Despite facing the odds against cultural and language barriers, the pressure of representing a nation of 1.2 billion, as well as facing Shaquille O'Neal, the NBA's most dominant player, 7ft 6in Chinese basketball phenom Yao Ming succeeds in his first year in the NBA by finding friendship and support in his American translator, strength in the wisdom of his traditional Chinese values, and confidence in his own abilities. Through it all, Yao Ming became the most recognizable fi... (Full plot summary below)
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Despite facing the odds against cultural and language barriers, the pressure of representing a nation of 1.2 billion, as well as facing Shaquille O'Neal, the NBA's most dominant player, 7ft 6in Chinese basketball phenom Yao Ming succeeds in his first year in the NBA by finding friendship and support in his American translator, strength in the wisdom of his traditional Chinese values, and confidence in his own abilities. Through it all, Yao Ming became the most recognizable figure from China since Mao Tse Tung and a hero to millions around the globe.
Leave your thoughts about The Year of the Yao.
| Reeling ReviewsRobin CliffordThe excitement on the court and the banter and good-natured ribbing in the locker room is handled by the book by the behind the camera crew. |
| Film Journal InternationalLewis BealeBy playing up the hoopla and glitz, the filmmakers have created a vacuum at its center. |
| Chicago ReaderFred CamperJames D. Stern and Adam Del Deo's taut, engrossing 2004 documentary on Chinese basketball player Yao Ming's first year in the NBA offers insight into the game and its stars. |
| Reeling ReviewsLaura Clifford...while their subject is amiably charismatic, the filmmakers fail to fully get beneath his skin. Still...it's a sports documentary that can be enjoyed by anyone... |
| MovieWebJulian RomanEasily the best basketball film I've seen in years. |
| Houston ChronicleBruce WestbrookWin or lose, in an era of sports idols as rock stars, Yao is a breath of fresh air. |
| Internet ReviewsSteve RhodesA good-spirited and entertaining look at a famous anomaly. |
| Jam! MoviesRob HonzellFrom language barriers to international political barriers, Yao promises something most documentaries miss entirely -- insight and hope. |
| Filmcritic.comDon Willmottthere's plenty to see in this engaging film |
| Common Sense MediaCynthia FuchsThe movie's focus on Yao is limited by his lack of narrative abilities. |
