Shaolin Soccer 2003

“Golden Leg” Fung, portrayed by Ng Man-Tat, is a former soccer sensation from Hong Kong who finds himself in a messy entanglement when he violently confronts his teammate Hung, played by Patrick Tse, after Hung attempts to bribe him to lose a game. Despite his initial refusal, Fung ultimately accepts the bribe and throws the match, leading to an explosive retaliation from furious fans who break his leg in the process.

Fast forward twenty years, and Fung now walks with a noticeable limp, forced into servitude by Hung, who has transformed into a prosperous businessman. When Fung approaches Hung for the chance to coach his soccer team, he’s mocked and cruelly reminded that it was a forged check that led to the breaking of his leg—an act premeditated by Hung and executed by hired thugs. Hung’s team, known as Team Evil, has dominated the league for five consecutive years.

While drowning his sorrows in the streets, Fung encounters Sing, a Shaolin Kung Fu master played by Stephen Chow, who is on a mission to showcase how martial arts can enhance everyday tasks. Sing passionately explains that Kung Fu can revolutionize mundane activities like parallel parking or recovering from a slip on a banana peel. Unfortunately, nobody seems interested in Sing’s teachings due to his unkempt appearance and impoverished status.

In a surprising twist, Fung, initially skeptical, becomes fascinated by Sing’s remarkable kicking ability after witnessing Sing shatter a soda can against a brick wall. After observing Sing in action against a group of thugs, Fung decides to team up and coach him in soccer. Inspired by the idea of integrating Kung Fu into soccer, Sing rounds up his former Shaolin brothers to form a team with the goal of winning the National SuperCup Tournament, which boasts a one million dollar prize.

Sing’s team is eclectic and includes unique characters such as Iron Head, whose hard-headed technique proves invaluable in headers; Hooking Leg, whose tumbling skills make him a formidable full-back; Iron Shirt, a business-savvy ball propellant; Empty Hand, a goalkeeper reminiscent of Bruce Lee; and Light Weight Vest, a remarkable winger with extraordinary leaping abilities. Each has a backstory tied to Shaolin teachings, committed to spreading martial arts knowledge.

Their first test comes against Team Rebellion, a notoriously ruthless squad led by their captain, Fung Min-Hun. The game initially showcases the raw intensity of violence, but Fung enlightens Sing on the strategic warfare aspect of soccer, urging him to harness their skills. As adversity mounts, the Shaolin players channel their training and defeat the opposition, capturing the attention of even the thugs who wish to join their ranks.

In a subplot, Sing attempts to express his affection for Mui, played by Wei Zhao, after a visit to a high-end department store. He compliments her beauty, encouraging her to embrace her self-worth. However, their budding romance takes a hit when Mui experiences mockery for a drastic makeover. Struck by her sudden disappearance after losing her job, Sing eventually discovers the cause behind the saltiness of her famous buns—tears.

Team Shaolin competes in an open cup in Hong Kong, experiencing astonishing victories until they finally confront Hung’s Team Evil in the climactic showdown. Team Evil, underhanded due to doping, presents a formidable challenge, boasting superhuman strength and a goalkeeper capable of stopping shots with one hand in his pocket. As injuries pile up for Team Shaolin, the situation appears grim until Mui dramatically returns with a shaved head, stepping in as the new goalkeeper.

In a thrilling finale, Mui channels her Tai Chi skills to stop a blazing shot from Team Evil, leading her and Sing to execute a powerful counterattack that results in the sole match-winning goal as they overcome their rivals.

In the aftermath, Hung faces imprisonment for doping offenses, and his players receive lifetime bans from professional play. Finally, as Sing goes for a jog, he sees the profound impact of Kung Fu in the community, a testament to his lifelong goal. A large advertisement announces that Sing and Mui have become a famous couple, even celebrated champions in various areas, including bowling.