Criterion US Blu-ray Synopsis: One of the pinnacles of Hong Kong cinema's golden age, the Once Upon A Time In China series set a new standard for martial-arts spectacle and launched action star Jet Li to international fame. It brings to vivid life the colourful world of China in the late nineteenth century, an era of immense cultural and technological change, as Western imperialism clashed with tradition and public order was upended by the threats of foreign espionage and rising nationalism. Against this turbulent backdrop, one man – the real-life martial-arts master, physician, and folk hero Wong Fei Hung – emerges as a noble protector of Chinese values as the country hurtles toward modernity. Conceived by Hong Kong New Wave leader Tsui Hark, this epic cycle is not only a dazzling showcase for some of the most astonishing action set pieces ever committed to film but also a rousing celebration of Chinese identity, history, and culture. Jet Li's third outing as the storied martial arts hero Wong Fei Hung is an exhilarating celebration of Chinese culture peppered with a dash of international espionage. This time around, Wong travels to Beijing, where he finds himself drawn into the intrigue surrounding an epic lion-dance competition,spars with a Russian rival for the affections of his beloved Thirteenth Aunt (Rosamund Kwan), and fights to foil a foreign plot to assassinate the real-life Chinese diplomat Li Hong Zhang. The eye-popping lion-dance set pieces – which combine vibrantly coloured, fire-breathing pageantry with martial arts mayhem – rank among the most visually spectacular achievements of the Once Upon A Time In China series. (111 Mins)

 

Eureka Video UK Blu-ray Synopsis: Tsui Hark's phenomenal Once Upon A Time In China trilogy finally arrives on Blu-ray in the UK from brand new 4K restorations! Starring Jet Li as the real life Cantonese folk hero, Wong Fei Hung, a physical embodiment of traditional Chinese values and moral incorruptibility, this martial-arts epic charts China's transition into the modern-world as it gradually abandons its old traditions and begins to accept the inevitable encroach of Western cultures. Wong Fei Hung travels to Peking and is forced to enter a martial arts contest in order to prevent an assassination attempt against a prominent Chinese diplomat who wants to showcase traditional Chinese martial-arts, and restore national pride. (112 Mins)

 

Hong Kong Legends UK DVD Synopsis: With matchless charisma and dynamic physicality, Jet Li delivers another mesmerising performance as martial arts Legend Wong Fei Hung in the No.1 Hong Kong Box Office smash-hit “Once Upon A Time In China 3”. With stunning production values and luminous cinematography by famed director Andrew Lau (Stormriders), this lavish period drama explores Wong's adventures, as he defends his country against competing foreign powers and his family against dangerous local forces, who want to end their triumphant reign as the pre-eminent force in the martial arts. Epic, romantic, with incredible acrobatic fight-action from veteran fight choreographer Yuen Tak, “Once Upon A Time In China 3” is another landmark production from acclaimed filmmaker Tsui Hark, and a testament to the enduring Legend Of China's most celebrated cinematic hero, Wong Fei Hung. (107 Mins)

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Made In Hong Kong UK VHS Synopsis: Complete with awesome battle scenes choreographed by the redoubtable kick-action master and Hong Kong screen star Yuen Biao (Knockabout; Eastern Condors) Tsui Hark's devastating third installment  in the life of Chinese folk hero Wong Fei Hung reunites the world's number one martial arts star Jet Lee (Fist of Legend; Lethal Weapon 3) with Oriental superbabe Rosamund Kwan (Tiger Cage 2) for another breathtaking spectacular. Legendary producer/director Hark (Zu: Warriors of the Magic Mountain) sets his hero's tale of divided loyalties, political intrigue, love, murder and deadly combat in the ancient streets of Beijing's Forbidden City, in the waning years of the once-glorious Manchu Dynasty, guiding his effortlessly charismatic leading man towards a truly spectacular, gut-wrenching, jaw-dropping climax. (107 Mins)

 

