35th Anniversary Screening!
In late 19th-century Canton, Western imperialism clashes with Chinese tradition as foreign espionage and rising nationalism sow seeds of discontent in the populace. Real-life folk hero and martial arts master/physician Wong Fei-Hung and his band of disciples must battle the various forces threatening Chinese sovereignty as British and American colonizers intrude upon the Mainland.
The first in a series of films that set the standard for kung fu films in the 90s, ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA also cemented Jet Li as the greatest martial arts performer of his generation. Tsui Hark’s masterful blend of kung fu, comedy, and romance delivers a thrilling melodrama that culminates into an unforgettable fist and bullet-filled climax. A true hallmark of Hong Kong cinema’s golden age and rousing celebration of Chinese history and culture. (BRANDON LIM)