Rating: 
Summary: a classic
Review: This was the movie that started my interest in Jet Li. I had seen some of his US movies before (Lethal Weapon 4, Black Mask, etc.) but wasn't impressed until I saw this movie. The historical premise, action, plot, and characters were seamlesly and brilliantly brought together. The action sequences were incredible and the story brought about a great sense of emotion... one of the best Jet Li movies out there. I recommend this movie to all fans of kung-fu!
Rating:
Summary: Superb
Review: The "Once Upon A Time In China" series IS the best kung-fu series ever made. It includes Chinese history, and the struggles Asians made trying to keep their culture from being ruined by Westerners.Kung-fu international star, Jet Li (who began learning kung-fu at the age of eight) gives an astounding acting performance with integrity and passion. He, who plays Wong Fei Hong in numerous of his movies, brings Asian pride to the screen, but more importantly, a moral that is important to everyone. A moral that says, "Embrace your culture. Don't let it die." Of course, the music can not be forgotten. Starting from the opening scene, the score of the "OUATIC" series is beautiful. In fact, any Asian or any kung-fu movie fan will know the Wong Fei Hong theme. Jet Li proves with the "Once Upon A Time In China" series that he definitely deserved the many championships he won at kung-fu competitions when he was very young. With his no-shadow kick, and swift and graceful kung-fu, Jet Li manages to back up his kung-fu with superb acting that is obvious even when he is not fighting. Jet Li brings another message across to an audience with this classic series - for he plays Wong Fei Hong, who only uses fighting when absolutely necessary. Wong Fei Hong is a character that is so well-respected because he is a man of righteousness, and a man who will do anything for his people. This film is of deep integrity, original fight scenes, and plots that you will never forget. The kung-fu sequences themselves are reason enough to watch the series endlessly. - Priscilla
Rating: 
Summary: Wong Fei-hung
Review: Few characters in China's illustrious history have been more popular than Wong Fei-hong (1847-1924). Wong, who was a martial arts master (he was skilled in kung-fu forms ranging from the lion dance, the no shadow kick, the flower fist, all the way through to the infamous drunken boxing), who used his skill to fight for the good of the common Chinese man, and much like the legendary gunslingers of early American folklore, his exploits were recorded and mythologized by numerous writers. Soon, with the advent of the filmmaking industry in China and Hong Kong, Wong became a box-office staple, the central character of countless films. Li, who first made a name for himself in a series of films set in the Shaolin temples, is probably best known for his role as the Chinese patriot-and for good reason. He simply shines when working in coordination with a filmmaker like Tsui Hark (Wicked City). Set in the village of Fa Shan in Canton, China in the late 1800s, the story revolves around the attempts of one man, Confucian healer and teacher Wong Fei-hung (Jet Li), to unite his countrymen against the foreign invaders who are militarily and culturally conquering his land. Forming a well-disciplined local militia, he faces off against the guns of his more technologically advanced foes with nothing more than sheer determination and the martial arts skills and traditional weapons of China. At the same time, there are rival forces among his own people who wish to see him fail. Helping Wong in his mission are Buck Teeth Soh (Jacky Cheung), a student of Wong's who has recently returned from America and has nearly forgotten how to speak Cantonese; Porky Lang (Kent Cheng), the local rotund pork merchant with anger management problems; and his beloved Auntie Yee (Rosamund Kwan), who is later kidnapped in an attempt to get to Wong Fei-hung. The cast is excellent, particularly Li, who tackles the role of Wong with a real passion. The fact that his martial arts prowess is so amazing only heightens the performance. Rosamund Kwan is great as Aunt Yee-downplaying her obvious love for Wong in this installment, yet letting it show in small, subtle ways throughout the narrative (a great example of this is a scene where we watch as her hand tentatively caresses Wong's head-the scene is shown as shadows on a wall, and is later revealed that she's not actually touching Wong at all-just longing to as she moves her hand in order to make her shadow touch his. Tsui, who's one of Hong Kong's most gifted filmmakers (who directed Jean-Claude Van Damme in the awful "Double Team"), crafts some amazingly beautiful shots throughout the film-scenes where the simplicity of the action is counterbalanced by the choice of action, an assured camera movement, or a stunning use of color are frequently found in "Once Upon a Time", and that's one of the film's saving graces-it's easy to forgive a few flaws when a film looks this stunning. Though many say the smug "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" has risen the bar for a genre often thought of as low quality, Once Upon a Time in China (along with Fist of Legend, I might add) is the one that proves a Kung Fu movie can be more than just spectacular fight sequences. The DVD features the full-length version of the film complete with the original Cantonese language soundtrack. As a bonus, the heavily edited English dubbed version is also available from the special features menu. The video is presented in its original aspect ratio of 2.35:1 and is anamorphically enhanced. Unfortunately, that's about the only good thing it has going for it. It's clear that this anamorphic transfer was not struck from a high definition master. As with most Hong Kong films, the source materials are very grainy and washed out. Columbia TriStar Home Video needs to get a grip and clean up the transfers before releasing them. While not promoted as a special edition, Once Upon a Time in China does feature a few nice extras. First and foremost is the English dubbed version that, while typically of no use to purists, does provide the superior video transfer in this unfortunate instance. Next up is a running commentary by Hong Kong film expert Ric Meyers. While nominally a screen-specific discussion of the film, the track also acts as an introduction to Hong Kong films in general. Folks new to the genre should find it quite educational while current HK fans will find a number of interesting tidbits as well.
