NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Once Upon a Time in China

Once Upon a Time in China (武狀元黃飛鴻) is Hong Kong auteur Tsui Hark (徐克)'s series of six movies about the famous kung fu master and Chinese hero Wong Fei Hung or (Huang Fei Hong) (黃飛鴻) (played by Jet Li (李連杰) in parts 1, 2, 3, and 6 and by Zhao Wen Zhou (趙文卓; Vincent Zhao) in parts 4 and 5). The movies were released in 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, and 1997, respectively. The first two films of the series are among the most popular of the Golden Age of Hong Kong cinema (usually dated from 1986 to 1993) and are famous for their depiction of Chinese nationalism as well as their excellent action sequences. "Once Upon a Time in China" was Jet Li's largest hit at the time. Image File history File links OnceUponaTimeinChina_DVDcover. ... Image File history File links OnceUponaTimeinChina_DVDcover. ... The term auteur (French for author) is used to describe film directors (or, more rarely, producers or writers) who are considered to have a distinctive, recognizable vision, because they (a) repeatedly return to the same subject matter, (b) habitually address a particular psychological or moral theme, (c) employ a recurring... Tsui Hark (Chinese: å¾å…‹; Hanyu Pinyin: ; Wade-Giles: HsÃ¼ Ko) (born Tsui Man-kong (å¾æ–‡å…‰) on February 15, 1950) is a New Wave film director in Hong Kong who is also a highly influential producer, often likened to Steven Spielberg for a similar galvanizing effect on his countrys cinematic scene. ... Film is a term that encompasses motion pictures as individual projects, as well as the field in general. ... Alternative meaning: Kung Fu (TV series) Kung fu or gongfu (功夫, Pinyin: gōngfu) is a well-known Chinese term used in the West to designate Chinese martial arts. ... This is a Chinese name; the family name is Wong. ... Jet Li (born Li Lianjie on April 26, 1963 in Beijing, China) is a Chinese martial artist, actor and action star. ... The cinema of Hong Kong is one of the three major threads in the history of Chinese language cinema, alongside the cinema of China, and the cinema of Taiwan. ...

Using the renowned kung fu master and doctor as the main character, the films deal with the negative effects of Western imperialism in China. The second film even has Dr. Sun Yat-sen (a revolutionary leader and the founding father of the Chinese republic, as well as one of the few people praised in both Communist China and Taiwan) as a character (though it is unlikely that the two ever met in real life). Unlike the majority of Hong Kong action films, the Once Upon a Time in China series is clearly politicised. However, as they were regarded foremost as commercial entertainment films, the political implications seem to have had less impact. Moreover, the main thrust is non-partisan nationalist, and because Sun Yat-sen is highly regarded by both the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China (Taiwan), the films are not as politically divisive as they may seem. Alternative meaning: Kung Fu (TV series) Kung fu or gongfu (功夫, Pinyin: gōngfu) is a well-known Chinese term used in the West to designate Chinese martial arts. ... The term Western World or the West can have multiple meanings depending on its context. ... Cecil Rhodes: Cape-Cairo railway project. ... Sun Yat-sen (Chinese: å«é€¸ä»™) (November 12, 1866â€“March 12, 1925) was a Chinese revolutionary and political leader who is often referred to as the father of modern China. Sun played an instrumental and leadership role in the eventual overthrow of the Qing Dynasty in 1911. ... For the Chinese civilization, see China. ... Hong Kong action cinema is the principal source of the Hong Kong film industrys global fame. ... Non-partisan democracy (also no-party democracy) is a system of representative government or organization such that universal and periodic elections (by secret ballot) take place without reference to political parties or even the speeches, campaigns, nominations, or other apparatus commonly associated with democracy. ... EugÃ¨ne Delacroixs Liberty Leading the People, symbolising French nationalism during the July Revolution. ...

Once Upon a Time in China I

Concerns are growing over the Westerners from America, Britain and France increasing their presence in Foshan (in some DVD releases, the subtitles state that the town in question is Canton, perhaps because it is a more recognisable). The general of the Black Flag Army approaches Wong and requests that he recruits and trains a militia of kung fu warriors to help protect the town. Wong recruits the butcher, "Porky" Lang (Kent Cheng) and "Bucktooth So" (Jacky Cheung). Image File history File links OUATIC1_dvdcover. ... Foshan (Chinese: ä½›å±±; Hanyu Pinyin: ) is a prefecture-level city in central Guangdong province, Peoples Republic of China. ... Guangzhou is the capital and the sub-provincial city of Guangdong Province in southern mainland China. ... The Black Flags were a splinter remnant of the Taiping Rebels, largely of ethnic Zhuang background that crossed the border from Guangxi province of China into Upper Tonkin, in the Empire of Annam, in the 1880s. ... This is a Chinese name; the family name is å¼µ (Cheung). ...

