Shaolin Ulysses: Kungfu Monks in America | 
| Directors: Martha Burr, Mei-juin Chen
Actors: Beau Bridges, Shi Guolin, Peng Zhang, Shi Xing Hao, Shi Deshan
Studio: New Video Group
Category: DVD
List Price: $26.95
Buy New: $16.33
You Save: $10.62 (39%)
New (21) Used (12) from $6.42
Rating:  7 reviews
Sales Rank: 59833
Format: Color, Dolby, Dvd, Ntsc
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Region: 1
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Number Of Discs: 1
Running Time: 56 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6
ISBN: 0767064682
UPC: 767685961032
EAN: 9780767064682
ASIN: B0002235H6
Theatrical Release Date: 2002
Release Date: June 29, 2004
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com
The whirling kicks and swift punches of Shaolin kung fu have been used to dazzling, choreographic effect in hundreds of Hong Kong action movies. The fascinating documentary Shaolin Ulysses: Kung Fu Monks in America looks at some real-world practitioners, monks who have chosen to bring kung fu and Zen Buddhism to America. The resulting juxtapositions are surreal. As a monk and his American disciple are interviewed in a Las Vegas Hooter's, the disciple throws an arm around one of the busty waitresses and declares this to be his temple; the monk looks on quizzically. Another monk has married a Catholic woman from Brooklyn; another talks about trading martial arts classes for guitar lessons on a Lollapalooza tour; another teaches kung fu to stocky police officers in Houston, Texas. These culture clashes are constantly surprising, but the monks' devotion to their craft is even more deeply engaging. --Bret Fetzer
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| Customer Reviews: Read 2 more reviews...
 nice docu November 18, 2008
K. Mantzos
some weird scenes. don't know how to rate this film. it's a well made docu but seems to be chinese pr.
 Very inspiring and encouraging! May 26, 2008
Seeker
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This DVD shows the possibility of harnessing the tremendous potential that lies in each one of us. With the dedicated practice of these methods under a master such as these venerable monks from Shaolin, one can tap into the source of much energy. One need not be a Kung Fu fighter to derive the benefits that the practice of such an art brings. The mere practice of it brings one's breath under control and thereby gives one greater control of one's thoughts.
As the documentary traces the source of the teachings of Shaolin to Bodhidharma, the great Buddhist Indian sage from the 5th century AD, it is only natural that the foundations of Kung Fu, Qi Gong, Tai Chi etc are common to the practice of yoga. If one practices any of these arts with devotion for several hours a day, the energy that builds up in the body is beyond description! One has to develop it in order to realize what is possible.
As one of the monks in the DVD stated that at Shaolin they would practice for 8 hours a day, which reveals their dedication. It is no wonder the Shaolin monks are famous around the world! If one practices with such dedication one will always have a strong body and a peaceful mind. The kind of super human feats they perform on the DVD are only possible with a dedicated practice and mastery of the breath.
If one truly wants peace, happiness and health, the way to these is in these Eastern practices! I have followed the Western way for 50 years of my life, only to have found health, peace and happiness after taking up yoga! These practices have a powerful effect on ALL the facets of the pratitioner's life! One has to earnestly practice these arts and experience the benefits to realize the truth of my claim.
Glory be to these monks for revealing the possibilities that can be realized through practice. I would recommend this DVD to everyone, specially to those who have growing children. Mastery of such an art will change the course of the lives of their children for the better. Practice of these arts will keep one disease free through life. One need never visit a physician!
This truly has been the greatest DVD I have ever watched. I have already had 5 copies sent to friends and family and will be buying more over the coming weeks and months.
 Three stars, mostly because my instructor is in it. March 1, 2008
Dan Petter (Katy, TX United States)
This doc is ok. It could have been much more informative and is not all close to the truth of what is going on in these guys lives plus it is very outdated, which I guess is unavoidable. Alot of the shots of the actual Kung Fu have cheesy effects on them that make the action almost unseeable.
There were a few moments when the documentary got very interesting, but overall, it just seemed unprofessional and uninformative.
Five Monks quest to spread Zen Buddhism August 1, 2006
Golden Lion (North Ogden, Ut United States)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
The five monks seemed excited to establish Zen Buddhism temples in America and teach the Shaolin art. Each Monk demonstrates his special discipline and skills. The monks seemed excited for cultural exchange. Many of them toured various cities of America. One master maintains a connection with the Shaolin Temple in China and each year sends students to China.
The Shaolin movements are very evasive, attacking from various angles and retreating backwards. The Shaolin movements including jumping kicks, split kicks (round and reversed), high crescent kicks landing and the ability to sideways on the ground, low horse stances, large and small circular closed fist and open hand strikes, movements left and right, and low twisting stances into punches advancing forward and backward. The movements are complex and often predict which way they will move. To one fight a Shaolin he will seem to be moving one ways then suddenly change and move another way, a strike and move pattern. By adding weapons to the techniques the Shaolin seems to fly around the floor with amazing acrobatic flips, spins, and twists.
Included in the film is a Tai Chi sword demonstration. This was wonder to see. I like the iron shirt demonstration which made the master seemingly imprevious to an hard strikes from a large wood oar and a crushing blow as four men used a railroad tie to ram into the body of the master. The two man tiger forms demonstrated Chinese chess piece training. Who could believe the impossible feat of break a steel bar over a masters head. The monkey form demonstration very interesting consider this form is rarely made public. The amazon leopard form allowed the artist too move smoothly from leaps into hand techniques and stances. One of the more agile forms. The kung fu weapons demonstrations reminded me of a marching band but with more power and energy. The group performed the weapon techniques in unison.
The masters seemed to radiate power in their hands and fist. The kicks end with a sharp snap. The strikes literally vibrate with power.
The documentary is a nice balance between interviews and demonstrations. Very enticing. In China the government uses Martial arts as a reason for community gatherings, religious worship, and culture celebration. Many of the masters studied exclusively the art. One master was able to heal his son after suffering a serious injury. One master expressed the desire for his son to study western education and the Martial arts. All of the Masters were impressive with the big style of Western culture. However, each Master sought to integrate the quietness and peacefulness of the Shaolin arts. I'm impressed with the intelligence of the system and the artist.
The real Shaolin KungFu March 4, 2006
A. Worthington (Florida)
This is one of the most amazing documentaries that I have ever seen, and I am a documentary addict. I first saw this documentary on the PBS "Independent Lens" series, which is one of the finest shows on TV by the way. The physical and mental training involved in becoming a Shaolin monk is truly astounding. These are real Shaolin monks, not the cartoonish characters you see in those cheesy kungfu movies. These guys are beyond Bruce Lee even. You won't regret buying this DVD.
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