This Over-the-Top Soccer Comedy Pushed the Boundaries So Hard It Started Its Own Genre

Sports movies are highly entertaining. And there's a lot you can do with the genre. It can be funny, sad or both at the same time. The director can go a more motivational or more satirical route (or again, blend these two together).

The beauty of sports cinema lies in its versatility. They tap into our collective love for both physical achievement and compelling storytelling.

Yet no movie has done it like the one I want to talk about right now. And if you think that you've already seen it all, you really need to give this one a watch. It'll surprise you in a way no other movie can.

Shaolin Soccer (2001): Martial Arts Meets Soccer

If you've never heard of this movie, I totally get it. Despite being a massive hit in Hong Kong and gaining a cult following worldwide, Shaolin Soccer somehow flew under the radar for many Western viewers. But this one deserves a watch (and not even one), believe me.

The story follows a Shaolin kung fu master, Sing (Stephen Chow, who's also a director and co-writer) who teams up with his fellow martial artists to create the most unconventional soccer team in history. They apply their extraordinary skills to the game, and what happens next is something out of this world.

The plot might sound straightforward. Underdog team that tries to win the big tournament is not new at all. But what sets it apart is its unhinged execution. And I absolutely love that the movie is not trying to be serious at all and fully commits to its ridiculous premise.

And while some may find the visuals a bit dated by today's standards, I have no problem with them. In fact, I find them kind of charming and a great addition to the story.

Shaolin Soccer Birthed a New Genre

Yep, that's right. The movie itself brought a new genre. As Redditor Kawaiithulhu noted:

“This movie almost single handedly started a genre. You must watch it.”

And that's absolutely right. You don't need to stick to the typical underdog story formula. You can throw in martial arts, crazy special effects, and whatever else you can think of. The stage is all yours.

The genius behind this chaos is Stephen Chow has done something truly special with Shaolin Soccer. It's a movie that I won't get tired of rewatching. And if you haven't seen it yet, now is a great time to give it a chance.

You can find Shaolin Soccer completely free of charge on Hoopla.