Wong meets up with "Aunt Yee" (aka Shao Jun / Siu Gwen / Sap Saam Ee / 13th Aunt, played by Rosamund Kwan) and romantic feelings between the two are stirred. Rosamund Kwan Chi-Lam (å…³ä¹‹ç³, Kwan Ji-Lam) is a Hong Kong actress. ...

Leung Foon (or "Fu", played by Yuen Biao) arrives in town with a travelling theatre and gets in trouble with a local gang called Sha Ho Bang, who are terrorising local businesses and dealing with the Americans. He accidentally ran into Aunt Yee and fell in love with her (this never happened in real life). After being kicked out by the theatre, Fu begins training under another master, "Iron Robe" Yim (Yee Kwan Yan). Yuen Biao (å…ƒå½ª) (born 26 July 1957) is a Chinese actor from Hong Kong. ...

The Americans, Jackson (Jonathan Isgar) and Tiger (Steve Tartalia) are working for the Sino-Pacific company, exporting Chinese people to the US for virtual slave labour. The Sha Ho gang aid the Americans by kidnapping women to be used as prostitutes for the Americans.

Sifu Wong (Hwang) attempts to bring the gang to justice but the fearful inhabitants of Foshan do not dare to act as witnesses. Foshan (Chinese: ä½›å±±; Hanyu Pinyin: ) is a prefecture-level city in central Guangdong province, Peoples Republic of China. ...

"Iron Robe" Yim decides he must fight and beat Wong in order to show the town his skills and make a name for himself, allowing him to open a successful martial arts school. The Sha Ho gang offer to help Yim open the school if he will ally himself with their gang, a move that forces Foon to follow his Master and stand against Wong Fei Hung.

Awards and Nominations

Hong Kong Film Awards (é¦™æ¸¯é›»å½±é‡‘åƒçŽ), is the most prestigious film awards in Hong Kong. ... Tsui Hark (Chinese: å¾å…‹; Hanyu Pinyin: ; Wade-Giles: HsÃ¼ Ko) (born Tsui Man-kong (å¾æ–‡å…‰) on February 15, 1950) is a New Wave film director in Hong Kong who is also a highly influential producer, often likened to Steven Spielberg for a similar galvanizing effect on his countrys cinematic scene. ... This is a Chinese name; the family name is å¼µ (Cheung). ...

Box office

Once Upon a Time in China is largely credited with starting the period martial arts craze of the early to mid 1990s. It was a box office hit, grossing $29,672,278 HKD in Hong Kong.

Once Upon a Time in China II

Set in 1895, Wong Fei Hung (Hwang Fei Hung), his companion Leung Foon (this time played by Siu Chung Mok aka Max Mok) and developing romantic interest Aunt Yee travel by train to Canton to attend a lecture on techniques of Western and Eastern medicine. Wong lectures on the benefits of acupuncture whilst another doctor translates for the British audience. Image File history File links OUATIC2_dvdcover. ...

The seminar is besieged by the fanatical White Lotus Cult, led by the seemingly invincible Priest Kung (Xiong Xin Xin). The extreme nationalist cult aim to force all foreigners out of Canton and they fire flaming arrows into the building where the seminar is taking place. This cult is most likely based on a rebellious anti-foreigner group called the Fists of Righteous Harmony (also known as the Boxers that led the Boxer Rebellion) which actually existed in the year 1900. Guangzhou is the capital and the sub-provincial city of Guangdong Province in southern mainland China. ... The Fists of Righteous Harmony (義和拳) was a society in China that executed the unsuccessful Boxer Rebellion in the closing years of the 19th century. ...

