ince having his legs broken by an angry mob after losing the Chinese national soccer championship, Fung (Ng) has been down on his luck. As equipment manager for a soccer team subtly known as "Team Evil," the former soccer player once known as "Golden Leg" is constantly abused and beaten down by the club's owner, his ruthless ex-teammate, Hung (Patrick Tse Yin).
After being fired for daring to defy his boss, Fung finds himself on the street, where he meets Sing (Chow), a martial-arts master from the legendary Shaolin Temple with dreams of spreading the practice of kung fu to the entire world. Unfortunately, Sing's efforts, which include a failed attempt at a singing career, haven't amounted to much so far. But when Fung sees Sing take on a street gang with only a soccer ball, he inspires him to form an invincible soccer team made up of his fellow kung fu masters.
The problem is, Sing's five brothers are reluctant to leave their normal lives and join the team. Though each possesses a special superhuman power—one has superspeed, another has an iron stomach that can deflect any object, another can float on air despite his enormous size—they've found their training is of little use in their daily lives. Ultimately, Sing, known as "Iron Leg" for his ability to kick any object farther and faster than anyone alive, shows them how to reconnect with their abilities, and the Shaolin soccer team is born.
Along the way, Sing meets Mui, a kung fu master who uses her skills to make sticky buns on the street. Although Mui's skin is covered with sores, Sing shows her that her inner worth is what matters, a concept that is proven when she is called upon to use her gifts in the final match against Team Evil, who have developed enhanced talents of their own.
Crouching fullback meets hidden goalie
Kung fu and soccer—are there two more popular American pastimes? Though the concept of Shaolin Soccer may not have the same appeal here that it did overseas (it was one of the most successful Hong Kong films in history), it's still an interesting, if not downright bizarre, film from an outsider's point of view. As with a good meal in an exotic restaurant, the mix of flavors and tastes may be foreign, but the skill of the chef is undeniable.
Stephen Chow, who produced, directed, wrote and starred in the film, has made a successful career of spoofing the martial-arts films of his native Hong Kong, particularly those of the late Bruce Lee. For audiences whose exposure to Hong Kong cinema is limited to the serious Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, this may be a welcome introduction to the campy potential of martial-arts films. Though some of the humor may be lost in translation, what remains is an oddball comedy that's as accessible as it is foreign. Shaolin Soccer proves that the international language isn't love, it's physical comedy.
Chow has created a world where anything can happen, from soccer balls that turn into fiery comets to 300-pound players who defy gravity. In fact, all the laws of nature are bendable here, as if the film were taking place in some Matrix-like alternate reality, complete with bullet-time special effects. When Chow's character suddenly breaks into song in the middle of the street for no apparent reason, the ensuing dance number may seem unconventional, but it fits with the silly, irreverent tone of the rest of the film.
The one drawback is that U.S. distributor Miramax has chosen to release the film in a dubbed version rather than using subtitles. Though the dubbing doesn't hinder the film itself, which relies heavily on visual gags, stunts and special effects, it would have been nice to hear the original voices of Chow and the rest of the cast. The decision doesn't say much for the company's faith in American audiences, but it does indicate the intent to reach as wide an audience as possible. Hopefully, the American DVD release will include a subtitle option for purists.
