Once Upon a Time in China Review (1991) — 79% Celluloid Score
Directed by Tsui Hark · 1991 ·
Is Once Upon a Time in China worth watching?
Yes. Once Upon a Time in China (1991) earns a 79% Celluloid Score. That puts it in our Recommended tier. Critics and audiences are closely aligned on this one. See the 4 inputs.
4-input transparent breakdown
Also known as 黃飛鴻 Érase una vez en China Il était une fois en Chine Era Uma Vez na China ワンス・アポン・ア・タイム・イン・チャイナ 天地黎明 황비홍 黄飞鸿之一：壮志凌云 Bir Zamanlar Çin'de
Theatrical release Where to watch
- HBO Max
- The Criterion Channel
- WeTV
Rent: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango at Home
Buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango at Home
Where to watch Once Upon a Time in China by country
| Country | Streaming on |
|---|---|
| India | WeTV |
| Indonesia | WeTV |
| Japan | Prime Video, U-NEXT, WeTV |
| Malaysia | WeTV |
| Philippines | WeTV |
| South Korea | Wavve, TVING, WeTV |
| Thailand | WeTV |
| United Arab Emirates | WeTV |
| United Kingdom | Prime Video |
| United States | HBO Max, The Criterion Channel, WeTV |
Subscription availability, refreshed from TMDB. Rental and purchase options may differ.
Why this score?
- Celluloid's editorial rating is positive (88/100).
- General viewers mostly liked it (86%).
- Metascore is generally favorable (78/100).
- Celluloid Score 79% combines 4 rating inputs; audience sentiment is shown separately. Consult the source notes for verification dates where recorded.
Best for
- Viewers who want a well-regarded action, drama pick
Not ideal for
Scores reflect data indexed at build time. Component sources are shown on this page; Celluloid Score is our composite, not a third-party trademark. Scoring policy
Streaming availability, artwork and title metadata courtesy of TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.
Is Once Upon a Time in China worth watching?
Yes — Once Upon a Time in China earns a 79% Celluloid Score. That puts it in our Recommended tier. It suits viewers who want a well-regarded action, drama pick. Read our full review (3.5/5).
Celluloid verdict
Tsui Hark and Jet Li rebuild Wong Fei-hung as a national symbol, with wirework used for argument rather than spectacle.
Kaiser Khan, Founder & Editor
Critics and audiences are closely aligned on this one.
What is Once Upon a Time in China about?
In late 19th-century Canton, legendary hero Wong Fei-Hung battles foreign forces' (English, French and American) plundering of China. When Aunt Yee returns from America totally westernised, Wong assumes the role of protector. This proves difficult when his martial arts school and local militia become involved in fierce battles with foreign and local governments. As violence escalates, even Aunt Yee has to question her new western ideals, but is it possible to fight guns with Kung Fu?
Watch the Trailer
Critic Reviews
Once Upon a Time in China (1991) Review: Kung Fu vs Empire
★★★½☆
Once Upon a Time in China is Tsui Hark's sweeping kung fu epic, with Jet Li as folk hero Wong Fei-hung facing foreign powers in 19th-century Canton.
Yes, with reservations. Its fights and Jet Li's star turn are superb, but a sprawling plot and broad comedy make it best for martial arts fans.
Once Upon a Time in China stills
Official production imagery supplied through TMDB, kept with the movie instead of split into a thin gallery page.
Images courtesy of TMDB. TMDB does not endorse or certify Celluloid.
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Once Upon a Time in China: frequently asked questions
Is Once Upon a Time in China worth watching?
Yes. Once Upon a Time in China (1991) has a Celluloid Score of 79%, averaged from the available Celluloid editorial, Metascore, Letterboxd and IMDb ratings. That puts it in our Recommended tier. Audience sentiment is shown separately and does not change the score.
Where can I watch Once Upon a Time in China?
In the United States, Once Upon a Time in China streams on HBO Max, The Criterion Channel, WeTV with a subscription, and you can rent it from Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube. Elsewhere: WeTV in India; WeTV in Indonesia; Prime Video, U-NEXT, WeTV in Japan; WeTV in Malaysia. Availability changes; the where-to-watch table on this page is refreshed from TMDB.
How long is Once Upon a Time in China?
Once Upon a Time in China runs 2 hours 14 minutes (134 minutes).
What is Once Upon a Time in China rated?
Once Upon a Time in China is rated R in the United States and 15 in South Korea. These are the official classifications as recorded on TMDB; check your local classification board for content advice.
Who stars in Once Upon a Time in China?
Once Upon a Time in China is directed by Tsui Hark and stars Jet Li, Yuen Biao, Jacky Cheung Hok-Yau, Rosamund Kwan Chi-Lam, Kent Cheng Jak-Si.
What is the Metascore for Once Upon a Time in China?
Metacritic's Metascore for Once Upon a Time in China is 78 out of 100. It is one of the inputs to the Celluloid Score.
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