American Shaolin
A humiliated American fighter enters a Chinese Shaolin monastery, where comic hardship and disciplined training prepare him for a rematch with an unethical kickboxer.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- energetic
- witty
- earnest
- martial arts movie night
- nostalgic video store night
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Drew Carson travels from the United States to China and endures repeated humiliation while adapting to Shaolin training.
The monastery teaches non-violence even as Drew prepares for an eventual confrontation with the kickboxer who humiliated him.
The novice repeatedly embarrasses himself at the monastery before developing into a capable fighter.
The central conflict originates with Trevor Gottitall's dirty kickboxing attack and Drew's determination to face him again.
Films like American Shaolin, and why
The Karate Kid
martial arts training, fish out of water comedy, underdog competition, and a young student overcoming humiliation
The 36th Chamber of Shaolin
Shaolin-inspired martial arts action, disciplined training, and a novice confronting a more experienced rival
Drunken Master
Hong Kong martial arts spectacle, outsider heroism, physical comedy, and tournament-driven action
Best of the Best
martial arts rivalry, escalating training, and a champion confronting an unethical opponent
Movie Details
- Director
- Lo Yuen-Ming
- Release Date
- 1991-10-01
- Runtime
- 106 min
- Rating
- 6.9 / 10 (96)
Cast
- Reese Madigan
- Trent Bushey
- Daniel Dae Kim
- Billy Chang
- Cliff Lenderman
- Henry O
- Kim Chan
- Alice Zhang Hung
- Jean Louisa Kelly
- Mark Swetland
Common questions
- What is American Shaolin about?
- A humiliated American fighter enters a Chinese Shaolin monastery, where comic hardship and disciplined training prepare him for a rematch with an unethical kickboxer.
- What is American Shaolin like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of American Shaolin as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is American Shaolin violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in American Shaolin as moderate.
- Which films are like American Shaolin?
- Films with a similar feel include The Karate Kid, The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, Drunken Master, and Best of the Best.
- How long is American Shaolin?
- American Shaolin runs 106 minutes.
