Watch Once Upon a Time in China
- R
- 1991
- 2 hr 14 min
-
7.2 (20,333)
Once Upon a Time in China is an action-packed martial arts film set in 19th century China during the late Qing dynasty. The film centers around Wong Fei-hung, a legendary historical figure and martial arts master who becomes embroiled in a conflict between Chinese nationalists and foreign powers. The film marks the beginning of a long-running series of movies starring Jet Li as Wong Fei-hung, one of Chinese cinema's most iconic characters. Rosamund Kwan co-stars as Aunt Yee, a love interest for Wong Fei-hung and Biao Yuen plays the energetic sidekick, Leung Foon.
The story unfolds as Wong Fei-hung returns to Canton, his hometown, only to find it under threat from foreign influences. Western imperialists and corrupt local officials are oppressing the people of Canton, but Wong Fei-hung is determined to fight back against the injustice.
As tensions mount between the nationalists and the foreigners, Wong Fei-hung finds himself caught in the middle of the conflict. He becomes a symbol of hope to the oppressed people of Canton, inspiring them to rise up and fight for their freedom.
Throughout the film, Wong Fei-hung engages in breathtaking displays of martial arts prowess, battling rival gangs and foreign invaders alike. The fight scenes are expertly choreographed and showcase Jet Li's incredible skills as a martial artist.
But the film isn't all action; it also explores the complex political and social issues of its time. The conflict between China and the West is a central theme, and the film presents a nuanced portrayal of the tensions between these two cultures.
At its heart, Once Upon a Time in China is a story about the struggle for justice and the fight against oppression. Wong Fei-hung is a hero in every sense of the word, standing up for what is right and defending the rights of the common people.
The film has become a classic of Hong Kong cinema, not only for its action sequences but also for its powerful message. It remains a shining example of the best of the genre and shows the impact that martial arts movies can have when they are done right.
In summary, Once Upon a Time in China is an epic martial arts film with plenty of heart and substance. Its thrilling fight scenes and powerful message make it a must-see for fans of the genre and anyone interested in Chinese history and culture.
Once Upon a Time in China is a 1991 action movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 14 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.