Shaolin Girl (DVD)
Supposedly inspired by Stephen Chow's 2001 blockbuster Shaolin Soccer, Japanese action comedy Shaolin Girl is perfect for fans of the comedian.
The film stars teen idol Kou Shibasaki as Rin, a girl obsessed with Shaolin martial arts. After nine years of practising kung fu in the Shaolin Temple, she returns to her hometown - only to discover the kung fu school founded by her late grandfather is in ruins.
Eager to spread the word about martial arts, she joins a university lacrosse team and blends her skills with the sport. Meanwhile, the school principal - a practitioner of kung fu's dark arts - wants to fight Rin and prove he's the best fighter in the world.
Combining the plots of Shaolin Soccer and Kung Fu Hustle, the film is surprisingly entertaining. Director Katsuyuki Motohiro uses gags and action set pieces from Chow's comedies, who served as consultant on the movie. The final fight sequence, a tribute to Bruce Lee's Tower of Death, will particularly excite fans of old kung fu movies.
Hong Kong actors Lam Tze-tsung and Tin Kai-man and mainland actress Kitty Zhang play only minor roles, but their presence will ensure the movie appeals to Chinese viewers.
