Once Upon a Time in China III
Wong Fei-Hung enters a high-stakes Lion Dance tournament where romantic jealousy, colonial tension, and brutal kung fu rivalry collide.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Graphic
- energetic
- playful
- patriotic
- action movie night
- kung fu marathon
What critics said
Critics generally find the film an entertaining and visually impressive martial arts sequel, though less consistently compelling than its predecessors.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The Empress's prestigious Lion Dance contest gathers the rival factions and drives the story toward its major set piece.
Wong's traditional martial identity, Aunt Yee's Westernization, and the Russian diplomat's presence frame the conflict around competing cultural forces.
The Lion Dance contest turns a ceremonial cultural form into an elaborate martial arts arena.
Wong's betrothal to Aunt Yee is threatened by her prior connection with the Russian diplomat Tumanovsky.
Films like Once Upon a Time in China III, and why
Once Upon a Time in China
period martial arts action, colonial-era tensions, and charismatic master-student heroics
Once Upon a Time in China II
stylized hong kong kung fu spectacle, historical nationalism, and virtuosic combat choreography
The Legend of Drunken Master
martial arts tournament structure, comic rivalry, and high-energy period action
Fist of Legend
historical martial arts heroism, colonial conflict, and kinetic action set pieces
Movie Details
- Director
- Tsui Hark
- Release Date
- 1993-01-14
- Runtime
- 112 min
- Rating
- 6.4 / 10 (231)
Cast
- Jet Li
- Rosamund Kwan Chi-Lam
- Max Mok Siu-Chung
- Xiong Xinxin
- Lau Shun
- John Wakefield
- Ge Cunzhuang
- Wong Tak-Yan
- Zhang Chunzhong
- Meng Chin
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Criterion Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Once Upon a Time in China III about?
- Wong Fei-Hung enters a high-stakes Lion Dance tournament where romantic jealousy, colonial tension, and brutal kung fu rivalry collide.
- What is Once Upon a Time in China III like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Once Upon a Time in China III as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Once Upon a Time in China III violent?
- Yes. Ember rates the violence in Once Upon a Time in China III as graphic.
- What did critics think of Once Upon a Time in China III?
- Critics generally find the film an entertaining and visually impressive martial arts sequel, though less consistently compelling than its predecessors.
- Which films are like Once Upon a Time in China III?
- Films with a similar feel include Once Upon a Time in China, Once Upon a Time in China II, The Legend of Drunken Master, and Fist of Legend.
- How long is Once Upon a Time in China III?
- Once Upon a Time in China III runs 112 minutes.
- Where can I watch Once Upon a Time in China III?
- In United States, Once Upon a Time in China III streams on Criterion Channel.
