Once a Thief
Set in Hong Kong and Vancouver, the story follows Mac Ramsey and Li Ann Tsei, lovers and professional thieves who are separated while fleeing the powerful Hong Kong underworld crime lord who raised and trained them. After being imprisoned in Hong Kong, Mac is forcefully recruited into a clandestine international crime-fighting unit by a hard-nosed, menacing Director. He is teamed in Vancouver with Li Ann, who thought Mac was dead, and her new fiancé Victor Mansfield, an ex-cop who is attracted to the unorthodox methods of the agency. Conflict flares between Mac and Victor as the trio take on their assignment. They soon learn that their principal target is their foster brother Michael Tang, who had been given Li Ann as his future wife and who has vowed to hunt down the pair for their disloyalty to the "family".
Insights
Plot Summary
A former master thief is pulled back into a life of crime when his gang attempts to frame him for a robbery he didn't commit. He must team up with an Interpol agent to clear his name and stop the real culprits from pulling off a much larger heist. The film features elaborate fight choreography and high-stakes action sequences.
Critical Reception
Once a Thief was primarily known for its impressive action sequences and martial arts choreography, characteristic of director Yuen Woo-ping. While the plot was seen as somewhat standard for the genre, the film was generally well-received by audiences for its entertainment value and kinetic energy. It solidified Yuen Woo-ping's reputation as a master of action filmmaking.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its dynamic and expertly choreographed fight scenes.
- The action and stunt work are considered the film's strongest assets.
- The plot is functional but often overshadowed by the impressive martial arts sequences.
Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the thrilling action and impressive fight choreography as the main draws of the film. Many viewers found it to be a highly entertaining heist and action movie.
Fun Fact
Director Yuen Woo-ping would later achieve international fame for his work on the fight choreography for the Wachowskis' 1999 film, The Matrix.
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