Once Upon a Time in China Review JET LI 1991 (Criterion Blu-ray)

'Once Upon a Time in China' from 1991 is an action martial arts epic from director Tsui Hark. The movie stars Jet Li as Wong Fei-Hung, Yuen Biao, Rosamund Kwan and a motley group of students like Jacky Cheung as Buck Teeth So, Yuen Gam-Fai as Kai and Kent Chang as Porky Wing.
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While this film holds immense significance in Jet Li's cinematic legacy and enjoys widespread popularity, its impact may not resonate equally with all viewers. While many perceive the film as a tale of foreign encroachment on Chinese soil, the heart of the story, lies in the intricate dynamics of rival gangs. Throughout the film, these factions intersect and clash, overshadowing the influence of foreign military forces.
Undoubtedly, Jet Li's prowess in action sequences remains unparalleled, with his impeccable body control and movements leaving a lasting impression. Yet, even amidst Li's stellar performances, certain shortcomings become evident. Director Tsui Hark's storytelling falters, with crucial plot elements often unfolding off-screen. This lack of coherence extends to character development, leaving actors like Yuen Biao feeling underutilized and relegated to the role of a sidekick.
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[@CoinOpTV]

Once Upon a Time in China II Review Jet Li 1992 th-cam.com/video/TPHnjfXs64M/w-d-xo.htmlsi=7ZylyU58TIYmXlDw

[@GodlessG0D]

Most people seem to prefer part 2 over part 1 but I've always preferred the original slightly more... There's just something about it.

[@CoinOpTV]

@@GodlessG0D thanks for watching - two seems tighter and more to the point for me

[@bigmoviefreak]

I think a lot of themes like modernisation and the relevance of kung fu/ martial arts in the era of gunpowder and gun power, the fragmentation of the Chinese identity and culture may be lost to Western audiences. Those themes were very poignant and heartfelt to Chinese audiences, especially when we know what was to happen in China’s history during the period in which the story was set in. It is also one of the earliest Hong Kong films I know that did martial arts like it was an art house film with slick cinematography and a screenplay that was a lot more sophisticated than the usual avenge-my-master-or-Shaolin-temple plot that was so derivative of many kung fu movies before it and even after. It predates Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, which is usually the one people associated with bringing class to the martial arts genre, but it was actually OUATIC that broke that ground. I remember watching OUATIC many years ago and having my young mind utterly blown by how sophisticated this kungfu movie looked and how unexpectedly layered the story was. I know you don’t agree, and there are still some unfortunate silly tropes of the genre that still remained, but I still need to point this out because it does feel like there are things that you and others may have overlooked. I feel this is why the film is revered enough that Criterion would even have considered adding it to its collection, and not because it’s just another dumb fun chop socky movie that they put in there for s**ts and giggles.

[@CoinOpTV]

Thanks for watching and chiming in -- you make some excellent points and like you said probably some stuff getting lost on me as a Western dude... Hope you circle back next week for my OUATIC part 2 review!

[@mitchsfridaynightsongclub2594]

Well now, I was kind of expecting this after you posted on YT saying your review would be polarising. I have the Eureka set and it looks fantastic, I think Shaw Brothers were on the whole very good at storing their films, but other companies, not so great. Hong Kong, from what I understand wasn't very good at preserving it's legacy /history.
I used to love this film when I was younger and part of me still does, but there are better Jet Li films and movies about Wong Fei Hung. Yeah I too was bummed when I found out he didn't do all the cool stuff. I know this film is very important as it re- ignited interest in traditional martial arts films, as opposed to Hong Kong action but now I have a greater knowledge and appreciation, it's not as great as once it seemed. So probably I would say I agree with you on this one man.

[@CoinOpTV]

wooooooo we finally agree on a movie! haha cheers mate! and like you say - the HK preservation seems secondary - at least the other films look better this one was the most deteriorated of the bunch!

[@mitchsfridaynightsongclub2594]

@@CoinOpTV we have actually agreed a couple of times before, but usually you are wrong 🤣 The 2nd Once upon film is a lot darker in terms of tone and I think that makes it better.
BTW I know you have been reviewing the Shout sets, did you completely skip the 3rd box?

[@perryfan49]

Wow 🤩 im surprised you didn’t care for this one. Hopefully you enjoy part II

[@CoinOpTV]

Thanks for watching - oh yes - spoiler alert - 2 is much better for sure! I think that is universally agreed on? For me Fist of Legend and Hero are probably my two favorite Jet Li movies - what about you?

[@perryfan49]

@@CoinOpTV My two favorite Jet Li movies are Once Upon a Time in China and Tai Chi Master

[@Pat6670]

I agree with you to an extent. After always hearing how great it was when I first saw it years ago I was disappointed. That being said I really like Once Upon A Time In China and America and that one isn’t very popular so what do I know? Lol

[@CoinOpTV]

Thanks for watching - I just finished the set! I agree that the last film is kinda entertaining if not super cheesy and some of the casting hasn't dated well!

[@paulthomas3247]

HOW DARE YOU???
But yeah, the movie does have flaws. I saw this (as maybe you did too) back in the early 90s, and my mind was blown. The Once Upon and Fong Sai-Yuk movies were unlike anything I'd ever seen, a lot like Storm Riders a few years later. A lot of that doesn't hold up, but coming to this with the expectation of 60 years of very rudimentary Wong Feihong movies excuses a lot of the pacing issues for me.
As for the Americans... The dubbing barns in HK were pretty rough. I worked on subtitles for a PRC miniseries, and all they would send me was the lines with no setting, blocking, or even character names to know who was speaking. When I hear the dubbed voices in HK movies, I just assume it's some hapless English teacher looking for a few bucks on the side, recording lines with no context.

[@CoinOpTV]

Thanks for watching -- haha trigger warning on my reviews for sure! Yeah, probably some teacher like you said looking for a few extra bucks on the side! I'll have better things to say for the sequel!