Rotten Tomatoes
Movies Tv shows RT App News Showtimes

Once Upon a Time in China

Play trailer Poster for Once Upon a Time in China R 1992 1h 35m Action Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
90% Tomatometer 31 Reviews 88% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
A man (Jet Li) must protect his martial-arts school while sorting out his feelings for a young woman (Biao Yuen) who is his aunt by adoption.
Watch on Fandango at Home Stream Now

Where to Watch

Once Upon a Time in China

Critics Reviews

View More
Steve Murray Atlanta Journal-Constitution 07/27/2023
Hark's main goal -- as he sees actors and props spinning through the air in dazzling action ballets -- is to keep us wondering, "How'd They Do That?" Go to Full Review Time Out 01/26/2006
Its real strengths are its choreography, its flashes of wit, and its all-round exuberance. Go to Full Review Stephen Holden New York Times 05/20/2003
A witty, extravagantly picturesque homage to Sergio Leone. Go to Full Review Sean Axmaker Stream on Demand Mar 7
Tsui Hark gives 'Once Upon a Time in China' a grand scope that belies its budget... but the film’s greatest special effect is its magnificent action choreography and the grace of Jet Li’s martial arts prowess. Go to Full Review Tim Brayton Alternate Ending 10/27/2023
4/5
As much a grave history lesson as a giddy celebration of its stunt team's physical prowess. Go to Full Review Brian Susbielles InSession Film 03/01/2023
Each film moves up in the timeline as Li/Zhao faces various challenges with a modern China forming as the old lifestyle is fading away, making Wong a rarity. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View More
Joy B. @9mr_0 Jan 17 الفيلم جميل بمشاهد القتال وتصميم الحركة، جيت لي موجود بتوازن حلو، حضوره ياخذ المشهد كله بدون مبالغة. القصة بسيطة وسردها مستقيم، ما بيها تعقيد . الشخصيات الثانوية سطحية لكن تمثيلهم مقبول. الإيقاع بالبداية شوي بطيء، تحس الفيلم يتمهل، بس بعدين يتصاعد تدريجيا. التصوير حلو و الكامرة استخدمة بشكل جيد يخدم الأكشن . ادارة المعارك كانت جيدة على الرغم من المبالغة لكن هذا الشيء تتعود علية وانت نشاهد افلام هونغ كونك او الافلام الصينية . الموسيقى تمامتتناسب مع المشهد بدون ما تزعج. باختصار: الفيلم ممتع بصريًا، حركة الشخصيات تجنن وتستاهل المشاهدة، بس من ناحية الدراما مابيه عمق. See more Khan T @RT33249410 Aug 9 This is one of those legendary "must see" martial arts movies. You won't find many better than this one. 🏆 See more Leprechaun K @LeprechaunKing 02/27/2025 This paved the way for dozens of other similar themed movies to come. Its marked the beginning of Tsui Hark's signature stylistic martial arts action. See more Michael W @mawilps 08/11/2024 This martial arts movie was great. Jet Li, Rosamund Kwan, Hung Yan-yan, Biu Yeun, and the rest of the cast did a great job in this movie. The plot of the movie was action-packed, insane, and dramatic. It's a well choreographed martial arts movie about protecting your home and defending your country. If you haven't seen this movie yet, check it out sometime. It's a must see. See more Liam D @Mediawatcher2003 03/15/2024 The movie that made Jet Li (The Bodyguard from Beijing, The Enforcer) into an international superstar with Tsui Hark (Knock Off, We're Going to Eat You) stylish direction to create an historical martial arts movie with some decent comedy See more noah g @RT91327692 02/07/2024 the fight scenes and stunts are insane See more Read all reviews
Once Upon a Time in China

My Rating

Read More Read Less WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW POST RATING

Cast & Crew

View All

Hark Tsui

Director

Jet Li

Wong Fei-hung

Rosamund Kwan

Aunt Yee

Biao Yuen

Leung Fu

Steve Tartalia

Tiger

Jacky Cheung

Buck Teeth Soh

More Like This

View All
Once Upon a Time in China II 93% 85% Once Upon a Time in China II Watchlist Once Upon a Time in China III 63% 69% Once Upon a Time in China III Watchlist Fong Sai-Yuk 89% 84% Fong Sai-Yuk Watchlist Black Mask 50% 50% Black Mask Watchlist Discover more movies and TV shows. View More
View All

Once Upon a Time in China

Once Upon a Time in China (1991) Once Upon a Time in China (1991) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis A man (Jet Li) must protect his martial-arts school while sorting out his feelings for a young woman (Biao Yuen) who is his aunt by adoption.
Director
Hark Tsui
Producer
Hark Tsui
Screenwriter
Hark Tsui, Yiu Ming Leung
Distributor
Republic Pictures
Production Co
Golden Harvest, Paragon Films, Film Workshop Ltd.
Rating
R
Genre
Action
Original Language
Chinese
Release Date (Theaters)
May 20, 1992, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Jul 16, 2020
Runtime
1h 35m
Most Popular at Home Now