Once Upon a Time in China
Seen it?1991 | 133 min | Action, Drama
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (90% on Rotten Tomatoes). A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for action fans. If you loved Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story or Mulan, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Exciting.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 13 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
- It's in Cantonese, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
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?
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
90% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
7.1 out of 10
- AwardsBelow par
4 wins and 4 nominations from smaller awards and festivals
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$30 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 79K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Tsui Hark
- Jet LiWong Fei Hung
- Yuen BiaoLeung Foon
- Jacky Cheung Hok-yauBuck Teeth So
- Rosamund Kwan Chi-Lam13th Aunt
- Kent Cheng Jak-siPorky Wing
- Yuen Gam-FaiLing Wan Kai
- Yen Shi-KwanIron Robe Yim Chun Tung
- Lau ShunNaval Commander Lau
- Wu MaGrand Uncle Chueng
- Yau Gin-GwokShaho Gang Leader