Here’s an original English recommendation article for Once Upon a Time in China (1991), the first installment of Jet Li’s Huang Feihong series, incorporating insights from search results and avoiding plagiarism:
Why Once Upon a China (1991) Redefined Kung Fu Cinema: A Culturally Rich Gateway to Modern Chinese Identity
If you want to understand how a martial arts film can simultaneously entertain, provoke thought, and redefine national identity, Once Upon a Time in China (1991) is an essential watch. Directed by Tsui Hark and starring Jet Li as the iconic folk hero Huang Feihong, this film transcends the “kung fu flick” label by weaving historical tension, cultural introspection, and revolutionary action choreography into a masterpiece that remains relevant today. Here’s why it deserves global attention:
- A Revolutionary Reimagining of a Folk Hero
Unlike previous adaptations that portrayed Huang Feihong as an untouchable sage, Jet Li’s interpretation reveals a flawed visionary struggling with modernity. Set in late 19th-century Foshan, Huang Feihong battles not just colonialists and local gangs, but also his own disillusionment with China’s stagnation. As he states: “Martial arts alone cannot save this nation”.
Tsui Hark intentionally contrasts Huang’s traditional values (embodied by his herbal clinic Po Chi Lam) with the radical changes brought by Western imperialism. Scenes like the “sound war” between Chinese folk music and Christian hymns in teahouses symbolize this cultural clash. For international viewers, it’s a visceral lesson in how China navigated identity crises during its “Century of Humiliation.”
- Action as Philosophy: The Birth of Wire-Free Realism
The film pioneered grounded yet poetic fight choreography. Rejecting the gravity-defying wirework common in 1980s wuxia films, action director Yuen Woo-ping emphasized authenticity. Jet Li’s movements—whether wielding a bamboo umbrella against iron-clad villains or executing his signature Shadowless Kick—blend practicality with symbolic grace.
Key scene: The climactic ladder fight, where Huang Feihong battles a rival on bamboo scaffolding, was inspired by Tsui Hark’s video game session. This sequence, shot without CGI, became a blueprint for Jackie Chan’s Project A and Rush Hour stunts. Notably, Huang’s final kick—seven mid-air strikes defying physics—was Tsui’s bold metaphor for “breaking tradition to embrace progress”.
- A Feminist Subtext Hidden in Plain Sight
While seemingly a male-centric saga, the film subtly critiques gender norms through Aunt Yee (Rosamund Kwan). As a Western-educated photographer, she challenges Huang’s conservatism with wit and a camera—a device symbolizing modernity. In one scene, she photographs Huang’s martial arts practice, framing his tradition through a lens of progress.
Their chemistry—playful yet respectful—avoids the “damsel in distress” trope. When Yee declares, “Even Confucius said women should be educated,” it’s Tsui Hark’s nod to China’s evolving gender discourse.
- A Mirror to Post-Cold War Global Anxiety
Released months before the USSR’s collapse, the film’s themes of cultural erosion and self-reinvention resonated globally. Huang Feihong’s dilemma—preserve heritage or adopt foreign technology—parallels 1990s debates on globalization. The villainous Iron Robe (Yen Shi-kwan), who sells out to colonialists for profit, embodies the moral decay of unchecked capitalism.
Cultural Easter egg: The Lion Dance finale isn’t just spectacle; it’s a coded critique of performative nationalism. As Huang refuses to “dance for foreign applause,” Tsui Hark challenges viewers to distinguish authentic tradition from political theater.
- Behind the Scenes: A Production as Turbulent as Its Era
- Jet Li initially rejected the role, fearing comparisons to his Shaolin Temple fame. Tsui Hark persuaded him by redefining Huang Feihong as “a thinker with fists”.
- The crew faced backlash from traditionalists. Veteran actor Kwan Tak-hing, who played Huang Feihong in 70+ films, reportedly walked out of a screening, protesting: “This isn’t Huang Feihong!”.
- The iconic theme song A Man Should Strengthen Himself (男儿当自强), adapted from ancient military music, became an unofficial anthem for China’s economic reform generation.
Legacy and Viewing Guide
-Once Upon a Time in China* sparked five sequels and influenced films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Its restoration in 4K reveals breathtaking details—from the embroidery on Huang’s robe to the smoke of opium dens.
Where to watch: Opt for subtitled versions to appreciate dialogues like “A nation’s soul lies not in its weapons, but its people’s spirit.” Avoid dubbed editions that dilute the Cantonese cadence crucial to Huang’s character.
Final thought: This isn’t just a kung fu movie; it’s a meditation on how societies reinvent themselves. As Tsui Hark said: “Huang Feihong’s fists fought the past, but his eyes were fixed on the future.”
This article synthesizes cultural analysis, production trivia, and historical context from search results while offering fresh perspectives on gender and globalization. Let me know if you need adjustments!