Once Upon A Time in Shanghai |
Starring: Sammo Hung, Andy On, Philip Ng Directed: Wong Ching-Po Release Date: January 13, 2015 Run Time: 96 Minutes Format: Blu-Ray Distributor: Well Go USA | ||
Film Synopsis |
Everyone wants to make their fortune in Shanghai, and Ma Yongzhen (Philip Ng) dreams of making an honest living – not with his fists. But the town is torn apart by rival gangs, and when Boss Long Qi (Andy On) learns of Ma’s formidable martial arts skills, takes him into the family.
Opposed to drug trafficking and leaking government secrets, Qi makes powerful enemies. And soon, Ma won’t have a choice. Fight, or lose everything – including his friend (Sammo Hung) and his love, Tie Ju (Michelle Hu).
From Director Wong Ching Po (REVENGE, A LOVE STORY) and Action Director Yuen Wo Ping (THE GRANDMASTERS, KILL BILL Vol. 1 & 2, CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON) comes a modern action fable featuring martial arts star Philip Ng. – Well Go USA
Audio/Video |
Audio Audio Language: Mandarin, English Dub The Sound Quality is crisp on both dub and Original Soundtrack but do Prefer the OG Track. Its clean and bassy when it’s needed. Pretty great sound. Rating: |
Picture Quality Disc Format: Blu-Ray The Picture Quality is Pretty sharp the over tone of the movie is almost like its black and white but color is there. Blacks are dark and crisp and color tons are not candy popping due to the tone of the film as its dark and gritty. I love the Who stylized way of the film and the reason the Rating is not Higher is due to some fight scenes not being as sharp-looking as the rest due to the dust flying around. Photo 1Photo 2Photo 3 Picture Capture Method – Iphone Rating: |
Note: Equipment used to watch the film can be found below
Theatrical release Date: January 9, 2014 (Hong Kong) |
Blu-Ray Disc release Date: January 13, 15 (USA) |
Extras |
- Making of
- Trailer
My Thoughts |
Once Upon A Time in Shanghai is like A Kung Fu Noir with Dark color tones as if the film was Black and White. The film has a good story with Philip NG bring a Bruce Lee Feel and even where a Peace token like Bruce did in The Big Boss. He is just the guy in the Middle of the bad and good and what right and wrong. Action was great but at times it felt like some of it was supposed to be in 3D. You get a lot of overhead shots and tons of close-ups to where you can see the movement frame by frame which I thought was good, but the down side of some of the action is the unrealistic punch and guy go’s flying once in a while. Wished the film went full realistic.
The Good: The Story, The Action, Philip NG, the stylistic way the film was shot as in color tones and the Martial Arts mixed with film Noir Aspect.
The Bad: Some Unrealistic action, The very little CGI Used could have been a tad better, The little amount of action that was meant to be 3D’ish could have used a better camera angle so it’s not 3D’ish.
Overall the film is a great watch and I will definitely give this film a few more views. The actors did good, the comedy was just the right amount, some say their could be more action but I Felt it was Good on the aspect of Story vs Action Percentage. Sammo Hung Wasn’t A big Character but did play an Important one and was in it from start to end. Again the Film is Bruce Lee etc mixed with Raid, and Noir Gangster that was Was pretty enjoyable.
With that said I will give this film a 4.5 out of 5 and feel that if they went a little more realistic, fix the CGI which there was only a little of, and the film could have been 5 out of 5 for me.
I say pick it up check it out and feel great that it’s in your Martial arts film collection as I am. Looking to see Philip in more movies. Thanks for reading, I’m going to go give this movie another Viewing.
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Rating – 5 Star System |
Film: PQ: Sound: |
Trailer |
Buy Film |
Blu-ray | ||
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Prices are posted at time of review and most likely before release. Prices will or could have changed after this review. |
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This Film was Played on the listed Equipment below |
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