![]() ![]() ![]() This formula may have appealed to the lowest common denominator in Hong Kong but was destined to fail internationally. John Woo's Western influences include everything from Die Hard to Deer Hunter, but drawing from an unremarkable Hitchcock work was never going to look like a sharp move. Where it succeeds as a family based action-comedy, it also fails as an innovative and edgy thriller. John Woo injected a bit of romance and some good-natured comedy into 1991s Once A Thief, a story about three master thieves in pursuit of a prized painting with a highly controversial presence in each of their respective pasts.Chow Yun-Fat, again, starred in the film as the lead in a Woo film, which would continue on to Hard Boiled in 1992. It comes fully armed with a crisp anamorphic widescreen print, dual language options, Bey Logan commentary, tribute Leslie Cheung, interview with Terence Chang and trailers.ĭomestic success does not always translate into international success and this was the case for Once a Thief. Hong Kong Legends provide another world class offering with this remastered release of Once a Thief. There is also a very conspicuous similarity between Once a Thief and A Better Tomorrow with Chow Yun-Fat playing the crippled hero, but I can only guess this was partly tongue-in-cheek! The shoot-outs and art theft sequences are entertaining, but do not expect anything particularly innovative from the genius behind A Better Tomorrow and The Killer. However, there is still a lot to like in this movie from an action point of view. Uncharacteristically for John Woo, the film focuses on a love triangle between an international agent, his ex-lover, and her new fiance. By the time Chow Yun-Fat jumps out of his wheel-chair at the end, most fans will be groaning in embarrassment rather than shaking with excitement. Once a thief, always a thief, the old saying goes. Instead, the movie-goer is asked to suspend their belief through a series of inconsequential and incoherent plot twists and turns. There is no edge to the action, which is what has always appealed so greatly to Western fans (Once A Thief managed to attract a 15 certificate from the BBFC, unlike The Killer, A Better Tomorrow). Interestingly, this TV movie was the beginning of a series based on the film, which was meant to air on. The bullets fly as you might expect, but gone are the puddles of blood and gore. Longer ad for John Woos Once a Thief airing on CTV. There is very little that is offensive or controversial in this movie. However, perhaps this is a clue to its runaway success. It does not stand out from the crowd, remaining bland and unexceptional. I will not labour that greatly on the comedy or acting, as there is little to criticise or commend. It will surprise many that its domestic takings almost equal the combined gross of The Killer and Hard Boiled and begs the question as to why it is not held in similar reverence by Western fans. It includes the dream team of John Woo and Chow Yun-Fat, it features a lush European setting (see Wheels on Meals, Way of the Dragon, Operation Condor) and it has the stars singing the theme tune as well (Leslie Cheung)! Once a Thief proved to be a massive success over the 1991 Chinese New Year taking HK $33.4m during its 5 week run. Once a Thief (1991) brings together many elements that are now considered synonymous with a Hong Kong smash hit. Trailers, Interviews, Filmographies, Leslie Cheung TributeĬhow Yun-Fat, Leslie Cheung Kwok-Wing, Cherie Chung Chor-Hung, Paul Chu Kong, Kenneth Tsang Kong, Wu Feng, John Tang Yat-Kwan Language: Cantonse with English Subtitles, English Dubbed.The Paris locations that open the film also add a unique dimension to what is still a uniquely Hong Kong film. Chow Yun Fat is at his most charismatic and he is well-complimented by Leslie Cheung and regular co-star Cherie Chung. However, any fears were unfounded as ‘Once A Thief’ is a splendid addition to John Woo’s filmography. John Woo really surprised the audiences with this mixture of acrobatic gunplay action and comedy. When Chow reappears in a wheelchair, the trio are re-united and begin to uncover their betrayers. John Woos Once a Thief became a series filmed in Canada this cast has amazing chemistry The writing is superb, the timing is masterful, the gun fights are classic Woo - if nothing else the gun battles alone make this a must watch. The action moves to Hong Kong with Cheung and Chung now courting and their adoptive ‘father’ continuing to ask for their help in art-thefts. In the ensuing shoot-out, Chow disappears presumed dead and Cheung barely escapes. The threesome steal a valuable painting, but are double-crossed by their employer. ![]() In this box-office smash, Chow Yun Fat, Leslie Cheung and Cherie Chung play a trio of art thieves living life to the full in Paris. ![]()
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