Stephen Chow's 'Kung Fu Soccer' Earns Over $2.3 Billion TWD in 2 Days Amid Divided Reviews

Stephen Chow's latest directorial effort, "Kung Fu Soccer," has stormed the Chinese box office, raking in over 500 million RMB (approximately 2.37 billion TWD) in just two days following its July 11 release. The film revives Chow's signature "kung fu + soccer" theme, reminiscent of his classic "Shaolin Soccer," leveraging his enduring popularity and influence.

Despite the impressive financial performance, online reception has been sharply divided. "Kung Fu Soccer" simultaneously trended on Chinese social media with opposing sentiments: "Kung Fu Soccer is good" and "Kung Fu Soccer is not good." While some viewers lauded the film for continuing Chow's trademark nonsensical comedy style, filled with passion and humor, others found the plot and gags uninspired. The film has also faced issues with widespread pirated copies appearing online shortly after its release.

Adding to the buzz, the film's end-credit "easter egg" has become a focal point for discussion. "The Si Hing" (Fourth Brother) Chen Guokun and "The Sixth Younger Brother" Lam Chi-chung from "Shaolin Soccer" reunited in a scene, drawing audience attention. A figure, seemingly Chow himself, appeared with his back to the camera, and Lam Chi-chung's proximity to an intentionally left empty seat sparked speculation among viewers that it was a tribute to the late actor Ng Man-tat.

However, the film's critical reception remains contentious. Chinese media personality Lin Hai publicly shared his cinema ticket stub, bluntly stating, "Master Chow, I don't owe you anymore. It's terribly bad." He criticized the film's jokes as old, the acting as excessive, and the script as weak. Some netizens even suggested it might be the lowest-rated film of Stephen Chow's career. The stark contrast between its box office triumph and polarized reviews leaves the film's future trajectory a subject of keen interest among fans.

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Master Chow, I don't owe you anymore. It's terribly bad.