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Shaolin

Play trailer Poster for Shaolin R Released Sep 9, 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 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review Audience Member A must watch movie in a life. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/03/23 Full Review 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 Read all reviews
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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
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