Watch Once Upon a Time In Shanghai

Once Upon a Time in Shanghai is an action-packed crime drama from 2014, directed by Wong Ching-Po, and it is set in 1930s Shanghai where gangs and criminals rule the city. The movie follows the story of Ma Yongzhen (Philip Ng), a skilled martial artist, who travels to Shanghai to start a new life. Upon his arrival, he befriends a small-time gangster, Long Qi (Andy On), who introduces him to the city's underworld. Through his connections, Ma starts working as a low-level enforcer for the Axe Gang, one of the most powerful criminal organizations in Shanghai, led by Master Huang (Sammo Hung).

As Ma becomes more involved in the Axe Gang's activities, he discovers corruption and betrayal at every turn. He falls in love with Long Qi's girlfriend, Tie Ju (Michelle Hu), which adds a complicated layer to their relationships. Meanwhile, the Axe Gang's main rival, the Black Dragon Society, led by Master Jiang (Mengjie Jiang), seeks to take over the city's criminal underworld, leading to a perilous war between the two gangs.

The fight choreography in Once Upon a Time in Shanghai is beautifully executed, highlighting the martial arts skills of the cast. Ng, in particular, is a standout as he displays an impressive range of fighting abilities that feel authentic and raw. The fights are intense, visceral, and unrelenting, with a level of realism that is rarely seen in modern-day action movies.

Beyond the stunning action sequences, the movie also explores the themes of loyalty, honor, and morality amidst the harsh realities of a world dominated by gangs and corruption. The characters are not simply two-dimensional caricatures of good and evil, but rather complex individuals grappling with their own desires and the moral dilemmas of their choices.

The actors in Once Upon a Time in Shanghai also deliver impressive performances, with Sammo Hung delivering a standout performance as the ruthless and calculating Master Huang. Philip Ng and Andy On also shine in their respective roles, adding depth and nuance to their characters.

As the tension between the Axe Gang and the Black Dragon Society reaches its boiling point, the movie maintains a gripping pace, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. The final showdown is a satisfying and explosive climax that does not disappoint.

Overall, Once Upon a Time in Shanghai is a gripping and thrilling crime drama that delivers on both action and story. With its well-executed fight sequences, nuanced characters, and exploration of morality in a world dominated by corruption, the movie is sure to satisfy fans of the action and crime genres.

Once Upon a Time In Shanghai is a 2014 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.