Once Upon a Time in China

In late 19th century Canton, the renowned Wong Fei Hung is drawn into a struggle against foreign powers seeking to plunder China. When Aunt Yee returns from America with a newly western outlook, Wong steps forward as protector of his community, training his martial arts school and coordinating a local militia. The city erupts into clashes with both foreign forces and corrupt officials, testing loyalties and tactics. As violence spirals, Aunt Yee questions her own beliefs while Wong must decide how to defend tradition against modern guns. The story centers on whether Kung Fu can stand up to firepower, and whether courage alone can save a city. Then a shadowy alliance exploits the chaos for its own gain.

Directed by Tsui Hark and released in 1991, this film anchors Jet Li’s breakout portrayal of Wong Fei Hung, drawing on the Wong Fei Hung legend and the Hong Kong martial arts cinema tradition. Its brisk staging, vivid sets, and energetic fight bouts helped define the series’ early style.

Critics praised the kinetic fight choreography and Tsui Hark's brisk pacing while noting a thoughtful tension between old crafts and new powers. The film uses wuxia energy to explore loyalty, homeland, and the costs of modernization. Audiences also responded to humor and the human moments amid the warfare.

The role helped cement Jet Li as a leading action star in Hong Kong cinema and influenced later martial arts epics that blend street fighting with dramatic stakes. Its duel sensibilities echoed in action choreography across the region well into the 1990s, and the film spurred new cross border collaborations.

Box office earnings for Once Upon a Time in China totaled about 3.83 million dollars worldwide, reflecting solid performance for a late 1990s Hong Kong action release. Its release helped cement Tsui Hark's reputation and broaden Jet Li's international appeal.