Overview
A master of martial arts battles against a violent cult to protect his homeland and its future.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Breakneck
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Brutal
- propulsive
- witty
- heroic
- martial arts movie night
- hong kong cinema marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the sequel as an acclaimed Hong Kong action film whose political scope, performances, and inventive martial arts choreography surpass typical genre sequel expectations.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Wong Fei-Hung and his opponents engage in elaborate, gravity-defying fights shaped by Yuen Woo-ping's celebrated choreography.
The White Lotus society attacks Europeans and Chinese who adopt Western ways, while Wong protects revolutionary Dr. Sun Yat Sen.
The story places Wong Fei-Hung amid political violence, revolutionary activity, and conflict between Chinese traditions and Western influence.
Wong repeatedly uses his skills to defend innocents, friends, loved ones, and the political future represented by Dr. Sun.
Films like Once Upon a Time in China II, and why
Once Upon a Time in China
hong kong martial arts spectacle, charismatic master protagonist, anti-colonial themes, and kinetic choreography
Fist of Legend
period martial arts action, national identity themes, and virtuosic ensemble combat
Ip Man
stylized kung fu action combined with colonial-era political conflict and heroic resistance
The Legend of the Condor Heroes
high-energy wuxia-inflected action, charismatic martial arts heroes, and lavish choreography
Movie Details
- Director
- Tsui Hark
- Release Date
- 1992-04-16
- Runtime
- 113 min
- Rating
- 7.2 / 10 (298)
Cast
- Jet Li
- Rosamund Kwan Chi-Lam
- Max Mok Siu-Chung
- Donnie Yen
- David Chiang Da-Wei
- Xiong Xinxin
- Yen Shi-Kwan
- Leung Yat-Ho
- Paul Fonoroff
- Michael Miller
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Criterion Channel, HBO Max
- Rent
- Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Once Upon a Time in China II about?
- A legendary kung fu master battles a violent anti-Western cult and military forces while defending revolutionaries and civilians in turbulent late Qing China.
- What is Once Upon a Time in China II like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Once Upon a Time in China II as breakneck, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Once Upon a Time in China II violent?
- Yes. Ember rates the violence in Once Upon a Time in China II as brutal.
- What did critics think of Once Upon a Time in China II?
- Critics broadly regard the sequel as an acclaimed Hong Kong action film whose political scope, performances, and inventive martial arts choreography surpass typical genre sequel expectations.
- Which films are like Once Upon a Time in China II?
- Films with a similar feel include Once Upon a Time in China, Fist of Legend, Ip Man, and The Legend of the Condor Heroes.
- How long is Once Upon a Time in China II?
- Once Upon a Time in China II runs 113 minutes.
- Where can I watch Once Upon a Time in China II?
- In United States, Once Upon a Time in China II streams on Criterion Channel, HBO Max.
