I've seen a few dozen martial arts movies, and for the most part, I'd watch
them just to laugh at the ridiculousness of the action, the acting, the
sound effects, etc.  Well, I was pleasantly surprised watching Once Upon a
Time in China.  This is a first rate martial arts film, with a decent
storyline, great cinematography, a talented cast, and jaw-dropping action
sequences.  The film takes place in the late 19th Century, when China's
culture was being threatened by a powerful Western influence. Wong Fei-Hung
(played by Jet Li) is a martial arts master who fears for the Chinese
traditions and ways of life.  Wong's militia is always under pressure from
the local government, who enjoys the Western world's business and doesn't
want Wong to interfere.  To complicate the issue, the Westerners are not all
they seem, trying to lure Chinamen to America as slaves and prostitutes.
Wong also has to deal with rival gangs and another master, yearning to
defeat Wong to prove that his martial arts are the best.  The stories are
intertwined well, and the characters are believable and not stereotypical.
There are a few attempts at comedy, but its not as cheesy or as slapstick as
what you usually see in Hong Kong films.  The photography, the colors, the
scenery - this is a beautiful film to the eyes.  And of course, the fight
scenes are tremendous.  Whether fighting with an umbrella or tree limb,
dancing on ladders or climbing on roofs, Wong and his fellow artist show
what they're made of - and it's impressive.  Even the evvil master, Yin, who
appears old and downtrodden, glides with ease as he attacks and defends with
Wong.  Still, it's Jet Li's show, and he delivers, without a doubt.  I won't
detail the action - it's worth watching firsthand.
 

Quality: 5.5  Visuals: 7.0  Intensity: 6.5 
OVERALL RATING: 6.3