Shaolin

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Shaolin

R

Released Sep 9, 2011

2h 11m

Action

History

Drama

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Popcornmeter

73%

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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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Nick Schager

Boxoffice Magazine

Frequently gripping and featuring a surprisingly spry supporting turn by Jackie Chan, it's a sturdy if unremarkable effort.

Rated: 3/5

Sep 9, 2011

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Gary Dowell

Dallas Morning News

An ambitious, almost epic drama that devotes as much time to introspection as it does to combat.

Rated: B

Sep 9, 2011

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Marc Savlov

Austin Chronicle

This rousing Shaolin is notable for the compassionate Buddhist philosophy that underpins what otherwise might have been just another Hong Kong period piece.

Rated: 3/5

Sep 9, 2011

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James Plath

Movie Metropolis

One of those films that impresses you, even though it fails to set itself apart from other films in the genre.

Rated: 7/10

Dec 29, 2011

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Brent Simon

Shockya.com

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.

Rated: C

Oct 2, 2011

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Jeffrey M. Anderson

Common Sense Media

Jackie Chan brings some warm energy to his supporting role -- a rarity for this big star -- and turns in a delightfully self-effacing performance.

Rated: 3/5

Sep 16, 2011

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Logan D

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.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/07/24

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Marvin T

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!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/05/24

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Liam D

A much more serious martial arts drama with great action sequences and amazing performances

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/08/22

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Suzzette S

Has everything I love in a movie. It makes me think and I watch it again and again

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/19/22

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Audience Member

A must watch movie in a life.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/03/23

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Audience Member

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!)

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/14/23

Full Review

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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

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Shaolin: Official Clip - Siege of the Temple

3:52

Shaolin: Official Clip - Bloody Defense

2:07

Shaolin: Official Clip - Soldiers vs. Martial Artists

2:04

Shaolin: Official Clip - Children vs. Soldiers

3:31

Shaolin: Official Clip - Horse Carriage Chase

3:12

Shaolin: Official Clip - Brutal Prison Break

3:12

Shaolin: Official Clip - Shaolin Ninja Strike

2:24

Shaolin: Official Clip - Ambushing the Ambushers

2:32

Shaolin: Official Clip - Brother vs. Brother

1:32

Shaolin: Official Clip - Shaolin Monk Training

1:14

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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

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