Wong learns that his translator friend is none other than Sun Yat Sen (Cheung Tit Lam), the leader of a group of pro-democratic rebels who wish to help China become a Republic. Sun and Lu Haodong, another rebel, are planning to go to Hong Kong to continue their work of revolution. Wong assists the rebels, but an official of the Manchu imperial government, General Lan (Donnie Yen) stands in their way. Sun Yat-sen (November 12, 1866 - March 12, 1925) was a Chinese revolutionary leader and statesman who is considered by many to be the Father of Modern China. He had a significant influence in the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty and establishment of the Republic of China. ... For other uses, see Republic (disambiguation). ... Lu Hao-tung (é™¸çš“æ± pinyin: LÃ¹ HÃ odÅng) (1868-1895), born Lu Chung-gui (ä¸æ¡‚ ZhÅngguÃ¬), courtesy name Hsien-hsiang (ç»é¦™ XiÃ nxiÄng), was the first revolutionary martyr of the Republic of China. ... Donnie Yen (ç”„åä¸¹, pinyin: ZhÄ“n ZÇdÄn, born July 27, 1963), is a martial artist and a film actor. ...

Further confrontations ensue when the White Lotus attack a foreign-language school for children. Aunt Yee hides the children in the British Consulate. Later, the consulate was attacked, with the help of General Lan, by the White Lotus cult. Wong and company defeated the White Lotus cult and General Lan went into the consulate to search for Sun Yatsen and Lu Haodong. Sun had escaped the consulate unharmed earlier. The British consul was killed by General Lan. Leung, disguised as Lu, escaped and diverted Lan's attention. Wong and Lu went to the headquarters of the White Lotus Cult and after an intense battle, Wong defeated all of the clan.

Later, Wong, Lu, and Leung go to get the contact list of all the rebels. In the process, Lu is shot and killed by General Lan's men. Wong and Lan have what many have called "The greatest fight of Jet Li on screen". Wong kills Lan and meets up with Sun Yatsen at the dock.

Box Office

This was a rare sequel to a Hong Kong movie to exceed the original film's box office take. It grossed $30,399,676 HKD.[1]

Awards and nominations

This article needs cleanup. ... Hong Kong Film Awards (é¦™æ¸¯é›»å½±é‡‘åƒçŽ), is the most prestigious film awards in Hong Kong. ... Donnie Yen (ç”„åä¸¹, pinyin: ZhÄ“n ZÇdÄn, born July 27, 1963), is a martial artist and a film actor. ... Tsui Hark (Chinese: å¾å…‹; Hanyu Pinyin: ; Wade-Giles: HsÃ¼ Ko) (born Tsui Man-kong (å¾æ–‡å…‰) on February 15, 1950) is a New Wave film director in Hong Kong who is also a highly influential producer, often likened to Steven Spielberg for a similar galvanizing effect on his countrys cinematic scene. ...

Once Upon a Time in China III

Wong Fei Hung and Leung Foon (played by Siu Chung Mok) travel to Peking with Aunt Yee to visit Wong's father. Shao Yun receives a film camera from a former school-friend, now a Russian diplomat, Tumanovsky (John Wakefield), who vies for her attention to the annoyance of Wong. Image File history File links OUATIC3_dvdcover. ... Beijing (Chinese: 北京; pinyin: Běijīng; Wade-Giles: Pei-ching; Postal System Pinyin: Peking), is the capital city of the Peoples Republic of China. ...

Wong's father, Wong Kei Ying or (Hwang Chi Ying) (Shun Lau) is the Master of a martial arts school and a member of the local "Cantonese Association" and is known to make excellent lion heads. When the Empress announces that a Lion Dance is to take place, a rival martial arts school master, Chiu attempts to eliminate the competition. He sends a warrior called Club Foot (Xiong Xin Xin returning in another bad-guy role) to attack Wong's father and destroy his lion heads. Costumed southern lion dancer in action at a Chinese New Year celebration Lion dance (Traditional Chinese: ; pinyin: wÇ”shÄ«) is a form of traditional dance in Chinese culture, in which performers mimic the lions movements in a lion costume. ...

Aunt Yee films various action including Wong Fei Hung's (Hwang Fei Hung) kung fu demonstration, and the lion dancers move (and fight) their way through the town.

The relationship between Aunt Yee and Wong reaches new heights and Wong tries to find the courage to inform his father of their intended marriage.

Later the camera inadvertently captures footage of Tumanovsky plotting to assassinate the viceroy and minister of Qing Dynasty, Li Hongzhang. Meanwhile, Club Foot is kicked out by his school and beaten up. Wong and his companions try to treat his injuries, but he (initially) rejects their help. In the end he is convinced he should help Wong win the Lion Dance, take revenge against his former school and help stop the Russian's attempt to kill Li. Li Hongzhang (February 15, 1823 â€“ November 7, 1901) was a Chinese general who ended several major rebellions, and a leading statesman of the late Qing Empire. ...

Awards and nominations

Hong Kong Film Awards (é¦™æ¸¯é›»å½±é‡‘åƒçŽ), is the most prestigious film awards in Hong Kong. ...

