Once Upon A Time In China (OUATIC) sees Jet Li in a career defining role as Wong Fei Hung - a real life legendary folk hero who lived during the mid 19th to early 20th century in the Fushan region of China. The name might also be familiar to Jackie Chan fans, who also portrayed Wong Fei Hung ... Read review
Once Upon A Time In China Inspired by Sergio Leone's 'Once Upon A Time In The West' very ... more
few Hong Kong movies can match this pedigree. Directed by legendary veteran Tsui Hark and featuring the devastating physical talents of Jet Li this cinematic jew...
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Romeo Must Die star Jet Li heads up an all-star cast, including physical virtuoso Yuen ... more
Biao (Dragons Forever) and 'China rose' Rosamund Kwan (Armour Of God), in this epic big-budget action adventure, heralded by fans and critics alike as one of the finest martial arts movies ever made. Filled with vibrant emotion, poignant historical context and showcasing some of the most incredible fight sequences ever devised for film, 'Once Upon A Time In China' recounts the adventures of legendary martial arts master, Wong Fei Hung, as he battles ruthless imperialist forces determined to subjugate his country with a terrifying new weapon - the gun!
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Advantages: not just great action, but great storytelling and characterisations Disadvantages: not many, though cultural/historical context might be lost on some
Once Upon A Time In China (OUATIC) sees Jet Li in a career defining role as Wong Fei Hung - a real life legendary folk hero who lived during the mid 19th to early 20th century in the Fushan region of China. The name might also be familiar to Jackie Chan fans, who also portrayed Wong Fei Hung in the fantastic, though very different, Drunken Master movies.
Set in the late 19th century during a period of turmoil in Chinese history, OUATIC ... ...bit too.
ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA TRIVIA:
Jet Li began learning martial arts at the age of 8 and went on to win the title of all round national Wushu Champion at the tender age of 11 (yes, he was competing among adults too). This was to be the 1st of 5 consecutive titles which he won.
Jet Li would reprise the role of Wong Fei Hung in parts 2 & 3 of the OUATIC series, but following a dispute with Tsui ... more
Once Upon A Time In China (OUATIC) sees Jet Li in a career defining role as Wong Fei Hung - a real life legendary folk hero who lived during the mid 19th to early 20th century in the Fushan region of China. The name might also be familiar to Jackie Chan fans, who also portrayed Wong Fei Hung in the fantastic, though very different, Drunken Master movies.
Set in the late 19th century during a period of turmoil in Chinese history, OUATIC is as equally accomplished as a period movie as it is a martial arts one. The martial arts genre has all too often been littered with movies devoid of substance beyond the action itself but this is definitely not the case here. With China facing exploitation through foreign imperialist forces, Wong Fei Hung fights to uphold traditional values but the film also explores his conflict as he becomes increasingly aware of China's need for modernisation for the sake of prosperity.
For the people who are right now thinking.. "yeah, yeah, whatever".. all this talk of history should not deter you either! Those looking for a substantial dose of quality action and unparalleled fight choreography synonymous with Hong Kong cinema will not be disappointed. The action was, in part, choreographed by the great Yuen Wo Ping, now of course famous to western audiences for his work on the Matrix trilogy, as well as Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill.
OUATIC also features a fantastic cast and Jet Li manages to exude an imposing screen presence as the lead character. The ever-impressive Yuen Biao (Wheels on Meals, Zu Warriors) plays Wong Fei Hung's famous student Leung Foon and although he is not in the movie quite as much as most Hong Kong cinema fans might hope for, still manages to provide a good glimpse of his amazing acrobatic ability as well as his usual dose of humour mixed in for good measure. Rosamund Kwan (Armour of God) lends her elegant beauty to the role of 13th Aunt (sometimes incorrectly translated as Cousin Yee, or Aunt Yee, although probably because they sound less clumsy!) Also, the lesser known Yam Sai Kwoon plays an outstanding opponent for Jet Li's character as Iron Robe Yim, a wondering martial arts master seeking to make a name for himself by defeating Wong Fei Hung. The final fight between Fei Hung and Master Yim is unbelieveable - rather than repeat a standard face-off, the fight occurs through the ludicrously inventive use of a series of ladders in an extravagant style, typical of Yuen Wo Ping.
