Cover Stephen Chow returns with the comedy film ’Kung Fu Soccer’, a nod to the classic ‘Shaolin Soccer’
Stephen Chow returns with the comedy film ’Kung Fu Soccer’, a nod to the classic ‘Shaolin Soccer’
1 / 1
Stephen Chow’s new film ‘Kung Fu Soccer’ surpassed 800 million yuan in box office revenue within just five days of its release in mainland China. Here’s why it is the most talked-about movie this summer despite its mixed reviews
Hong Kong filmmaker Stephen Chow, celebrated for his iconic brand of mo lei tau (nonsensical) comedy, permanently reshaped Chinese pop culture with a string of early acting hits, including All for the Winner (1990), Fight Back to School (1991) and Royal Tramp (1992). He cemented his legendary status with the 2001 sports-comedy masterpiece Shaolin Soccer—his first solo directorial effort. The film grossed over HK$60 million locally, smashing the record for a Chinese-language film in the city and making Chow the only filmmaker in Hong Kong Film Awards history to win both Best Director and Best Actor for the same film.
Twenty-five years later, the king of comedy returns with the similarly themed Kung Fu Soccer. While not a direct sequel to Shaolin Soccer, the new film carries Chow’s comedic DNA, serving as a spiritual nod to his classic work.
After premiering in mainland China on July 11, Kung Fu Soccer crossed the staggering 800-million-yuan mark within just five days. Despite its blockbuster box-office performance, the film has split critics, with some praising its nostalgic action and others panning its heavy reliance on green-screen CGI and recycled gags.
As Kung Fu Soccer prepares to hit Hong Kong cinemas on August 13, Tatler rounds up four essential things to know.
Don’t miss: ‘Squid Game’ director Hwang Dong-hyuk on his next—even more violent—production
Above The trailer of ‘Kung Fu Soccer’
1. A female-centred narrative
Above Zhang Xiaofei, who stars in ‘Kung Fu Soccer’ (Image: Weibo)
Zhang Xiaofei, who stars in ‘Kung Fu Soccer’ (Image: Weibo)
1 / 1
Kung Fu Soccer follows a women's football team called “Emei FC” as they translate traditional martial arts—such as tai chi and tan tui (springing legs)—into unique, devastating skills on the pitch to face off against formidable international rivals. As the tournament progresses, the team must overcome escalating challenges, including corporate barriers and the betrayal of their coach.
Unlike Chow’s previous film, this one adopts an entirely female perspective. Blended with Chow’s signature narrative style of ordinary underdogs chasing their dreams, it captures the resilience and strength of women pursuing their ambitions in the face of adversity.
2. Stephen Chow’s most expensive film to date
Above Stephen Chow on the set of ‘Kung Fu Soccer’ (Image: Weibo)
Stephen Chow on the set of ‘Kung Fu Soccer’ (Image: Weibo)
1 / 1
The production budget for Kung Fu Soccer reached a staggering 380 million yuan, making it the most expensive project in Chow’s directorial career. Approximately 190 million yuan—representing 50 per cent of the total budget—was spent on AI-powered visual effects. The film features over 1,200 CGI shots, creating whimsical, high-flying visual sequences.
Additionally, a full-scale, professional-tier AFC-standard stadium was built from scratch in Shenzhen for the production, requiring an investment of around 70 million yuan.
Don’t miss: From Haaland to Mbappé: luxury bags at the World Cup
3. A multi-talented cast
The film bands together cast members from across industries: Chinese actor Zhang Xiaofei, who grew famous for acting in the 2021 comedy Hi, Mom; Chinese actor and model of Uyghur descent Dilraba Dilmurat, known for her C-drama roles; South Korean-Chinese boy band Exo member Lay Zhang Yixing; Japanese actor Takeru Satoh, who played the iconic role in Japan’s Kamen Rider series; and Chinese actor Xu Feng, who starred in the Chinese tokusatsu series Armor Hero.
There are also special appearances of Carina Lau, Takeru Satoh, Jimmy O Yang, and the Japanese dance group Avantgardey.
Above Dilraba Dilmurat in ‘Kung Fu Soccer’ (Image: Weibo)
Above Lay Zhang Yixing in ‘Kung Fu Soccer’ (Image: Weibo)
Dilraba Dilmurat in ‘Kung Fu Soccer’ (Image: Weibo)
1 / 2
4. Remaining true to the spirit of ‘mo lei tau’
Above Stephen Chow in ‘Shaolin Soccer’ (2001) (Image: IMDB)
Stephen Chow in ‘Shaolin Soccer’ (2001) (Image: IMDB)
1 / 1
Kung Fu Soccer trades heavily on nostalgia, with audiences flocking to cinemas fuelled by fond memories of Chow’s Shaolin Soccer. Fans feel the film successfully packages classic elements of Chow’s signature style—cleverly paying homage to everything from the iconic lollipop and Buddhist Palm of Kung Fu Hustle to Bruce Lee’s legendary philosophy, “Be water, my friend”. This return to authentic, original mo lei tau humour is precisely what has viewers so eager to buy tickets.
This article was initially published by Cathy Huang in Chinese.
Zabrina is the Senior Editor, Arts and Culture of Tatler Hong Kong. She specialises in performing arts, visual art and film. Her wanderlust was first fuelled by the Mighty Rovers Antarctica Expedition 2010. Over the years, she has interviewed A-list artists and filmmakers, including Oscar winners Chlóe Zhao and Tim Yip, Golden Horse winner Sylvia Chang, In the Mood for Love cinematographer Christopher Doyle, Pachinko author Min Jin Lee, and Coachella’s first Chinese solo singer Jackson Wang. She won gold at the WAN-IFRA Asian Media Awards for her 2021 feature on the waves of hate crimes targeting Asian Americans.
