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Shaolin

2011·Movie
2h 11min·R
IMDb6.8Metacritic537.0Rotten Tomatoes73%71%

Where to watch

PrimeThe RokuKanopyHooplaPluto TV

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

What's your score?

Your score

Shaolin fingerprint

High energy, striking style, no humor.

Energy

Thrilling and spectacular

  • Adrenaline8
  • Spectacle8
  • Tension7

Heart

Cathartic and moving

  • Catharsis8
  • Pathos7
  • Hopefulness7

Humor

A little humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Physical Comedy3
  • Wit & Wordplay2
  • Situational Comedy0

World

History, war, and faith and meaning

Lived-in and easy to get lost in.

  • World Immersion8
  • Dialogue Centrality6
  • Rewatchability6

Craft

Standout performances

  • Acting8
  • Direction7
  • Narrative Structure7

Style

Standout cinematography

  • Cinematography8
  • Editing7
  • Music Composition7

Who it's for

AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking

Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

In a land torn by strife, the righteous monks of Shaolin stand as a beacon of hope for the oppressed masses.

China is plunged into strife as feuding warlords try to expand their power by warring over neighboring lands. Fuelled by his success on the battlefield, young and arrogant Hao Jie sneers at Shaolin's masters when he beats one of them in a duel. But the pride comes before a fall. When his own family is wiped out by a rival warlord, Hao is forced to take refuge with the monks. As the civil unrest spreads and the people suffer, Hao and the Shaolin masters are forced to take a fiery stand against the evil warlords. They launch a daring plan or rescue and escape.
Martial Arts EpicHistorical Action DramaRedemption StorySpiritual JourneyWarlord Era ChinaVisually GrandIntense CombatPhilosophical ThemesHeroic Sacrifice

Crew

Directed by:
Corey Yuen, Richard Yuen Tak, Benny Chan
Written by:
Charcoal Tan, Alan Yuen Kam-Lun
Produced by:
Han Sanping, Albert Lee
Composed by:
Andy Lau

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about Shaolin

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Shaolin legally?

PrimeThe RokuKanopyHooplaPluto TVVIX Hi-YAHFawesome

Shaolin is included with a subscription to Amazon Prime Video, Hi-YAH, and Amazon Prime Video with Ads in the United States. You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla, and Pluto TV. You can also rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is Shaolin worth watching?

66
GoodGoodWatch score

Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 66/100 (IMDb 6.8, Rotten Tomatoes 73%, and Metacritic 53). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is Shaolin rated?

RViolence

It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence.

How long is Shaolin?

2 h 11 min

Shaolin runs 2 h 11 min.

Do critics and audiences agree on Shaolin?

Critics63
Audiences70

Yes. Critics average 63 and audiences 70 out of 100, so both groups see Shaolin much the same way.

Was Shaolin a box office hit?

Budget$29 million
Box office$34 million

Roughly broke even. It cost about $29 million to make and earned $34 million worldwide, 1.2 times its budget.

What language is Shaolin in?

Chinese

It was made in Chinese. Produced in China, Hong Kong SAR China.

In how many countries can I watch Shaolin?

28ALATAUBECACHDEFRGBGGHKHRIDIE+14

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Shaolin in 28 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does Shaolin use?

Almighty JanitorThe AtonerEven Evil Has Loved OnesDon't Make Me Destroy YouMartial Arts and CraftsMistreatment-Induced BetrayalDied Standing UpDarker and EdgierKill the CutieVillain ProtagonistWar Is HellShout-Outand 14 more

TV Tropes lists 26 storytelling tropes for Shaolin, including Almighty Janitor, The Atoner, Even Evil Has Loved Ones.