Shaolin

China is torn by rival warlords who fight for control over territory and power. A young, overconfident commander named Hao Jie roams the battlefield with swagger after a string of victories, openly belittling the Shaolin masters he encounters in a duel. His arrogance backfires when civil strife touches his own family, forcing him to seek refuge among the Shaolin. As the nation burns and civilians suffer, Hao and the monks stand against ruthless warlords who profit from chaos. Together they embark on a dangerous plan to rescue those in danger and slip through enemy lines, testing loyalties and restraint alike. The tension blends street politics with the temple's disciplines, inviting Hao to test his swagger against quiet lessons in restraint.

Directed by Benny Chan Muk-Sing and released in 2011 worldwide, Shaolin presents an original screenplay by Alan Yuen Kam-Lun and Charcoal Tan, supported by a star roster that includes Andy Lau, Jackie Chan, Nicholas Tse, Fan Bingbing and Wu Jing.

It earned approximately 33.66 million worldwide against a production budget of 29 million, reflecting a modest but solid return for a martial arts drama anchored by an ensemble cast. The release targeted multiple markets in several regions beyond Hong Kong.

Shaolin features a strong ensemble that elevates the film beyond a simple action piece with turns from Andy Lau, Jackie Chan and Fan Bingbing. Its release reinforced the appeal of Shaolin cinema in Asia and underscored cross border collaborations between Hong Kong and mainland studios for regional audiences globally today.

Critics generally praised the production values and fight choreography, while some noted uneven pacing. The film examines pride and humility, the tension between duty and vengeance, and the responsibility that accompanies power and conflict in a society torn by war. The tone blends gravitas with spectacle and audiences worldwide today.