Today’s quick review: Once Upon a Time in China. During the Westernization of China, Master Wong Fei Hung (Jet Li) runs a martial arts school that trains soldiers for the Chinese militia. His disciples earn the wrath of the governor (Wong Chi-yeung) when they defend Leung Foon (Yuen Biao) from a local gang. Taking the blame for the damage his students caused, Wong must find and defeat the leader of the gang (Yau Kin-kwok) to clear his name.
Once Upon a Time in China is a historical martial arts action movie starring Jet Li. The movie follows a martial arts master and Chinese patriot as he tries to keep his school afloat in a city ruled by foreign interests. Facing damage to his reputation, false accusations of conspiracy, and a slew of dangerous opponents, Wong must fight for his school and his principles. Great action and a decent setup are hurt by slow pacing and rough characters.
The great strength of Once Upon a Time in China is Jet Li, along with the character he plays. Master Wong is a sober, responsible man with high ideals and an unmatched talent for fighting. Seeing him cope with the burdens placed on him is satisfying, and the movie does a good job of keeping him at a disadvantage. The action scenes are also impressive, with skillful stunt work and creative choreography involving guns, ladders, and more.
The trouble is that Once Upon a Time in China does not play to its strengths. The early stages of the plot wander aimlessly, shifting focus repeatedly until the stage is finally set for Master Wong. The movie also indulges in too much comic relief for a film that is ultimately a drama. Characters like traveling actor Leung Foon and Wong’s apprentice Porky Wing (Kent Cheng) hog the spotlight, and their antics have dire consequences.
The outcome is a martial arts movie that has a lot going for it once it finds its rhythm, but which suffers from issues with its tone and pacing. Fans of the genre who are willing to put up with an awkward start should give Once Upon a Time in China a shot; the fight scenes alone make it worth checking out. But depending on your taste in storytelling and comic relief, the action will come with a cost.
For a more serious historical martial arts movie with similar themes, check out Ip Man 2. For another one starring Jet Li, try Fearless. For a martial arts comedy with a similar plot, try The Legend of Drunken Master.
[7.3 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103285/). I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for strong action, a meandering plot, and weak comic relief.