Once Upon a Time in China 3 (Wong Fei Hung ji saam: Si wong jaang ba) (1993)

63% of critics liked it
(8 reviews)
72% of users liked it
(8,852 ratings)

In this, the third of what has become a long series of films, Doctor Wong Fei-Hung (Jet Li), a master of the martial arts, defender of the poor, upholder of tradition and a Confucian scholar (in addition to being a medical man) is visiting Beijing during a competition designed to determine what… More In this, the third of what has become a long series of films, Doctor Wong Fei-Hung (Jet Li), a master of the martial arts, defender of the poor, upholder of tradition and a Confucian scholar (in addition to being a medical man) is visiting Beijing during a competition designed to determine what group has the best Lion King dancers. The doctor's father, a member of the Cantonese Association in town, is well known for his ability to turn out the best Lion King, and the many criminal gangs of the city, usually embroiled in rivalry against one another, are of one mind when it comes to wanting to eliminate the threat that this "outsider" will win. However, they had not counted on the intervention of the good doctor and his helpers. Simultaneously, the doctor foils several nefarious plots against the government - one of which has gotten his lady-love, Aunt Yee (Rosamund Kwan) involved. ~ Clarke Fountain, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 45 min.
Directed By: Hark Tsui
Genres: Art House & International, Action & Adventure

In Theaters: Jan 14, 1993 Wide
On DVD: Jul 17, 2001
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

, TV Guide's Movie Guide
There are several well-staged fights, but none with the imaginative choreography, ferocious energy, and dazzling prop work found in the first two films.
Douglas Pratt, DVDLaser
The film has a strong blend of humor, action and drama.
Robert Roten, Laramie Movie Scope
This is the weakest entry in the first three films of the series, with a rambling story line, fight scenes that are not staged as well as those in the first two films, and poor picture quality.
Ryan Cracknell, Apollo Guide
In terms of aesthetics, this is the best looking of the first three Once Upon a Time in China films.
Marc Savlov, Austin Chronicle
This might be a good enough introduction, but hardly the best of the lot.

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Featured Audience Ratings

danny d

although the series technically continues, this marks the end of the true "trilogy". the weakest of the three in many ways as the kung fu was more unrealistic and less inspiring, the story quite a bit weaker, and the villain less effective, the humor in this film is… More
although the series technically continues, this marks the end of the true "trilogy". the weakest of the three in many ways as the kung fu was more unrealistic and less inspiring, the story quite a bit weaker, and the villain less effective, the humor in this film is actually the best of the series. this film is hilarious while still maintaining a serious enough tone. although its the weakest in the series this is still a solid kung fu movie and a decent end to this trilogy.
Lanning :

My favorite of the original Li Trilogy. What with the China-Japan-Russia intrigue, the realization of love and impending marriage between Li and Aunt 13, the whole moving picture angle, and the Clubfoot subplot, this one has so much going on that it's a writer's dream.… More
My favorite of the original Li Trilogy. What with the China-Japan-Russia intrigue, the realization of love and impending marriage between Li and Aunt 13, the whole moving picture angle, and the Clubfoot subplot, this one has so much going on that it's a writer's dream. Plus it's Jet Li, so why haven't you seen it already : ) <p>The more I see of Jet Li, the more I regret that he's giving up action movies, and the more I think getting older can sometimes suck. I hope he retires in Honolulu so I can study kung fu with him : )
Cassandra M

The Empress of China decides to hold a Lion King competition as a show of strength to foreigners; rather than uniting her people, the impending event causes fights to break out between rival martial arts schools across the country. Out to ensure that as many potential winners are… More
The Empress of China decides to hold a Lion King competition as a show of strength to foreigners; rather than uniting her people, the impending event causes fights to break out between rival martial arts schools across the country. Out to ensure that as many potential winners are quashed before the contest even takes place, the nasty Chiu Tim-ba and his men attack the other competitors, including the father of the legendary Wong Fei Hung. Wong (Jet Li) steps in to protect his old man, gets in a few scraps, and eventually becomes involved in foiling an assassination attempt on a high ranking governor, whilst at the same time trying to make sure that the ex-boyfriend of his sweetheart stays his distance. As a big fan of Jet Li, I really have tried my utmost to enjoy the OUATIC movies, but, even with the incredible cinematography, lavish sets and costumes, powerful score, and welcome appearances from industry greats such as Yuen Baio and Donnie Yen, the series has left me rather unimpressed. And Part 3 does nothing to change that. This chapter moves the action from Canton to Beijing, but almost everything else stays the same. We get more xenophobia, more silly wire-work enhanced fight scenes, more playful romance between Wong and his girl (the gorgeous Rosamund Kwan), more lame comedy, and not enough memorable martial arts action from Li. And this time round we also get lion dances. Lots and lots of lion dances. If the sight of men dancing and leaping about in brightly coloured lion costumes doesn't sound like fun to you, then I strongly suggest you do not watch this film (lion dance fetishists, however, will have a field day!). I had always found the traditional Chinese lion dance rather interesting to watch, but this film has dampened my enthusiasm for them more than just a tad. OUATIC 3 starts with lion dances, has a few lion dances throughout, and end with lots of... you guessed it.... lion dances!!! Sure, some of the lions have booby trapped mouths which fire arrows, and another has blades attached to it, and there's a humongous lion at the end to spice things up, but there's only so much wiggling of lion bodies, jiggling of lion heads, snapping of lion mouths and fluttering of big lion eyes that I can take. In fact, only the presence of the delightful Miss Kwan as Aunt (or is it cousin?) Yee kept me sane. Once again, she is a joy to behold and makes the whole lion-infested film worth enduring.
xGary X

The Chinese government call a martial arts tournament and the local triad gangs use violence and intimidation to ensure victory. Enter Jet Li to address the situation and foil an assassination plot in the process. Continuing the exceedingly tall story of Wong Fei-hung, Tsui Hark… More
The Chinese government call a martial arts tournament and the local triad gangs use violence and intimidation to ensure victory. Enter Jet Li to address the situation and foil an assassination plot in the process. Continuing the exceedingly tall story of Wong Fei-hung, Tsui Hark learned his lesson from the previous film and made the comedy less crude and childish and tempered the melodrama playing more to his strengths; namely action and visual spectacle. And the sight of a horde of Chinese dragons battling in the streets is certainly one of the most colourful spectacles you are ever likely to see. Unfortunately the sea of costumes, masks and flowing fabric means it's extremely difficult to tell what's going on and the result is messy and confusing. The appeal of these films is clearly Jet Li's skill as a martial artist but more often than not his performance is obscured by the visual trappings. The assassination plot also feels like an afterthought and another excuse to vilify foreigners (the Russians this time). The beautiful production design and breakneck pace means that once again the film never feels boring, but there are far better examples of Jet Li's abilities out there.
Dean M

The final battle scene of the lion dance competition is amazing and some good comedy sketches on 13th Auntie's romantic fantasics about Wong Fei Hung.
Steven V

Not as good as the first movie. The story on the other hand, is really good. It has just the right amount of romance, humor, and historical background to sustain itself between the fight scenes. But the fighting lacked intensity and the end seemed anti-climatic. Overall, this is good… More
Not as good as the first movie. The story on the other hand, is really good. It has just the right amount of romance, humor, and historical background to sustain itself between the fight scenes. But the fighting lacked intensity and the end seemed anti-climatic. Overall, this is good watching.
Sarah B

This film series so far has been incredible.