Shaolin Soccer

Kung fu meets football

Stephen Chow, who directed, co-wrote and stars, starts from a simple idea: Shaolin masters who have let their skills rot in menial jobs rediscover them on a football pitch. Each brother has a speciality, Mighty Steel Leg for Sing, Iron Head for another. Mui, the bun seller played by Zhao Wei, kneads dough with tai chi movements, and the goalkeeper is an open nod to Bruce Lee.

Realism is off the table: flaming shots, flying players and digital effects everywhere. Yet behind the slapstick lies an idea practitioners will recognise: kung fu is not a museum piece and has a place in everyday life.

Ching Siu-tung and the awards

Action was choreographed by Ching Siu-tung, who won the Golden Horse for Best Action Choreography. At the 2002 Hong Kong Film Awards the film took Best Film, Best Director and Best Actor among others.

A Hong Kong record

It grossed over HK$60 million, at the time the biggest hit in the territory's history. In the US, Miramax sat on it for nearly two years and released a shortened cut in April 2004, while the US DVD lost 23 minutes. It holds 89% on Rotten Tomatoes and paved the way for Kung Fu Hustle (2004).