Box office

Once Upon a Time in China IV

The year is 1900 and Wong Fei Hung (played by Zhao Wenzhuo) and Leung Foon (the returning Max Mok) along with Wong's father and Club Foot face new enemies of China, this time in the form of German rivals and British forces, as well as the Red Lantern Society - a gang of women, who, like the White Lotus Cult from Once Upon a Time in China II, want to rid China of all foreigners. This time, 13th Aunt is substituted by her sister, Aunt May (aka 14th Aunt, played by Jean Wong) as Wong Fei Hung's love interest. Image File history File links OUATIC4_DVDcover. ...

During a parade, the hosts, the Red Lantern Society, attack a German church. Before things get too out of hand, Wong comes to the foreigners defence and as a result, is forced to confront the gang, who fight using rope weapons and ether-filled lanterns.

Later, due to his success in winning the Golden Lion Medal in the previous film, Wong is asked to represent China in a world lion dance martial arts contest against seven other countries, with the German contingent being a particular threat. The lion dance is symbolic - the intentions of the German residents is to take control of China, and China need to win the contest to save face and show their strength. Rather than being limited to lion heads, various animal heads are used by the represented nations including dragon, centipede and eagle. The dance inevitibly descends into fighting and Wong's troupe eventually overcome the imperialist enemies.

Meanwhile, two Chinese villains have joined forces with the Germans who wish to control China. They break into the Forbidden City of China, and Wong must face the Chinese villains and stop the German General once and for all.

Box office

The departure of Jet Li from the series was a heavy box office blow. The fourth instalment grossed $11,301,790 HKD[3], less than half of what the previous films in the series managed. Jet Li (born Li Lianjie on April 26, 1963 in Beijing, China) is a Chinese martial artist, actor and action star. ...

Once Upon a Time in China V

Wong Fei-Hong and his disciples travel back to southern China. A rivalry for Wong Fei-Hong's love develops between 13th Aunt and her sister, Aunt May. Wong Fei-Hong and his disciples eventually discover that pirates are terrorizing the southern seas. Wong and his disciples decide to form a local crime prevention unit, which leads to 3 confrontations with the pirates and eventually to the death of all major pirate leaders. Image File history File links OUATIC_5_DVDcover. ...

Box office

The fifth in the series was a box office flop grossing only $4,902,426 HKD in Hong Kong.[4]

Once Upon a Time in China VI

Bucktooth So (aka Sol) has opened a Po Chi Lam branch in America. Wong Fei-Hung, Clubfoot, and Aunt Yee, who is now Wong's fiancee, travel across the Pacific Ocean to visit him. While travelling by carriage through the wilderness they pick up a friendly cowboy named Billie who has nearly died of thirst. As the party Wong is travelling with stops to have lunch a band of hostile Native Americans ambush the party. Wong, Clubfoot, and Aunt Yee escape the fight unharmed but their carriage slides off a cliff and into a river. Aunt Yee and Clubfoot are rescued and taken to Bucktooth So's clinic. Wong Fei-Hung, however, dashes his head into a rock and loses his memory. He is picked up by a Native American tribe. Back in the town Bucktooth So and the others are staying in the mayor is causing trouble for the Chinese by making oppressive rules which Billie tries to stop. Meanwhile, Wong Fei-Hung's tribe is in trouble with a more powerful Indian tribe. Their leader is a fearsome warrior who injures one of the braves on Fei-Hung's side, Fierce Eagle, the chief's son. However, Wong Fei-Hung surprisingly defeats the rival chief and half his army by himself using his amazing martial arts ability. The rival tribe quickly flees in shock. Meanwhile, Wong Fei-Hung eventually is brought to the town Bucktooth and the others are staying at by the Indians. There his friends discover that he has memory loss and Clubfoot fights him to help him regain his memory. Meanwhile, the evil governor is in debt and decides to hire a Mexican bandit (Joe Sayah) to help him rob the bank so he can leave the town once and for all with a ton of cash. The robbery is successful and Po Chi Lam is framed for it. Wong and the others are scheduled to be hanged; however, the Mexican bandit discovers that he has been tricked $400,000 short by the governor and goes back to the town. In the fight that ensues the evil governor is killed and Wong captures the bandit to prove his innocence. At the end, Wong, Aunt Yee, and Clubfoot wish Bucktooth So good luck and head back home to China. Image File history File links OUATIC6_DVDcover. ... This article is about the people indigenous to the United States. ...