Many Hong Kong movies suffer from inferior production values as a result of severe budget constraints in comparison to the lavish Hollywood school of film-making. However, OUATIC in China breaks this trend spectacularly. Director Tsui Hark (A Chinese Ghost Story, Zu Warriors) is reknowned for his affinity for big production values and this is seldom better demonstrated than in OUATIC. Hark makes good use of costumes, great locations and a fantastic Shaw Brothers set to create some beautiful looking shots, far superior to the majority of HK cinema. Although this movie contains pretty much no "special effects" in the sense that we might perceive it today, I still decided to give it a "Good" rating because of the clever techniques used to create some of the illusions in the fight sequences, mostly involving wire work. For example, there is one fight scene between Wong Fei Hong and Master Yim where a log is kept in the air through a series of kicks. Despite no access to any kind of CGI effects, the film-makers managed to create the illusion of this log being kicked back and forth. Although the physics of it are slightly suspect (!) the visual effect is impressive. The only slight flaw which I will point out in terms of production, is the fact that it wasn't shot in sync-sound (i.e. the film was shot without sound and the soundtrack was later recorded in studios). This was actually common for a lot of HK movies of the time, due to lack of money, equipment and resources, so its only a minor complaint.
Anyone who only knows Jet Li from his decidedly average Hollywood work should really check this movie out. Having broken onto the scene with the Shaolin Temple movies, this movie helped to secure his superstar status in the world of HK cinema. We all know that Jet is a very talented martial artist, but in OUATIC he shows us that he can actually act a bit too.
ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA TRIVIA:
Jet Li began learning martial arts at the age of 8 and went on to win the title of all round national Wushu Champion at the tender age of 11 (yes, he was competing among adults too). This was to be the 1st of 5 consecutive titles which he won.
Jet Li would reprise the role of Wong Fei Hung in parts 2 & 3 of the OUATIC series, but following a dispute with Tsui Hark did not return for parts 4 & 5. Having settled their differences, Jet Li returned for the disappointing 6th part - Once Upon A Time in China & America, directed by none other than Sammo Hung. Jet Li also played Wong Fei Hung in the lesser known "Last Hero in China", which was an unofficial sequel (think of it like in terms of Sean Connery's "Never Say Never Again")
Yuen Biao who plays Leung Foon, was classmates with fellow martial arts movie stars Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung, who all attended the same Chinese Opera school. Corey Yuen, who is now known as Jet Li's choreographer of choice also came from the same school. Disappointed at his minor role in OUATIC (having been led to believe his character would be the focus of the movie), Yuen Biao did not return for Tsui Hark's sequels and was replaced by the not so famous Max Mok.
The Wong Fei Hung character has actually been portrayed in over 100 films! Kwan Tak Hing played the role in no less than 70 or so of those movies, possibly the longest running series in movie history.
The real Wong Fei Hung is known as one of the forefathers of modern martial arts and a proponent of the Hung Gar style. Jet Li doesn't actually use Hung Gar in OUATIC which is a grounded southern style, in contrast to Jet Li's northern style which incorporates more kicking and jumping techniques.
OUATIC is based on Sergio Leone's Once Upon A Time In The West.
caydon 02.05.2004 (08.05.2004)
Ciao members have rated this review on average:
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Review of Once Upon A Time In China - Complete Trilogy (DVD)
Advantages: An endless classic Disadvantages: Buy sub-titled, the dubbing is awful
Once Upon A Time In China is simply a film of epic proportions. Set in the late nineteenth century shortly before the occupation of China by foreign forces. The film surrounds the life of Wong Fei Hung (Played superbly by Jet Lee), a legendary figure from China who lived from 1850 to 1910 (Approximately), and is similar the British Robin Hood.
The theme of Once Upon A Time In China is not one of race or colour (This is dealt with in the sequel). ... ...mistake to make is that Once Upon A Time In China is just a Kung Fu movie. I strongly disagree with this. Yes, there is Kung Fu, but there is more drama than what is accepted within the genre. I would personally classify this as a period movie, with the historical detail to perfection. The tension between Aunt Yee and (Played by Rosamond Kwon) and Wong is electric!
