Shaolin Soccer English Dub Now
Yes. But with a caveat.
Watch the original Cantonese version first. Respect the art. But then, immediately after, watch the Shaolin Soccer English Dub. View it not as a translation, but as a "cover song." It is a bizarre, frantic, and hilarious re-interpretation of a classic.
If you are showing this movie to kids, the English dub is essential—they won’t read subtitles. If you are showing it to drunk friends at a party, the dub is a weapon of mass laughter. But if you want to understand why Stephen Chow is a genius, stick to the subtitles.
One thing is for certain: 25 years later, the Shaolin Soccer English Dub remains the definitive way for millions of American fans to experience the greatest soccer match ever played—where the ball catches fire, the goalie has a force field, and the ref is a cyborg. Pass the orange peels.
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Title: A Hilarious and Action-Packed Classic - "Shaolin Soccer" English Dub Review
Rating: 4.5/5
Stephen Chow's 2001 comedy classic, "Shaolin Soccer", has finally made its way to English-speaking audiences with an official dub. The movie's unique blend of martial arts, sports, and humor has been preserved in this English dub, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
The story follows Sing (played by Stephen Chow), a former Shaolin monk who teams up with a group of misfit monks to coach a high school soccer team. As they embark on their journey to become the best, they must confront their own personal demons, wacky rivals, and hilarious misunderstandings.
The English dub does an impressive job of capturing the essence of the original film. The voice acting is top-notch, with standout performances from the cast, particularly Chow's endearingly exasperated Sing. The comedic timing and delivery are spot-on, making the film's humor accessible to a new audience.
The action scenes, which blend martial arts with soccer, are just as impressive as they were in the original. The dub's sound design ensures that the impact of each kick, punch, and block is felt, making the viewer feel like they're right in the midst of the chaos.
If you're a fan of martial arts comedies, sports movies, or just great storytelling, "Shaolin Soccer" English Dub is a treat. While some minor nuances of the original dialogue might be lost in translation, the dub's overall quality and faithfulness to the source material make it a joy to watch.
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Recommendation: If you enjoy martial arts comedies, sports movies, or are just looking for a light-hearted, entertaining film, "Shaolin Soccer" English Dub is a must-watch.
The English dub of "Shaolin Soccer", a beloved Hong Kong martial arts comedy film released in 2001, has become a cult classic in its own right. The movie, directed by Stephen Chow, combines the worlds of Shaolin kung fu and soccer, resulting in a hilarious and action-packed ride.
The English dub, which was produced by Celestial Pictures, features a talented voice cast, including Jim On and Todd Burch, who bring the film's quirky characters to life. The dub was well-received by fans, who appreciated the effort to make the movie more accessible to a wider audience.
One of the standout aspects of the English dub is its clever translation and adaptation of the original dialogue. The translators did an excellent job of capturing the humor and wit of Stephen Chow's script, making sure that the jokes and one-liners still land with English-speaking viewers. Shaolin Soccer English Dub
The dub also features a memorable soundtrack, with catchy songs and energetic music that enhance the overall viewing experience. The English dub of "Shaolin Soccer" has become a favorite among fans of martial arts comedies and soccer enthusiasts alike, offering a unique blend of action, humor, and heart.
The movie's success can be attributed in part to its lighthearted and comedic approach, which sets it apart from more serious martial arts films. The English dub has helped to introduce "Shaolin Soccer" to a new audience, showcasing the film's universal themes of teamwork, perseverance, and the power of sports to bring people together.
Overall, the English dub of "Shaolin Soccer" is a delightful and entertaining experience that is sure to leave viewers smiling. If you haven't seen it before, grab some popcorn, get ready to laugh, and join the fun with the Shaolin Soccer team!
Are you a fan of "Shaolin Soccer" or would you like to know more about the movie?
If you are looking for the English dubbed version of Shaolin Soccer (2001)
, it is important to know that there are two distinct versions: the original Hong Kong cut and the US/Miramax cut. 1. English Dub Versions
The Miramax Dub: This is the most common English version found on major streaming platforms and US DVDs. It was edited for American audiences, which included cutting about 20 minutes of footage (scenes with character development and subplots) and replacing the original soundtrack. Voice Cast : Notably, Stephen Chow
returned to dub himself (Sing/Mighty Steel Leg) for the English release. The female lead, Mui, was dubbed by actress Bai Ling . 2. Where to Watch
You can currently find the English dubbed version through the following digital retailers:
Rent or Buy: Available on Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu).
Physical Media: If you want both the dub and the original uncut version, look for the Dragon Dynasty Blu-ray or specific DVD releases that include both the Cantonese audio and the English dub tracks. 3. Key Differences in the Dub
The English dub is often criticized by fans because it changes some of the humor and dialogue to fit Western sensibilities.
Length: The US dubbed version is roughly 87 minutes, while the original cut is 113 minutes.
Translation: Some nuances of the "Shaolin" philosophy and local Hong Kong jokes are lost or altered in the English script. 4. Viewing Recommendation
If it is your first time watching, many fans suggest finding a version that includes the original Cantonese audio with English subtitles to experience the full film as intended by Stephen Chow. However, for a lighter, "cartoonish" experience, the English dub captures the over-the-top energy of the film well.
