# Once Upon a Time in China (1991) — Celluloid fact sheet

Source: https://celluloidscore.com/movies/once-upon-a-time-in-china-1991/
Last reviewed: 2026-07-25

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Celluloid Score | 80% |
| Critic Score | 88% |
| Audience Score | 86% |
| Metascore | 78/100 |
| Letterboxd | 3.9/5 |
| IMDb | 7.2/10 |
| Director | Tsui Hark |
| Genres | Action, Drama |
| Runtime | 134 min |

## Quick answer

Once Upon a Time in China (1991) earns a 80% Celluloid Score — Recommended. Tsui Hark and Jet Li rebuild Wong Fei-hung as a national symbol, with wirework used for argument rather than spectacle. Metascore 78/100. Directed by Tsui Hark.

## Critics consensus

Tsui Hark and Jet Li rebuild Wong Fei-hung as a national symbol, with wirework used for argument rather than spectacle.

## Synopsis

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?

## Cast

Jet Li, Yuen Biao, Jacky Cheung Hok-Yau, Rosamund Kwan Chi-Lam, Kent Cheng Jak-Si, Yuen Gam-Fai, Yen Shi-Kwan, Lau Shun

## Critic reviews on Celluloid: 1

## Common questions

**Is Once Upon a Time in China worth watching?**
Once Upon a Time in China holds a 80% Celluloid Score. Tsui Hark and Jet Li rebuild Wong Fei-hung as a national symbol, with wirework used for argument rather than spectacle.

**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?

**Who directed Once Upon a Time in China?**
Once Upon a Time in China (1991) was directed by Tsui Hark.

**What is the Celluloid Score of Once Upon a Time in China?**
80% — the average of five public sources: critics 88%, audience 86%, Metascore 78/100, Letterboxd 3.9/5, and IMDb 7.2/10.

**Where can I watch Once Upon a Time in China?**
Streaming availability varies by region — see the Once Upon a Time in China page for current options.

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Reviewed and scored by Celluloid · Editor: Kaiser Khan (https://celluloidscore.com/author/kaiser-khan/)

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