Awards and nominations

Hong Kong Film Awards (é¦™æ¸¯é›»å½±é‡‘åƒçŽ), is the most prestigious film awards in Hong Kong. ... Sammo Hung (Chinese: æ´ªé‡‘å¯¶; Hanyu Pinyin: ; Cantonese: Hung4 Gam1 Bou2) (born in Hong Kong on January 7, 1952) is a Kung Fu movies actor, producer and director. ...

Box office

Jet Li's return to the series - and, in all likelihood, the final instalment of the franchise - opened on the weekend of Chinese New Year, and faced stiff competition from films with Jackie Chan and Stephen Chow. Still, it grossed an excellent $30,268,415 HKD[5]. Jet Li (born Li Lianjie on April 26, 1963 in Beijing, China) is a Chinese martial artist, actor and action star. ... Chan Kong-Sang, also known as Jackie Chan Sing Lung or Jackie Chan SBS (born on April 7, 1954) is a Chinese martial artist, action star, actor, director, script writer, film producer, singer and stunt performer. ... Stephen Chow (also Stephen Chaiu) (traditional Chinese : å‘¨æ˜Ÿé¦³; simplified Chinese : å‘¨æ˜Ÿé©°; Romanticized as: Chow Sing Chi ; pinyin : ZhÅu XÄ«ngchÃ) (born June 22, 1962) is a highly popular Hong Kong actor and director, whose expertise in the field of comedy has led him to be dubbed the The King of Comedy...

Imitators

As was relatively common in the Hong Kong film industry, the successful Once Upon a Time in China series quickly gained imitators. Whilst these films also focussed on Wong Fei Hung, they were not part of the series, and had different stars and directors. They included:

Theme Music

The Ming Dynasty (Chinese: ; pinyin: ) was the ruling dynasty of China from 1368 to 1644. ... Wong Jim, James Wong Jim M.Phil. ... George Lam Chi Cheung (Chinese : æž—åç¥¥) was born on October 2, 1947, is a popular veteran singer in Hong Kong. ... Hawaiian State Grappling Championships. ... Actors in period costume sharing a joke while waiting between takes during location filming An actor is a person who acts, or plays a role, in a dramatic production. ... The film director, on the right, gives last minute direction to the cast and crew, whilst filming a costume drama on location in London. ... Chan Kong-Sang, also known as Jackie Chan Sing Lung or Jackie Chan SBS (born on April 7, 1954) is a Chinese martial artist, action star, actor, director, script writer, film producer, singer and stunt performer. ... Sammo Hung (Chinese: æ´ªé‡‘å¯¶; Hanyu Pinyin: ; Cantonese: Hung4 Gam1 Bou2) (born in Hong Kong on January 7, 1952) is a Kung Fu movies actor, producer and director. ... Winners and Sinners (1983) is the first of the Lucky Stars series of films- a highly succesful series in Hong Kong. ... Ninja Tune is a London-based independent record label started in 1991 by DJs Matt Black and Jonathan More, better known as Coldcut, with a strong leaning towards Electronic, abstract hip-hop, instrumental hip hop, Nu-Jazz, drum and bass, and chillout music. ... Xen Cuts is a compilation album released by Ninja Tune independent record label on their tenth anniversary. ...

External links

Categories: Martial arts films | Hong Kong films | Cantonese-language films | 1991 films | 1992 films | 1993 films | 1994 films | 1995 films | 1997 films | Kung fu films The Internet Movie Database (IMDb) is an online database of information about actors, films, television shows, television stars, video games and production crew personnel. ... The Internet Movie Database (IMDb) is an online database of information about actors, films, television shows, television stars, video games and production crew personnel. ... The Internet Movie Database (IMDb) is an online database of information about actors, films, television shows, television stars, video games and production crew personnel. ... The Internet Movie Database (IMDb) is an online database of information about actors, films, television shows, television stars, video games and production crew personnel. ... The Internet Movie Database (IMDb) is an online database of information about actors, films, television shows, television stars, video games and production crew personnel. ... The Internet Movie Database (IMDb) is an online database of information about actors, films, television shows, television stars, video games and production crew personnel. ...

Contents

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Awards and Nominations

Box office

Once Upon a Time in China II

Box Office

Awards and nominations

Once Upon a Time in China III

Awards and nominations

Box office

Once Upon a Time in China IV

Box office

Once Upon a Time in China V

Box office

Once Upon a Time in China VI

Awards and nominations

Box office

Imitators

Theme Music

External links

Once Upon a Time in China I