# Once Upon a Time in China (1991)

> A legendary Cantonese martial artist defends his community and national dignity as foreign exploitation collides with Qing-era tradition.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/movie/5686

## Facts

- Runtime: 133 min
- Genres: Action, Drama
- Director: Tsui Hark
- 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
- TMDB rating: 7.1/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103285/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: brisk
- Intensity: strong
- Complexity: layered
- Violence: graphic
- Mood: propulsive, heroic, grand, martial arts movie night, hong kong cinema marathon

## Synopsis

A martial arts master stands against foreign invaders to protect his homeland and ideals.

## Movies like Once Upon a Time in China

- [Flying Swords of Dragon Gate (2011)](https://ember.film/movie/58054)
- [Once Upon a Time in China IV (1993)](https://ember.film/movie/35474)
- [The Legend II (1993)](https://ember.film/movie/10709)
- [Once Upon a Time in China V (1994)](https://ember.film/movie/27293)
- [The Legend Is Born: Ip Man (2010)](https://ember.film/movie/29028)
- [The Legend (1993)](https://ember.film/movie/10623)
- [Fist of Legend (1994)](https://ember.film/movie/10707)
- [Once Upon a Time in China and America (1997)](https://ember.film/movie/5689)
- [The Legend of Drunken Master (1994)](https://ember.film/movie/6991)
- [Ip Man 2 (2010)](https://ember.film/movie/23421)

---

Site overview: https://ember.film/llms.txt