Shaolin Soccer 2003

In a stunning turn of events, “Golden Leg” Fung (Hong Kong soccer star) finds himself on the receiving end of a ruthless ultimatum from teammate Hung. Hung, now a successful businessman, demands that Fung throw the game and takes advantage of Fung’s desperation by offering him a dubious cheque. The once-celebrated athlete ultimately succumbs to pressure, throwing the match and suffering the consequences - including a brutal beating at the hands of angry spectators, which leaves him with a permanent limp.

Twenty years pass, and Fung finds himself reduced to a humbled lackey, serving under the very man who had wronged him. Hung’s taunts only add salt to the wound when he reveals that the cheque was fake and the individuals responsible for breaking Fung’s leg were hired mercenaries. As Fung wallows in his misery, he stumbles upon Sing, a Shaolin kung fu master with a noble vision: to bring the practical benefits of martial arts to the world. Despite being shunned by society due to his dirty appearance and poverty, Sing has an unshakeable conviction.

Initially dismissive of Sing’s plight, Fung soon discovers the extraordinary abilities of Sing’s legs and offers to coach him in soccer. The prospect of harnessing kung fu to elevate the sport captivates Fung, and he becomes an unlikely ally for Sing. As the latter enlists the help of his former Shaolin brothers, Fung orchestrates a test match against a notorious cheating team. A thorough thrashing ensues, but just when all hope seems lost, Sing’s brothers reawaken their kung fu prowess, turning the tables and securing a stunning victory.

As the unlikely teammates gain recognition, they attract attention from an unexpected quarter - the very thugs who had previously been defeated. These erstwhile adversaries now seek to join Sing’s team, much to Fung’s dismay. Meanwhile, Sing takes Mui (a woman with severe acne) on a shopping spree at an upscale department store after hours, intent on buying her a dress as a gesture of goodwill. Although initially ridiculed for her bold 1980s-inspired makeover, Mui begins to open up about her feelings for Sing. However, her hopes are dashed when he rebuffs her advances, insisting that their relationship remain platonic. Crushed and fired from her job, Mui vanishes into the night, leaving behind a trail of broken dreams.

As Team Shaolin takes to the Hong Kong open cup competition, they’re met with a dizzying array of one-sided victories, courtesy of their extraordinary abilities. However, it’s not until the final showdown against Hung’s formidable Team Evil that they encounter a worthy adversary - a group fueled by an American performance-enhancing drug, boasting superhuman strength and speed. The referee, curiously, has been compromised by Hung’s machinations, setting the stage for an uneven contest. As Team Shaolin’s goalkeepers fall prey to vicious attacks, the team’s powerless members flee in disarray.

With their backs against the wall, it seems as though all hope is lost. Yet, Mui re-emerges, her shorn locks a testament to her unwavering dedication, and takes up the mantle of goalkeeper. When Team Evil’s star striker unleashes a blazing kick towards Mui, she responds with a dazzling display of tai chi, effortlessly deflecting the ball. Uniting her skills with Sing’s, they launch a lightning-fast counterattack that culminates in a goal so spectacular it leaves all of Team Evil’s players in its wake.

In the aftermath, Hung is brought to justice for his doping transgressions, while the members of Team Evil face lifetime bans. As Sing takes to the streets for a leisurely jog, he’s heartened to see people from all walks of life incorporating kung fu into their daily routines - a dream long held close to his heart finally realized.

The cherry on top comes in the form of a gargantuan advertisement emblazoned on the side of a building, proudly proclaiming Sing and Mui as world champions in bowling, among other disciplines, cementing their status as a legendary couple.