Once Upon A Time In China

Wong Fei Hung was born in 1847 and his century spanning life would earn him a place in the Chinese national identity as well as immortality in the hearts and minds of all fans of Kung Fu cinema. Fictional versions of Wong Fei Hung have appeared in over a hundred movies including undisputed classics such as Drunken Master, The Magnificent Butcher, Iron Monkey and of course Last Hero in China. But the standout Wong Fei Hung films are Tsui Hark’s Once Upon A Time In China Series.

Tellingly these films are simply known as Wong Fei Hung in China and that is fitting as the series probably offers what can only be viewed as the definitive fictional Wong Fei Hung experience.

Starting off with a lion dance which is saved from ruin by Fei Hung the pace of the film is stately. While there is a wealth of spectacular fight scenes a lot of the films two and a bit hour running time is given over to character moments.

Jet Li, just returning from a disastrous first attempt at cracking the overseas market, was something of a strange choice for the major role of Fei Hung. But the three time Wushu champion proved that the gamble was one of Tsui Hark’s wisest moves as he personified the role completely.

Indeed even if it weren’t for Li’s incredible prowess as a martial artist he would have still seemed a natural choice given how much raw charisma and charm he gave to a character who often was played a little too harsh. He gave Fei Hung the discipline and conviction he needed without the austere edge some of his predecessors had given the role and ultimately created a character that had a wonderful vibrancy and humanity.

The plot of Once Upon A Time in China is rather simple and yet very rewarding. China has effectively been invaded by westerners who have been granted immunity by the government. As China slowly becomes more westernised Wong Fei Hung finds himself increasingly powerless against the guns of the new visitors. Kung Fu is no match for bullets and old masters are reduced to performing in the streets for scraps.

Aside from a plot involving slave trading and a vicious gang the story is centred almost entirely around the conflict between new and old, and later the conflict between Wong Fei Hung and Iron Robe Yim (a masterful performance from Yee Kwan Yan).



Fei Hung is joined by a cadre of supporters who are probably the film’s weakest elements. The two members of his school the film focuses on Butcher Wing and Buck Tooth So while adding something to the narrative, So propelling the narrative Wing demonstrating Fei Hung’s respect amongst his students, seem underdeveloped.

The third most interesting character of the film is Foon (played by martial arts legend Yuen Biao) an actor who finds himself in the service of Iron Robe Yim even though his respect lies with Fei Hung and his heart with Fei Hung’s 13th Aunt (Rosamund Kwan).

Speaking of 13th Aunt while on first appraisal I found her character to be a little shoe horned in to provide Fei Hung with the hint of a romance I have grown to like her character more in recent viewings. She effectively serves as another counterpoint between Fei Hung and modern china and her scene with Fei Hung just before the first fight with Yim is strikingly powerful.

The film is beautiful to look at with handsome cinematography, incredible sets, and some expertly staged fights. In fact Once Upon A Time In China has two of my favourite celluloid fights. The two encounters between Fei Hung and Yim are incredible works of choreography and showcase the aesthetic sensibility that makes Tsui Hark one of my favourite directors.

The first fight shot in the pouring rain is just a fantastical exchange of blows between the two masters is stunning to watch and even the more unbelievable elements are granted a grounding in reality simply due to the intensity and emotion of the battle.

The second battle is much more of a showy piece and is essentially one protracted duel, with a small intermission in the middle, which uses ladders to take the fight vertically as well as horizontally. The fight is again mind blowing to watch, the perfect combination of natural psychical prowess and newer wire methods.

But what makes Once Upon A Time in China so special are not the fights but the way the characters are handled. Despite taking a role as antagonist Iron Robe Yim is a very sympathetic character, an honourable man driven to desperation when his masterful skills become outdated.

Once Upon A Time in China is probably one of the greatest Kung Fu films ever made and is probably one of the greatest Chinese films ever made.

9/10