Views: When I first saw Once Upon A Time In China 3 – via its UK VHS release courtesy of Made In Hong Kong with the incorrect synopsis – I wasn't exactly as hooked on it like I was with the previous 2 films; and it was the same when I had gotten my hands on the Hong Kong Legends DVD release a number of years later. Now though, with the film series having had its 4K restoration and Blu-ray release courtesy of Criterion (US) and Eureka Video (UK), I have finally recognised just how amazing this third chapter actually is and definitely have a new found love for it! I think part of the problem was that this film seemed a little different to the previous two, with both of them offering a strong story, character development, and political twists. In hindsight, Once Upon A Time In China 3 would have been an amazing first chapter to the series as its tone come closer to the first half of Once Upon A Time In China – rather than it following the darker elements of part 2. Regardless though, and like most third films of any series (especially in Hong Kong cinema), it has enough going on to enjoy and certainly doesn't disappoint in the action department. This time, Fei Hung, Aunt Yee, and Leung Foon take a trip to Beijing to visit the young master's father, Wong Kai Ying, and see his new medicine shop. But once there, the trio find themselves caught up in an assassination attempt with the Russians and must get involved in a regional lion-dance competition to try and stop it. With the challenges of local martial-arts schools at hand, and a love rival in the shape of Aunt Yee's old Russian friend, Wong Fei Hung quickly realises that his holiday has been cut short – all while under the scrutinous eye of his well respected father!

 

Tsui Hark returns with the second sequel to his ground-breaking martial-arts epic, Once Upon A Time In China – a film that launched a string of sequels and connected television show, as well as a host of copycats and homages. It was also the film shot Jet Li to major stardom in the role of Wong Fei Hung – a role he would go on to play numerously in 3 sequels and other stand-alone titles. Vietnamese-born director Tsui Hark had been stunning audiences for well over a decade by the time he had started the Once Upon A Time In China series. From his fun directorial debut with The Butterfly Murders to the ground-breaking Zu: Warriors From The Magic Mountain, Hark had already been creating a stir with his style of 'New Wave' wuxia action on films such as A Chinese Ghost Story 1–3, Swordsman, and A Terracotta Warrior which were all great tasters of what was to come from this amazing film-maker. As with the first two, Tsui returns in the roles of writer/producer/director for Once Upon A Time In China 3, joining forces once again with Golden Harvest to bring this chapter of his Wong Fei Hung stories to life. As with the most of his projects, Tsui challenges himself to present something new, unleashing even more creativity on a directional level – which really shows. As mentioned before, Tsui and Jet had teamed up for the so-so US based martial-arts comedy, The Master – a film that was deemed so bad it was shelved until Once Upon A Time In China made a superstar out of Li. Of course, soon after that, The Master got its release and a retitling of Wong Fei Hung '92 in some places, and has since garnered a healthy following with Hong Kong film fans. Much like Jackie Chan, Jet Li did an amazing job in playing the legendary folk hero and delivered a very different take on Wong than those before him. Launching into the film world in the highly regarded and very enjoyable, Shaolin Temple, Jet fast became a firm favourite with his good looks and slick moves, going on to star in sequels such as Kids From Shaolin and Martial Arts From Shaolin – with the latter being directed by the great Lau Kar Leung. In 1988, Jet set out to make his directorial debut with Born To Defence – an interesting war-based action film that definitely had some good moments to offer but, ultimately, was a bit of a flop and Jet would never direct again. A role alongside Chow Sing Chi in Billy Tang's underrated US-based fight flick Dragon Fight would follow with Jet sticking around in the West for Tsui Hark's The Master before his life would soon take a whole new direction with Once Upon A Time In China. Since then, Jet became one of Hong Kong's most bankable stars with many great roles to follow in these sequels, as well as Once Upon A Time In China & America, Swordsman 2, Fong Sai Yuk 1 & 2, Tai Chi Master, Fist Of Legend, Black Mask, and so much more – leading to a healthy Hollywood career that would help make him a household name. And while I still managed to catch a few moments of doubling when Jet was on screen, it was still amazing to see him display even more fantastic kung-fu moves than before – this time, thankfully not hindered by a pair of broken legs. It's also worth noting that after making this, Jet Li decided not to continue on with the series – with the great Vincent Zhao taking over the role respectively. Rumours have it that Tsui Hark's treatment of his actors and low pay attributed to this (with others stating it was Jet's shooting schedule), although Li would return to the role for the aforementioned 6th film, Once Upon A Time In China & America, which was directed by Sammo Hung. During his time away from Hark's series though, would find time to poke some fun at the role that made him famous by starring as Wong Fei Hung in Wong Jing's brilliant Last Hero In China alongside Gordon Liu...