The music score was divine. Moving with subtle ease from the atmospheric street music ...
king_of_zombie_lurve 20.09.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Once Upon A Time In China - Complete Trilogy (DVD)
Advantages: A true story with Jet Lee at his very best Disadvantages: Avoid the dubbed version like the plague
Once Upon A Time In China is simply a film of epic proportions. Set in the late nineteenth century shortly before the occupation of China by foreign forces. The film surrounds the life of Wong Fei Hung (Played superbly by Jet Lee), a legendary figure from China who lived from 1850 to 1910 (Approximately), and is similar the British Robin Hood. The theme of Once Upon A Time In China is not one of race or colour (This is dealt with in the sequel). ... ...mistake to make is that Once Upon A Time In China is just a Kung Fu movie. I strongly disagree with this. Yes, there is Kung Fu, but there is more drama than what is accepted within the genre. I would personally classify this as a period movie, with the historical detail to perfection. The tension between Aunt Yee and (Played by Rosamond Kwon) and Wong is electric! The music score was divine. Moving with subtle ease from the atmospheric street music ...
the_king_of_zombie_lurve 11.10.2001
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Once Upon A Time In China - Complete Trilogy (DVD)
Advantages: something for everyone, even women love these movies Disadvantages: A little dated now, sometimes a little to tongue in cheek.
...portraying this person but the Once Upon A Time in China movies tell the legend the best. Some small elements of fantasy within some fight scenes but for the most part raw hard hitting martial arts. Films are better in cantonese with subtitles rather than cheesy dubbing.
This box contains the first three of a total of six movies. The other three movies are titled Last Hero in China, Once upon a Time in China and America, {Kung-Fu shenanigans in ... ...6 {avoid this, this is the only one that doesn't star Jet Li and it's very poor}
Much like Rocky through the course of the movies you see a love relationship blossom between Fei-Hung and Aunt Yee {no relative}
The films also continue the story so you really build an affection for the charachters, such as Ah Soh, Ah Fu, porky, and Clubfoot. The films contain loads of humour and in parts are hysterical. I love ther part where Wong Fei-Hung woh happens ...
tayloa22 29.08.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Once Upon A Time In China - Complete Trilogy (DVD)
Advantages: Great Action, Romance and Jet Li and Yuen Bao in the same movie. Disadvantages: NONE!
'Once Upon A Time In China' is an epic action adventure set in late 19th century China around the time of British/American occupation and it tells the story of the legendary 'Wong Fei Hung' a martial arts master (Brilliantly played by Jet Li) - The story involves some of the most mind blowing action sequences ever conceived on screen (Forget The Matrix.). 'Wong Fei Hung' is a famous character who has been played before by other well known actors ... ...cast which includes 'Rosamund Kwon' and 'Yuen Bao'. There is lots of comedy (Watch out for Yuen Bao getting plastered and trying to impress who he thinks is Wong Fei Hung.) and there is romance (Aunt Yee falling for Hung's charms). The film is brilliantly directed by Tsui Hark and when I say epic and large scale - I'm talking huge ie. check out the mind blowing set piece in the climax which involves ladders and platforms, it leaves you hanging off ...
Suchet 22.04.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Once Upon A Time In China - Complete Trilogy (DVD)
Advantages: going to be a good film with all these famous stunt people Disadvantages: none at all really
This film made by Tsui Hark who wanted to resurrect the legend of Wong Fei Hung one of China's most famous hero. In this film the foreigners are now coming into China and taking land to which they call it theirs and is even off limits to the native people. There is this hero called Won Fei Hung(Jet Li)who does not want to see his homeland get corrupted by the influence of these foreign people. So he takes on one of the most challenging task ever. ... ...betrayal of chinese people in power helping the foreigners saying everything they do is right when they know that the chinese people are being abused. Then the local gang team up with the foreigners and hires a very powerful martial artist to fight Wong Fei Hung. The local gang then kidnap hundreds of woman to be taken to other countries to become prostitutes. The biggest mistake of all was kidnapping Wong Fei Hung's aunt 13. When Fei Hung finds ...
ZhaoYun 19.04.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Once Upon A Time In China - Complete Trilogy (DVD)
Audio Commentary By Bey Logan, Animated Biography For Jet Li, Trailer Gallery
Aspect Ratio
2.35 Anamorphic Wide Screen
Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1
Dubbing Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1 Cantonese English
DVD Description
The first three chapters in Tsui Hark's spectacular saga of ancient China, starring Jet Li as folk hero doctor Wong Fei-Hong, are including in this box set. See individual titles for more details.
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