Rating:
Summary: No English Audio Track!!
Review: Certainly not essential to the viewing experience, but under the DVD info here and everywhere else on the net it lists the DVD having 3 audio tracks (one being English). I don't mind subtitles personally, but some might... Other than that, read the other reviews here... great movie!
Rating: 
Summary: Keep looking. This is not a movie you want.
Review: I've seen several martial arts movies. I used to wince at wire work, but flying monks plays a part in old mythology. Jet is always a draw for me, but what a let down this is. The camera work is poor, the characters are beyond sterotype, the fight scenes are okay, but just okay. If you really need to see this movie... rent it.
Rating: 
Summary: This is a good movie
Review: This is a good movie, but not the excellent. This has many fight scenes, but thease fight scenes aren't so beatyful,than Jackie Chan's films.if you want watch beatyful fight scenes try to buy drunken master 2.
Rating:
Summary: The "Godfather" of Martial Arts Films
Review: This is the very first Jet Li film I saw a few years ago, and to this day I still consider it one of his best efforts along with Fist of Legend, My Father is a Hero, and Tai Chi. Although Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon will set a new standard for the genre, this film stands out on its own in that it was, and still is, one of the few martial films with a coherent story. And unlike American films that utilize martial arts, the fighting in this film is justified: there is a reason for every fight you see in the film. I thought that Jet Li was a noble choice for the role of Wong Fei Hung. Tsui Hark truly allows Jet's phenomenal skills to shine in his film and I truly hope they get to collaborate again. It is also noteworthy to point out Hark's interweaving of Chinese history into the plot, which actually makes the film more interesting. Moreover, while watching this film I just can't get over how visually impressive Hark's filmmmaking is. I almost always compare this film to the Godfather because both Hark and Coppola know how to combine plot, character, artistry, and violence in their films. For those who have yet to see a Jet Li film, I suggest watching him in Lethal Weapon 4 or Romeo Must Die first. Then pick up this film and Fist of Legend so you can truly appreciate not only Jet Li, but martial arts films in general.
Rating:
Summary: A mega masterpiece
Review: The best movie I have ever seen; 10000000 times superior to the overrated Once Upon II and Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon. However, I do not recommend this to foreigners (speaking as a Chinese native), as they will not understand the values of this masterpiece. Instead go watch something fairly simple and pointless like Crouching Tiger or Mr. Nice Guy...
Rating:
Summary: Jet Li is the best action actor in Asia places
Review: Among the actors and actresses in Asia places, personally I think Jet Li is the most skillful actor. He had performed in many many other action movies which you can find and watch in Asia places. My family always enjoyed his movies. I especailly recomman all his movies for people who love to watch action movies.
Rating: 
Summary: Maybe next time that could make a movie with more politics.
Review: I found this movie to be the most boring and completly political. It isn't a movie at all, it is nothing short of propaganda and not even particully clever. The plot is weak, the acting atrocious. Even Jet Li whose martial arts prowess is pretty amazing does hardly anything. The movie does justice to no one. It makes every non-chinese appear evil and it makes the Chinese look easily lead and stupid. Which isn't the case. For being considered a Hong Kong classic I was very dissappointed. There are many other Jet Li films out there that are far better than this one. Black mask still being my favorite. If you want good action look to other Jet Li films, Jacki Chan or Chow Fat.
|
