Skip to content
Shaolin: Wheel of Life poster
8.0 / 10(2 votes)IMDb20011h 16mUnited Kingdom

Shaolin: Wheel of Life

Synopsis

Have you ever done a handstand... on the tips of your index fingers? How about snapping iron bars over your head as if they were bread-sticks? You'll witness these amazing feats and much more in this astonishing London performance of China's legendary Shaolin monks. In perfecting their martial arts prowess, these devoted Buddhists have honed their physical and mental disciplines to such an uncommon degree that their movements seem almost supernaturally powerful. From the athletic contortions of a young acolyte to an older monk being hoisted aloft on the points of sharpened spears, these men and boys have conquered and crossed boundaries of control that would strike most outsiders as impossible if it weren't for their living proof. In demonstrating these and other kung fu skills, the Shaolin also enact their history as an enduring order, providing a theatrical narrative that's literally breathtaking.

Release History & Theatrical Window

Theatrical Premiere

December 11, 2001

Wide Cinema Exhibition

Key Information & Fast Facts

Director
Nick Morris
Original Score
Barrington Pheloung
Original Title
Shaolin: Wheel of Life
Country of Origin
United Kingdom
Spoken Languages
English
Runtime
1h 16m

Creative Leadership & Key Crew

Director

Nick Morris

Original Score & Music

Barrington Pheloung

Director of Photography

Barrie Dodd

Film Editing

Nick Morris

Producers

Dione Orrom

Department Leadership Roster

Nick Morris

Director

Barrington Pheloung

Barrington Pheloung

Original Music Composer

Nick Morris

Editor

Barrie Dodd

Director of Photography

Dione Orrom

Producer

Official cinematic photography and background stills for Shaolin: Wheel of Life.

Featured In Curated Collections

Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Shaolin: Wheel of Life.

Martial Arts

764 titles

More Like Shaolin: Wheel of Life

Recommended titles matching themes, cast, and genres.

7.1
6.9
6.3
7.9
7.3
7.3
7.1
7.8
7.5
8.4
7.2
7.2

Frequently Asked Questions About Shaolin: Wheel of Life

Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.

What is Shaolin: Wheel of Life about?

Have you ever done a handstand... on the tips of your index fingers? How about snapping iron bars over your head as if they were bread-sticks? You'll witness these amazing feats and much more in this astonishing London performance of China's legendary Shaolin monks. In perfecting their martial arts prowess, these devoted Buddhists have honed their physical and mental disciplines to such an uncommon degree that their movements seem almost supernaturally powerful. From the athletic contortions of a young acolyte to an older monk being hoisted aloft on the points of sharpened spears, these men and boys have conquered and crossed boundaries of control that would strike most outsiders as impossible if it weren't for their living proof. In demonstrating these and other kung fu skills, the Shaolin also enact their history as an enduring order, providing a theatrical narrative that's literally breathtaking.

Who directed Shaolin: Wheel of Life?

Shaolin: Wheel of Life was directed by Nick Morris.

Who stars in Shaolin: Wheel of Life?

The principal cast of Shaolin: Wheel of Life includes John Hurt, Tom Yang, Cecil Cheng, Jason Ninh Cao, Wang Zhigang.

When was Shaolin: Wheel of Life released and how long is it?

Shaolin: Wheel of Life was released in 2001 with a total runtime of 1h 16m.

Who composed the musical score for Shaolin: Wheel of Life?

The original motion picture soundtrack for Shaolin: Wheel of Life was composed by Barrington Pheloung.