The Year of the Yao (2004) Reviews

• Documentary tells a story.

  Uncle_Cheesedog2005-04-27

  I thought that overall this was a great movie. And that's coming from a guy who doesn't know much of anything when it comes to basketball. Both people who know basketball and those who don't will enjoy this film. It's not only about basketball, in fact, not very much so but more about the life and the transition from China to the US for Yao Ming. It's a great story and the way the story was told makes it much more exciting than your average documentary. You're really able to get into the movie and get a glimpse of what Yao' life was like for him in his first year in the NBA. Again, this is a great movie that's not only intended for basketball fans but anyone really.

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• Gives tremendous insight into the first year of Yao Ming's NBA Career

  Emcitymisfit2005-04-20

  Year of the Yao was a nice peak into the world of Yao Ming, as well as the life of an NBA player in general. The ribbing between Yao Ming and his teammate Cuttino Mobley is amusing, and the fact that Yao speaks in proverbs at times is funny, if only for it being unintentionally stereotypical. Yao comes off as an amazingly humble, gentle man, who deserves all the success in the world, and who you actually want to see overcome these tremendous hurdles placed in front of him. The finish is almost anti-climatic, with the Rockets failing to qualify as the 8th seed in the playoffs, but the goodbye between Yao Ming and his interpreter (and friend) Colin Pine is a touching moment. The game footage is entertaining, especially if you're a Rockets fan, and I defy anyone to come away from this movie without tremendous respect and adoration for Yao Ming. From casual fan to NBA fanatic, I think every viewer will find something enjoyable in this movie.

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• Surprisingly insightful and thoughtful

  tnrcooper2008-01-21

  I saw this movie was produced by the NBA and thought it would be some typically slick merchandising PR, but I was pleasantly surprised. It's not overly thoughtful, but given the fact that it's done by the NBA, it offers a fairly insightful look into the life of Yao Ming and to a great degree his translator, Colin Pine. It tracks them and we get a good look at Yao's dry humor which has revealed itself over his stellar five plus years in the league. We see the crucial role which Pine plays in Yao's first year, perhaps more in helping Yao familiarize himself more culturally with the country. Yao seems to understand a fair amount of English from early on (those of us hoops fans remember his ability to understand spoken questions from reporters) even if he is less confident answering in English (as I can attest is a common occurrence from having taught English in a foreign country) but the cultural adaptations are more pronounced and Pine seems to be a great help to Yao, simply in offering moral support, and quite simply, a friend to a man in a new country. Yao is endlessly patient and puts up with all kinds of celebrity and fawning attention. The people in the basketball organization for which Yao works come across very well, understanding, before the media and many fans did, that Yao could really play. They are very supportive and generous and do what they can to make the big man feel at home. Watching basketball as much as I do, I remember this comradery and watching Yao, realizing that for such a big man, he had a very sensitive touch around the basket and very soft hands which would serve him well in the NBA. That said, you don't need to know a thing about basketball or Yao Ming in order to enjoy this film. It's essentially the story of a man adapting to some serious culture shock, in the midst of about the brightest klieg light imaginable from the media, and doing it about as gracefully as possible.

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• Yao Ming the man, the NBA player, up close and personal

  dllm32005-08-21

  I found the movie quite entertaining, and also informative. Funny, but entertaining. Cleverly done, and well-written. Too bad this film focused only on Yao Ming's rookie season and not his other succeeding seasons. And because it focused on his freshman year only, it kind of gave the film an 'old' feel, not exactly up-to-date. After all, we're in 2005, and Yao entered the NBA in 2002. Still, I'd have to say this documentary was one heck of a ride. I also liked the way the guys behind the making of this film, gave it a really personal touch, not just portraying Yao as the basketball player, but also portraying Yao as a person. But my favorite part of the movie was when Charles Barkley had to 'kiss' some donkey's posterior live on TV, as part of the bet he had against fellow TV commentator Kenny Smith that Yao could never score even 19 points in a single game. As an NBA fan, naturally I would tend to like the movie. But I liked the movie, period. Coz it's fun. Really nice.

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• The Year of the Great Basketball Flick.

  anaconda-406582015-11-06

  Year of the Yao (2004): Dir: James D. Stern / Featuring: Yao Ming, Colin Pine, Shaquille O'Neal, Charles Barkley, Frank Deford: Year of humility. Year of perseverance. Year of the underdog. This tremendous documentary tells of a seven foot five Chinese male who is picked to perfect his basketball skills for the NBA. Yao Ming hits fame fast during the 2002 / 2003 season but his attitude is always out of love for the sport itself. Colin Pine is his interpreter who assists Yao not only with basketball terminology but also with the lifestyles of Americans. We learn of the encouragement of his coach who eventually announces his leave due to a cancer threat. Yao starts out rusty but with team support and spirit he is soon facing the famed Shaquille O'Neal on the court. It might have been great had viewers received the opportunity to see these two celebrated athletes face off on the court. This is a must-see for sports film lovers who will no doubt be impressed with this seven foot plus tall athlete and Hall of Famer. Director James D. Stern counters the repetitious structure with light humour as Yao struggles to adapt with great humility. Teammates, announcers and friends from his homeland voice their impression and enthusiasm over his success. It showcases hard work that pays off big time not just in success but also rewarding respect from peers and fans. Score: 9 / 10

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