Once Upon a Time in China and America

  • 1997
  • NR
  • 102m
movieMx RATING
5.9/10114
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: Once Upon a Time in China and America Review

Last updated: February 5, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: February 5, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Once Upon a Time in China and America (1997) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Once Upon a Time in China and America features a noteworthy lineup led by Jet Li . Supported by the likes of Rosamund Kwan Chi-Lam and Xiong Xinxin , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of Once Upon a Time in China and America (1997) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.9/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.
Result: ABOVE AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Once Upon a Time in China and America stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: Once Upon a Time in China and America

Quick Plot Summary: Once Upon a Time in China and America is a Action, Western film that delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Ending Explained: Once Upon a Time in China and America

Ending Breakdown: Once Upon a Time in China and America attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.

The climactic sequence delivers on the escalating tension, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of Once Upon a Time in China and America reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch Once Upon a Time in China and America?

Consider Watching If:

  • You're a completist for Action films
  • You're curious despite mixed reviews
  • You have low expectations and want casual entertainment

Box Office Collection: Once Upon a Time in China and America

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $12.0M
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT

Once Upon a Time in China and America Budget

The estimated production budget for Once Upon a Time in China and America is $12.0M. 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.

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Top Cast: Once Upon a Time in China and America

All Cast & Crew →
Jet Li
Jet LiWong Fei Hung
Rosamund Kwan Chi-Lam
Rosamund Kwan Chi-LamAunt Yee / Diana
Xiong Xinxin
Xiong XinxinKwai Geuk-Chat
Joseph Sayah
Joseph SayahBandit Leader
Chrystabell
ChrystabellSarah, the Indian Girl
Kong Lung
Kong LungUncle Lone
William Fung Kwun-Man
William Fung Kwun-ManImmigrant Worker
Johnny Koo Kwok-Wah
Johnny Koo Kwok-WahImmigrant Worker
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Where to Watch Once Upon a Time in China and America Online?

Streaming Hub

📺 Stream on

Criterion ChannelCriterion Channel
DarkroomDarkroom

🎟️ Rent on

Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube

🏷️ Buy on

Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube

Once Upon a Time in China and America Parents Guide & Age Rating

1997 Advisory
NR

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Once Upon a Time in China and America age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Once Upon a Time in China and America is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Once Upon a Time in China and America is 102 minutes (1h 42m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.9/10, and global performance metrics, Once Upon a Time in China and America is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1997 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for Once Upon a Time in China and America. Rating: 5.9/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Once Upon a Time in China and America worth watching?

Once Upon a Time in China and America is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 5.9/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Once Upon a Time in China and America parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Once Upon a Time in China and America identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Once Upon a Time in China and America?

The total duration of Once Upon a Time in China and America is 102 minutes, which is approximately 1h 42m long.

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How Once Upon a Time in China and America Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for Once Upon a Time in China and America

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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.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 5.9
Once Upon a Time in China and America
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