The story of the Shaolin Soccer English dub is a saga of major studio intervention, significant content changes, and a rare instance of a lead actor dubbing himself for a Western audience. The Miramax Intervention
After becoming a record-breaking hit in Hong Kong in 2001, the film's US distribution rights were purchased by Miramax Films Search Suggestion: Looking for more
in 2002. The studio, known at the time for heavily editing international films, delayed the release for two years to create a version they believed would be more "attractive" to American viewers. Key Differences & Controversial Changes
The English dub is famously different from the original 102-minute Hong Kong theatrical cut: Massive Cuts : Approximately 23 to 25 minutes
of footage were removed, shortening the film to roughly 87 minutes. Removed Scenes
: Significant deletions included the opening black-and-white bribery flashback and many initial meetings between the Shaolin brothers. Censorship
: Several "gross-out" gags involving vomiting or flatulence were removed, along with more extreme visual violence in the final match. Music Changes
: The original score was altered, and a cover of "Kung Fu Fighting" was added to the end credits. The English Voice Cast The dub is notable for its unique casting choices: Stephen Chow : In a rare move, director and star Stephen Chow returned to dub his own voice into English.
: The character Mui (originally played by Vicki Zhao) was voiced by Chinese-American actress The Support : The dub featured veteran voice actors like Steve Bulen Kirk Thornton (Hung), and even (famed for SpongeBob SquarePants ) in minor roles. Reception and Legacy
While some critics felt the tighter editing made the film faster-paced, many fans and Hong Kong critics found the English dubbing "ridiculous" and felt it lost the original's nuance. The film finally saw a limited US theatrical release in 2004, but it didn't achieve mainstream success until it gained a cult following through DVD releases that eventually included both the US and original Hong Kong cuts. Are you looking to find a copy
of a specific version, or would you like a comparison of the different DVD/Blu-ray releases available? A Movie Like No Other | Shaolin Soccer : r/kungfucinema
The English dub of Shaolin Soccer (2001) is notable for featuring lead actor Stephen Chow voicing his own character, Sing, alongside Bai Ling as Mui. Often criticized for significant edits and alterations under Miramax, this version is shorter than the original, though it remains a recognized entry in the film's release history. For a detailed breakdown of the English dub cast and production, visit Dubbing Wikia
You probably caught SHAOLIN SOCCER back when it ... - Facebook
"Shaolin Soccer" is a 2001 Hong Kong martial arts comedy film directed by Stephen Chow, who also stars in the movie. The film is a mix of sports, comedy, and action, featuring elements of Shaolin Kung Fu. It was well-received for its blend of humor, martial arts, and sports.
The Shaolin Soccer English dub script is not a direct translation. It takes massive liberties, and that is exactly why it has aged into a cult comedy. Here are some infamous lines that do not exist in the original Cantonese:
Because the dialogue is looser and more profane than the subtitled version, many fans argue the dub actually enhances the slapstick humor. The filmmakers originally intended absurdity; the English dub just weaponizes it.
Yes. But with a caveat.
If you want to understand why Shaolin Soccer was nominated for awards at the Hong Kong Film Awards, watch the original Cantonese version. But if you want to laugh until your sides hurt at a bizarre, chopped-up, wildly-voiced rendition of a kung-fu sports movie, the Shaolin Soccer English dub is an essential piece of cult cinema history.
Just don’t expect it to be faithful. Expect it to be weird. Expect it to be loud. And above all, expect to hear the words "kung fu" and "soccer" repeated about a hundred times in 87 glorious minutes. titled Shaolin Women's Soccer
Have you seen the Shaolin Soccer English dub? Do you prefer the cheeky Miramax voice cast or the original Cantonese? Let us know in the comments (and remember: it’s all in the reflexes).
The Ultimate Guide to the Shaolin Soccer English Dub Shaolin Soccer
(2001), the martial arts comedy masterpiece directed by and starring Stephen Chow
, remains a cult classic for its gravity-defying action and absurdist humor [32]. While many purists prefer the original Cantonese version, English dub
played a pivotal role in bringing Chow’s unique vision to a global audience. The Miramax English Dub (2004) Shaolin Soccer
to U.S. theaters [27]. This version featured several significant changes designed for Western appeal: Authentic Voice Casting : Unlike many international dubs, Stephen Chow
himself returned to provide the English voice for the main character, Star Talent : The character of (the Tai Chi master) was voiced by Chinese-American actress Localized Humor
: The script was adapted to ensure Chow’s "Mo Lei Tau" (nonsense humor) resonated with English-speaking viewers, though some critics note that certain nuances of the original screenplay were lost in translation [29]. Why Watch the English Dub? Slapstick Masterclass
: The film's reliance on physical comedy and over-the-top visual effects makes it easy to follow even when the dialogue is localized [14, 28]. Family-Friendly Appeal
: The exaggerated action and underdog story are popular choices for teenagers and families looking for a high-energy sports movie [28]. Iconic Characters : From the Bruce Lee-inspired goalkeeper
played by Danny Kwok-Kwan Chan to the "Iron Head" brother, the dub brings out the distinct personalities of the Shaolin team [26]. Where to Watch the English Version
The English-dubbed version is widely available across major digital and physical platforms: Digital Purchase & Rental : You can find the film on Amazon Video Apple TV Store Fandango At Home
: Availability varies by region, but it is frequently featured on platforms like for the latest viewing options [30]. Physical Media
: The 2004 Miramax English dub is included in most North American releases available through retailers like The Future: Shaolin Women's Soccer
Fans of the original will be excited to know that a sequel, titled Shaolin Women's Soccer
, has been confirmed to be in development, continuing the legacy of blending kung fu with the world's most popular sport [31]. specific platform to stream it on today, or would you like to see a list of similar martial arts comedies
The movie revolves around the story of Sing (played by Stephen Chow), a former Shaolin monk who combines his kung fu skills with soccer to create a team of Shaolin soccer players. The goal is to take down his former rival, the ruthless and cunning Team Evil, led by the ex-monks who wronged him in the past.