Watch Little Shaolin Monks

Little Shaolin Monks is a 2007 Chinese martial arts film that offers a heartwarming story of young Shaolin disciples’ life at the temple under the guidance of their dedicated master. The film is set in the famous Shaolin Temple, located in the central Chinese province of Henan, which is renowned for its 1500-year-old tradition of martial arts practice. Little Shaolin Monks follows the daily lives of the novice monks, who are training to become accomplished martial artists and disciplined individuals. The audience can witness their struggles, challenges, and accomplishments, including painful stretching routines, acrobatics, and various combat techniques.

The story centers around a young orphan boy named Wu Jing, who becomes a part of the temple's community. Wu Jing arrives at the Shaolin Temple seeking revenge against a notorious bandit who killed his parents. He is welcomed by the head abbot and trained by the temple's skilled martial artists, who help him to develop his strength, agility, and combat techniques, to eventually face his nemesis.

The film captures the essence of the Shaolin Temple's teachings, emphasizing the values of discipline, respect, and honor. Apart from the rigorous physical training, the young monks are also taught Buddhist philosophy, meditation, and calligraphy, all of which shape their character and outlook on life.

The movie stands out for its beautiful cinematography, capturing the natural scenery surrounding the Shaolin Temple, juxtaposing its awe-inspiring martial arts demonstrations with its serene landscapes. The film showcases the beauty and strength of the Shaolin martial arts, highlighting the diverse styles and techniques that are practiced and perfected by the monks within the temple over the years.

Little Shaolin Monks offers a unique blend of drama, comedy, and action, making it appealing to a wide range of audiences. The film's humor is provided by the adolescent characters, who despite living in a disciplined environment, still make time for mischief, pranks, and playfulness, showing their youthful spirit.

The movie's pace is leisurely, allowing time for the audience to observe and understand the daily routines and rituals that the little Shaolin monks go through. This makes their struggles and triumphs all the more relatable, and ultimately, more rewarding.

Little Shaolin Monks’ casting is exceptional, featuring a cast of relatively unknown actors who bring authenticity and charm to their roles. The actors' performances are natural and convincing, making the film's characters feel like genuine young monks, full of spirit and curiosity, making their bonding and friendship all the more enjoyable to watch.

The film's theme of honor is embodied in the final battle between Wu Jing and his archenemy, where the young Shaolin disciple displays his values and skills, ultimately achieving his goal. The film's climax is intense and thrilling, showcasing the Shaolin martial arts' prowess and beauty, making it a treat for martial arts enthusiasts.

Overall, Little Shaolin Monks is a beautiful and touching film that offers a unique insight into the daily lives and teachings of young Shaolin monks. It captures the essence of the traditional martial art form and emphasizes the values of discipline, respect, honor, and friendship, making it a delight for viewers of all ages. It is a film that will inspire and entertain, reminding us of the enduring appeal of Shaolin martial arts and its rich tradition of cultivating body and mind.

Little Shaolin Monks is a 2006 documentary with a runtime of 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.