Once Upon a Time in
China & America
Directed by Sammo Hung
Viewed at the San Francisco
International Film Festival
Can you say kung-fu drive-in?
I get breathless just thinking about this film. Directed by Sammo Hung, kung-fu master, ex of the Peking Opera and older brother to Jackie Chan, and produced by Tsui Hark, another stellar of Hong Kong cinema (who also directed the original "Once Upon a Time in China).
This film is the sixth installment about the legendary historical figure Wong Fei Hung, philosopher, healer and kung-fu master. In a reprise performance, we are treated to the masterful Jet Li, the kung-fu national champion of China, returning in the role of Wong Fei Hung. This time we are coming to America's wild-west to visit the Chinese laborers working on the railroad, and abused by their "gwailo" masters.
Ever want to see "Dances with Wolves" kung-fu style? Now you can! Kung-fu fighting Indians, lots of spinning and jumping through the air....and then there is the evil mayor...
This film has that unique Hong Kong point of view,much tongue in cheek, but with some original treatment of the Indians. The added bonus is that Jet Li has personality and is incredibly engaging, even as he tries to recover from amnesia from his bumpy trip down the rapids.
Did you say choreography? Well there is plenty to go around and it's breathtaking! I'm just glad I'm not the stunt double....come to think of it, there is no stunt double (whew!).
It can get corny at times but it's incredible fun!
Filmography
Sammo Hung (b. Hong Kong, 1952) A Nice Guy (1996), Dragons Forever (1988), Wheels on Meals (1984), The Prodigal Son (1982), Close Encounters of the Spooky Kind (1981)
Reviewed by Eric Michel, FilmCities
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