Now back to it's original title, (after having been released in Hong Kong in 2001 as "Shaolin Soccer" Miramax decided to release it in the US as "Kung Fu Soccer" but have wisely decided to go with the original name) this Steven Chow vehicle is now supposedly set for April 2003. HONG KONG - "Shaolin Soccer," a comedy that will soon hit U.S. cinemas, scored a resounding victory on Sunday at the Hong Kong Film Awards, one of the most prestigious accolades in the Chinese movie circuit. With its unusual mix of martial arts and soccer, the film grabbed seven of 19 awards, just below the eight that Oscar-winning "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" took last year. The film stars and was directed by Stephen Chiau, dubbed Hong Kong's answer to Hollywood's rubber-faced Jim Carrey, and won awards for best film, director, young director, actor, supporting actor, sound design and visual effects. It had received 13 nominations. "I wish to thank some people. First of all, the late (kung fu star) Mr Bruce Lee because I was so enchanted by his films that I resolved to be an actor," the deadpan comedian said. While "Shaolin Soccer" may not have the international renown that "Crouching Tiger" enjoyed after it took four Oscars last year, it commands a huge following in Asia. The film earned more than HK$60 million (US$7.7 million) at the local box office last summer, making it Hong Kong's highest-grossing film on record. http://www.shaw.com.sg/upload/shaolinsoccer/m-shaolinsoccer.htm I've heard it's not nearly as suckified as it sounds.
SOmebody better call Puma. They've launched a big national ad campaign announcing the April release date. Of course, judging from the new Italy uniforms that are just being released, they have bigger problems.
it's a very funny movie... i recommend it i had it on my computer a little over a year ago, but deleted it... too big to burn and i needed the space on my hard drive it's very blatant in the humor, but like most comedies, if you know what type of humor it is going in, you'll enjoy it so check it out whenever you can, or search for it on kazaa
I saw the film a little over a year ago and couldn't stomach it. It really is that awful. Miramax should have released it last July, though.
I did call Miramax, and Puma actually has dictated that this movie's release will in fact happen in April, albeit on an even smaller scale than planned. Puma's put up some serious cash to promote this release apparently, much more than Miramax would have spent themselves. If you live in the NYC area, this movie can be bought for about $8 on DVD on Canal Street.
I've got the DVD, it's very funny. Not really a soccer movie though. The kids will love it If you don't take soccer media too seriously, then you might enjoy it too. Oh wait, this is obviously not the right venue to find those people. Better avoid the theaters, people. Puma provided more or less all the branded kits and gear in the film.