Fresh
A witty, extravagantly picturesque homage to Sergio Leone.
Stephen Holden, New York Times
Once Upon a Time in China
Never was a Hero needed more...
1991 · 2h 13m · R
Action, Drama
Directed by
Tsui Hark
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Once Upon a Time in China
Overview
In late 19th-century Canton, legendary hero Wong Fei-Hung battles foreign forces' (English, French and American) plundering of China. When Aunt Yee returns from America totally westernised, Wong assumes the role of protector. This proves difficult when his martial arts school and local militia become involved in fierce battles with foreign and local governments. As violence escalates, even Aunt Yee has to question her new western ideals, but is it possible to fight guns with Kung Fu?
Director and cast
- Tsui Hark Director
- Jet Li as Wong Fei Hung
- Yuen Biao as Leung Foon
- Jacky Cheung Hok-yau as Buck Teeth So
- Rosamund Kwan Chi-Lam as 13th Aunt
- Kent Cheng Jak-si as Porky Wing
- Yuen Gam-Fai as Ling Wan Kai
- Yen Shi-Kwan as Iron Robe Yim Chun Tung
- Lau Shun as Naval Commander Lau
- Wu Ma as Grand Uncle Chueng
- Yau Gin-Gwok as Shaho Gang Leader
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
90%
Tomatometer
Fresh
Gets better as it goes along, building up to a prolonged shipboard finale.
J. Hoberman, Village Voice
Fresh
Its real strengths are its choreography, its flashes of wit, and its all-round exuberance.
Time Out
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