a kitchen drawer. As the main character, Sing tries to teach, Shaolin Soccer (2001) has something for everyone!
- Shaolin Soccer (2001) – Worth the Watch? - August 10, 2026
- Kung Fu Panda (2008) – Worth the Watch? Special Father’s Day Edition - June 19, 2026
- The Paper Tigers (2020) – Worth the Watch? - May 24, 2026
Leave a Reply