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Once Upon a Time in Shanghai (恶战) is another action-packed drama film from the legendary martial arts choreographer, Yuen Wo Ping and HK action legend, Sammo Hung. The film sets in Shanghai in the 1930s, where the city once attracted many youngsters from different provinces in China to find fortune and fame. The film has a simplistic and straightforward plot, a story about a youngster, Ma Yong Zhen, well- equipped with martial arts and possesses incredible strength on his right fist, together with an unshakable sense of morality, comes to Shanghai looking for an opportunity.

While it's nothing new here, the story is predictable as these sort of movies been done countless times before in the past, but this is a well- made stylish action film that reminds me of the HK martial arts films of the 80s and 90s about the criminal underworld and Japanese infiltration. The film features a lot of impressive martial art fight scenes...the intensity and swiftness of the fights between the actors were just astonishing to watch. You still cheer the lead character, saying 'Serves them right!' when he puts down the bad guys in the climatic battle near the end.

Although the brotherhood and romantic love themes in the films are not properly fleshed out or developed, it still engaging enough to hold the action scenes together for the audience to continue watching it until the very end. It seems that Andy On and Phillip Ng are further establishing themselves as rising action stars other than the currently famous Donnie Yen. Not a bad movie by any means, this is still a decent Chinese film to watch for martial arts action junkies.

Rating: 7/10

http://yjcool.blogspot.com/2014/01/movie-review-once-upon-time-in- shanghai.html

First off all i cant believe its not released here in The U S yet! Great homage.throwback to hong kong Kung Fu Movies. IF u are a Bruce Lee fan.Do not miss this movie.i don't care download or rent DVD. From the story Line The Big boss..Fists of Fury..game of death and enter the dragon. Director Wong Jin wrote a great tribute.

Phillip Ng's portray is so similar to Bruce its crazy. He has his haircut.clothes..moves and charasmastic flow like Lee did.

Chen is a newcomer to Shanghai looking for laborer job. But soon he is against the Japanese spies..local thugs and corrupt town officials. It also mixes in humor and awesome fight scenes. PHILLIP NG is the next Bruce Lee. He studied under bruce's real kmaster Sifu. He also has over 150 schools that train in jujitsu.. see it now!!

This modern take on The Boxer from Shantung from 1972 from Ching-Po Wong was a chance find for myself but I'm glad I did.

Set in 30's crime ridden Shanghai the film is shot in black and white with splashes of colour.

Excellent cinematography, flawless sets, not too over the top cgi and a classic albeit very predictable storyline.

Once Upon a Time in Shanghai delivers where it needs to most - lots of quality choreographed action.

A must for any kung-fu movie nut and the casual fan alike, if you're not already a fan of Philip Ng prepare to become one.

Review: I really enjoyed this movie because it shows you that when you come to a new country with dreams of becoming something the chances are slim to non that you will actually achieve that especially if you are new to a country. The direction and screenplay are both really good. Both the casting and acting are really good also. All in all I would give this five out of a possible five stars.

The action sequences are the best choreographed since House of Flying Daggers. The director's vision is romantically nostalgic, telling a story of brotherhood, patriotism and selfless love. This is a most enjoyable movie on all levels, and very sad in the end. I look forward to seeing it again. (If the version you get is dubbed in English, skip it. Watch the Cantonese version for best effect.)