 

Although filled once more with hundreds of extras, a smaller cast joins Jet Li with the handsome Max Mok returning in the role of Leung Foon. Like many Hong Kong stars of his generation, and most before him, Max Mok made his debut as an actor in the Shaw Brothers studios starting with The Enchantress, a film directed by Chor Yuen. From there, the handsome hero would go on to star in films such as Holy Flame Of The Martial World, Journey Of The Doomed, Last Eunuch In China, The Dragon Family, Pedicab Driver, Outlaw Brothers, and so much more. His role here as Foon just elevated his status even more, with Mok continuing to play the character through every sequel (and series) except for part 6. The delightful Rosamund Kwan returns as Wong's 13th Aunt, and also went on to star alongside Jet in Tsui Hark's Swordsman 2 and Ching Siu Tung's Doctor Wai & The Scripture With No Words, as well as returning to star as Aunt Yee for Once Upon A Time In China 5 and Once Upon A Time In China & America. As usual, Kwan does a wonderful job as Aunt Yee, continuing to get herself in trouble due to her Western influences and love for photography. This time though, Yee catches the eye of an old friend, Tomansky – which makes Wong Fei Hung incredibly jealous – played by English actor John Wakefield. The original plan was to have the two men of this love triangle fight it out towards the end, but Wakefield's lack of martial-arts skills meant that a change in story and script was needed. The wonderful Lau Shun, who worked with Tsui Hark on the Chinese Ghost Story films, Swordsman Trilogy, and original Once Upon A Time In China, stars as Wong Fei Hung's father Wong Kei Ying – going on to return as the character in parts 4 & 5, as well as the television series Wong Fei Hung: The Eight Assassins in 1995. And the great Hung Yan Yan returns as his third different character in as many movies, only this time as his most popular one to date – Clubfoot aka Ghost Foot Seven – the kick-ass rickshaw puller with an attitude. Having made his debut opposite Li in Shaolin Temple 3: Martial Arts Of Shaolin, Hung would go on to appear in films such as Tiger On The Beat 1 & 2, Aces Go Places 5, City Cops, God Of Gamblers, and Skinny Tiger, Fatty Dragon before joining Tsui for his run in the series. I really loved him in this role, and his wild style of martial-arts action just added even more excitement to the mix. Starting of as an opponent and hater of Wong Fei Hung, Clubfoot soon learns to accept the hero as a new friend and master when he is left broken and alone. It's a fantastic character to have added to the story, and one that would accompany Wong for the rest of his cinematic journeys (at least, with those produced by Tsui Hark I should say). Interestingly enough, little known Chinese actor Chiu Chin stars as Wong Fei Hung's biggest adversary, challenging him in the lion dance competitions and in battle. Debuting with a small role (and stuntwork) in the Tsui Hark produced film, A Terracotta Warrior, Chin's filmography is sparse with a handful of films in the early '90s including Jumping Corpses and the fun Andy Lau flick, The Three Swordsman. I must admit, although he plays a 'slimy bad guy you love to hate' very well, I found him to be quite an odd choice for the role here – which would have possibly went down better had someone like Yu Rong Kwong or Ji Chun Hua been cast instead. Regardless, Chin does a fine job, especially in the action department – and I guess that's all that counts.

