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Shaolin

Play trailer Poster for Shaolin R 2011 2h 11m Action History Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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73% Tomatometer 26 Reviews 71% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
After a shocking betrayal by his sworn brother, a general (Andy Lau) takes refuge at a Shaolin temple and learns martial arts from a crazy cook (Jackie Chan).
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Shaolin

Critics Reviews

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Nick Schager Boxoffice Magazine 09/09/2011
3/5
Frequently gripping and featuring a surprisingly spry supporting turn by Jackie Chan, it's a sturdy if unremarkable effort. Go to Full Review Gary Dowell Dallas Morning News 09/09/2011
B
An ambitious, almost epic drama that devotes as much time to introspection as it does to combat. Go to Full Review Marc Savlov Austin Chronicle 09/09/2011
3/5
This rousing Shaolin is notable for the compassionate Buddhist philosophy that underpins what otherwise might have been just another Hong Kong period piece. Go to Full Review James Plath Movie Metropolis 12/29/2011
7/10
One of those films that impresses you, even though it fails to set itself apart from other films in the genre. Go to Full Review Brent Simon Shockya.com 10/02/2011
C
Ambitiously staged set pieces fall victim to portentous technique, creating an ultimately irreconcilable chasm between how much one wants to like this movie and how much they actually do. Go to Full Review Jeffrey M. Anderson Common Sense Media 09/16/2011
3/5
Jackie Chan brings some warm energy to his supporting role -- a rarity for this big star -- and turns in a delightfully self-effacing performance. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Logan D @Greynomad38 01/07/2024 After his failure to oust another warlord, General Hou Jie joins the Shaolin temple and learns humility. An epic drama that features far more character development than fights but the few it has are excellent displays of choreography. Chan is basically Chan in this film but who cares? Somber and comedic fuse as well as Yin and Yang. See more Marvin T @RT73611012 02/12/2023 This is one of my favorite Kung Fu movies! It truly shows the spirit of the Shaolin temple, and it portrays concepts of Buddhism really well, and of course the Kung Fu is great. The plot is wonderful too. Love it! See more Suzzette S @SUZ4rotten 09/19/2022 Has everything I love in a movie. It makes me think and I watch it again and again See more 04/24/2020 A must watch movie in a life. See more 02/11/2020 Andy Lau not only delivers one of the most underrated performances of his career, but also delivers with a beautiful song for the motion picture soundtrack. Watch in original Mandolin, and buckle in. This story of the transformation of the human heart takes place during the modernization of China and shares the struggles of old traditions fading into the past. Lau's character changes realistically and without pulling punches, his choices create chaos on his life and the performance of this masterful actor took me from bitter resentment; to forgiveness and eventually to cheers and tears as he triumphs. Jackie Chan also makes a guest appearance and provides some much needed comfort and relief from the Chaos of Lau'a predicament, and truly showcases the broad range of Chan's personality. The martial arts in this movie are realistic and on point, using traditional styles drawn entirely from the Shaolin martial practice.. (The fight sequence. involving Chan, Lau, and a handful of Chinese soldiers is still one of the best choreographed I have seen to date!) See more 10/26/2019 An underrated beautiful film ! Great acting ,story ,message ! A spiritual lovely film ,full of emotions and decent action scenes! See more Read all reviews
Shaolin

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Cast & Crew

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Benny Chan Chi-Shun

Director

Andy Lau

Hou Jie

Nicholas Tse

Cao Man

Jackie Chan

Wu Dao

Fan Bingbing

Madam Hou

Jing Wu

Jing Neng

Movie Clips

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Shaolin

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Shaolin

Andy Lau as General Hou Jie in "Shaolin." Jackie Chan (right) as Cook in "Shaolin." Jackie Chan as Cook in "Shaolin." Andy Lau as General Hou Jie in "Shaolin." (L-R) Jackie Chan as Cook and Andy Lau as General Hou Jie in "Shaolin." Nicholas Tse as Cao Man in "Shaolin." Bingbing Fan in "Shaolin." Nicholas Tse as Cao Man in "Shaolin." A scene from "Shaolin." A scene from "Shaolin." View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis After a shocking betrayal by his sworn brother, a general (Andy Lau) takes refuge at a Shaolin temple and learns martial arts from a crazy cook (Jackie Chan).
Director
Benny Chan Chi-Shun
Producer
Benny Chan Chi-Shun, Albert Lee
Screenwriter
Cheung Tan, Alan Yuen, Chi Kwong Cheung
Distributor
Well Go USA, Variance Films
Production Co
Beijing Silver Moon Productions, China Film Group Corp., Emperor Classic Films, Huayi Brothers Media Group, Shaolin Temple Culture Communication
Rating
R (Violence)
Genre
Action, History, Drama
Original Language
Chinese
Release Date (Theaters)
Sep 9, 2011, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
May 6, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA)
$64.3K
Runtime
2h 11m