Late 1800s Foshan, Guangdong: Wong Fei Hung/Jet Li trains men in martial arts to help defend against foreign powers already holding Hong Kong and Macau. He looks after cute 13th Aunt, who's just returned from England. Lots of fight scenes.
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Title: Once Upon a Time in China (1991)
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5 wins & 4 nominations.
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Edit
Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Jet Li | ... | Wong Fei Hung | |
| Biao Yuen | ... | Leung Foon | |
| Rosamund Kwan | ... | 13th Aunt | |
| Jacky Cheung | ... | Buck Teeth So | |
| Kent Cheng | ... | Porky Wing | |
 |
Kam-Fai Yuen | ... | Kai |
| Shi-Kwan Yen | ... | Iron Robe Yim (as Yee Kwan Yan) | |
| Shun Lau | ... | Naval Commander Lau | |
| Wu Ma | ... | Grand-Uncle Cheung | |
|
|
Jianguo Qiu | ... | Shaho Gang Leader |
| Cheung-Yan Yuen | ... | Yim's Opponent | |
| Chi Yeung Wong | ... | Commander Man | |
|
|
Shun-Yee Yuen | ... | Honorable Manchu Soldier |
| Xin Xin Xiong | ... | Shaho Gang Member | |
|
|
Jonathan Isgar | ... | Jackson |
Edit
Plot Summary
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Add Synopsis
Storyline
Set in late 19th century Canton this martial arts film depicts the stance taken by the legendary martial arts hero Wong Fei-Hung (1847-1924) against foreign forces' (English, French and American) plundering of China. When Aunt Yee arrives back from America totally westernised, Wong Fei-Hung assumes the role of her protector. This proves to be difficult when his martial arts school and local militia become involved in fierce battles with foreign and local government. As violence escalates even Aunt Yee has to question her new western ideals, but is it possible to fight guns with Kung Fu? Written by Michele Wilkinson, University of Cambridge Language Centre, <mw125@cus.cam.ac.uk>
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Never was a Hero needed more...Parents Guide:
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Details
Country:
Hong KongRelease Date:
15 August 1991 (Hong Kong) See more »Also Known As:
Once Upon a Time in China See more »Edit
Box Office
Cumulative Worldwide Gross:
$3,826,459Company Credits
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IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
| (cut) | (cut)Sound Mix:
MonoColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1
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Did You Know?
Trivia
Jet Li badly damaged his knee when Wong Fei Hung jumps out of the tea shop using his umbrella. For this reason a lot of the final fight was performed while Li was in plaster, meaning he had to be doubled for some of the moves. A lot of the shots are from the waist and above, to hide his plaster. See more »Goofs
(at around 54 mins) A 31-star US flag is seen shortly after an adult Wong Fei Hung attempts to defend the Po Chi Lam clinic from a fiery attack. The 31-star flag was used from July 4, 1851 to July 3, 1858. Wong Fei Hung was born on July 9, 1847, and so could not have been older than a few days shy of his eleventh birthday when this flag was still in use. Also, the rows of stars shown on the 31-star flag are inverted. The flag shown has rows of 7, 6, 6, 5, and 7 stars respectively (from top to bottom). The actual flag has rows of 7, 5, 6, 6, and 7 stars top to bottom. See more »Alternate Versions
A version distributed by 'Made in Hong Kong' UK has a running time of 140 mins. with a extra 10 minutes previously unreleased on video. See more »Frequently Asked Questions
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Forget the Matrix. Forget pale US imitations like Rush Hour or Romeo Must Die. This just might be the best martial arts movie ever. Not because the fight scenes are awesome (they are) and the star suitably iconic (he is). But because this is a real movie, with a real plot and a genuine cinematic feel to it. Director Tsui Hark seems to have gotten some help by the ghost of Sergio Leone, and brings an entire age to life. This is a kung fu movie made like you always wanted them to be. And it has the funniest racially stereotyped villains (white Americans!) ever put on film. 10/10. Part II is almost as good.