Once Upon a Time
Once Upon a Time Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: April 19, 2026
Movie Overview: Once Upon a Time
| Movie | Once Upon a Time |
| Release Year | 2017 |
| Director | Zhao Xiaoding |
| Genre | Drama / Fantasy / Romance |
| Runtime | 108 minutes |
| Language | ZH |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Once Upon a Time (2017) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Once Upon a Time are led by Liu Yifei . The supporting cast, including Yang Yang and Luo Jin , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Once Upon a Time stands out as a strong entry in the Drama genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Drama narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Once Upon a Time has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Once Upon a Time
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2017, Once Upon a Time is a Drama, Fantasy, Romance film directed by Zhao Xiaoding. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Liu Yifei.
Ending Explained: Once Upon a Time
Once Upon a Time Ending Explained: Directed by Zhao Xiaoding, Once Upon a Time wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core drama themes developed throughout the film.
The emotional resolution focuses on the transformation of its main characters, particularly in scenes involving Liu Yifei. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the drama themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Once Upon a Time reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch Once Upon a Time?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Liu Yifei or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: Once Upon a Time
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $22.0M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Once Upon a Time Budget
The estimated production budget for Once Upon a Time is $22.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Once Upon a Time
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Once Upon a Time Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV Store
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Apple TV StoreFandango At HomeOnce Upon a Time Parents Guide & Age Rating
2017 AdvisoryWondering about Once Upon a Time age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Once Upon a Time is 108 minutes (1h 48m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.8/10, and global performance metrics, Once Upon a Time is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2017 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Once Upon a Time worth watching?
Once Upon a Time is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.8/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Once Upon a Time parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Once Upon a Time identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Once Upon a Time?
The total duration of Once Upon a Time is 108 minutes, which is approximately 1h 48m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
