Just found out ciao through student9824. Got a lot to say, so I'm gonna say it...
Just found out ciao through student9824. Got a lot to say, so I'm gonna say it...
Member since:19.09.2001
Reviews:2
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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). But concerns the concepts of honour and duty (The banners declaring "Bravery Soaring" and "Magnamity Overflowing", are an indication of the theme’s at work here). To simply state a singular theme for this film would be an understatement, for it is too multi-layered. Corruption by money, personal responsibility, cultural identity, justice versus law, and heritage versus progression. All examples of just some of the theme’s.
The simple 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 of Hong Kong to the dark moods under-pinning the outlaws. The most impressive piece being the score used to announce Wong Fie Hungs appearance. Heroic does not come close. You can feel a palpable presence as Wong Fei Hung, strides on to the screen
If you enjoyed the action of The Matrix. The action sequences in Once Upon A Time In China will simply astound you. This is not actors simply relying upon special effects and wires. The grace and speed is astounding, with the choreography being almost one of ballet.
The reason being, is that these are Shaolin trained actors, and it shows. Jet Lee has been astutely chosen by Tsui Hark for Lee was China’s Wu Shu Champion (Having performed before Richard Nixon), and for his work on Shaolin Temple. Yuen Biao is another well selected actor, taught in the same Chinese Opera School as Jackie Chan, and an exceptional acrobat to his credit.
Tsui Hark has made an endless classic here. Demonstrating a significant point: That plot, characterisation, and attention to detail make great movies.
This is one of those great movies…
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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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Advantages: not just great action, but great storytelling and characterisations Disadvantages: not many, though cultural/historical context might be lost on some
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 - Complete Trilogy [DVD] [1991]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78532901.jpg "Once Upon A Time In China - Complete Trilogy [DVD] [1991]")
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