Once a Thief DVD, 1991

A mix of exuberant comedy and hi-octane martial arts action, Once a Thief stars Chow Yun Fat in a tale of a strange menage a trois, as he battles a legion of Triad gunmen and a rival art thief (Leslie Cheung) for the love of a beautiful woman (Cherie Chung). The conflict leads to a high-kicking, bullet-ridden, death-laden finale.

Are we over-familiar with John Woo's once breathtaking cinema pyrotechnics? It seems not – his delirious crime caper Once a Thief (starring the charismatic Chow Yun Fa... more >

Are we over-familiar with John Woo's once breathtaking cinema pyrotechnics? It seems not – his delirious crime caper Once a Thief (starring the charismatic Chow Yun Fat) in a frantic mix of exuberant comedy and hi-octane action is still highly beguiling, even if it isn't Woo at his most inventive (and characterisation remains as rudimentary as ever – but who watches John Woo for that?). Woo admirers have been disappointed with much of his Hollywood output and the resulting DVD releases, but this is one disc that will remind admirers why his films seemed so innovative when we first encountered them. Bonuses are cherishable: Woo gives a frank and fascinating 30 minute interview where he talks about his disappointments, successes and the tragic death of actor and friend Leslie Cheung. < less

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