 

Visually stunning at times with its vivid kaleidoscope of colours, streamlined story and editing, as well as its lighter tone, Once Upon A Time In China 3 saw cinematographer Arthur Wong replaced by Infernal Affairs director and DOP, Andrew Lau Wai Keung. By the time this project had come about, Lau had already starred in a number of films as a bit-player and had directed a few films himself such as Against All, The Ultimate Vampire, and Rhythm Of Destiny. But more importantly, he had handled the cinematography on many great titles including Iron Angels, Mr. Vampire 2 & 3, Armour Of God, Wild Search, Wicked City, As Tears Go By, City On Fire, and many more. Of course, today, the man is more widely known as a successful director who has delivered many of the best Hong Kong films such as the Young & Dangerous Series, Storm Riders, A Man Called Hero, the aforementioned Infernal Affairs Trilogy and then some. Aside from that, another one of the biggest highlights of the show is that of the fantastic martial-arts action courtesy of the highly underrated Yuen Bun – one of the Seven Little Fortunes who attended the same school as Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung and friends. Having gotten into acting and choreographing in the mid-1970s along with many of his school brothers at the Shaw Brothers studios, Bun went on to appear in well over 100 films and has been behind the action for many classics including Shaolin Prince, The Seventh Curse, Just Heroes, A Chinese Ghost Story 2 & 3, Swordsman 2, New Dragon Inn, The Blade, and the rest of the Wong Fei Hung series from here on in – clearly a favourite of Tsui Hark for many of his titles. In fact, Tsui would hand the reigns over to Bun in part 4, allowing him to make his directorial debut – which was actually quite enjoyable. Unfortunately though, its clear that Yuen Bun never had what it took, going on to direct the very fun (but very flawed) Tough Beauty & The Sloppy Slop a couple of years later, then the horror movie Fearful 24 Hours almost a decade after that. While many fans and critics have claimed that this is a slow chapter with less fighting and dull choreography, I'd have to firmly disagree and say that Yuen Bun and his team deliver a host of exciting and beautifully crafted work that allows everyone involved to look their best. With such a wide range of creative fight scenes, the highlights for me include Clubfoot's introduction with the attack on Wong's father, the exciting street-fight that sees Wong take on gangs of fighters using his jacket as a weapon, Clubfoot and Wong's fighting race to save Aunt Yee, Wong's fight to stay alive amidst a shower of axes on the oiled-up floors at Chiu's dinner party – a fight that reminded me massively of Jackie Chan's teahouse battle with the axe-gang in Drunken Master 2 – and obviously the final showdown, that sees Wong and company take part in a massive lion-dance competition while kicking plenty of ass on a tower of wooden poles, and stopping the Russians assassinating a Chinese official.

 

It's actually worth noting that the Criterion Blu-ray release offers a special feature of around 20 minutes of deleted scenes – many of which include snippets from fights scenes and drama – so anyone that feels that part 3 could have had a little more should check these out (although the film still clocks in at just under 2 hours). And for what it may lack in purpose and development that was so evident in the previous two films, Once Upon A Time In China 3 makes up for with exciting fight scenes, comedy, and heart – and is most definitely one of the (if not the) biggest 'lion-dance' films to ever come out of Hong Kong. And because of that, I can't argue that this sequel is certainly worth checking out and another classic of Asian cinema!

 

Overall: Colourful, fight-filled, funny, and underrated, Once Upon A Time In China 3 is most definitely worth the watch and hugely enjoyable at the same time!

 

Criterion Blu-ray Extras: 4K Restoration, Deleted Scenes, Archival Interviews with Tsui Hark & John Wakefield, Trailer

 

Eureka Video Blu-ray Extras: 4K Restoration, Audio Commentary with Mike Leeder & Arne Venema, Interview with John Wakefield, The Legend Of Wong Fei Hung (Part 3) Featurette, Archival Interview with Tsui Hark & John Wakefield, Behind The Scenes Montage, Trailers

 

Hong Kong Legends DVD Extras: Audio Commentary with Bey Logan, Interview with Tsui Hark & John Wakefield, Animated Jet Li Biography, Behind The Scenes of OUATIC Featurette, Trailers

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Watch my unboxing video of the Criterion release HERE