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Once a Thief

Once a Thief (1996)

Sep 29, 1996 1h 36m Action Crime Comedy

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".

Directed by John Woo

Cast

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Sandrine Holt
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Sandrine Holt

as Li Ann Tsei

Ivan Sergei
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Ivan Sergei

as Mac Ramsey

Nicholas Lea
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Nicholas Lea

as Victor Mansfield

Robert Ito
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Robert Ito

as The Godfather

Michael Wong
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Michael Wong

as Michael Tang

Jennifer Dale
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Jennifer Dale

as The Director

Alan Scarfe
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Alan Scarfe

as Robertson Graves

Stephen Chang
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Stephen Chang

as Mr. Chang

Jennifer Vey
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Jennifer Vey

as Goth Girl (uncredited)

Crew

Director
  • John Woo
Writer
  • William Laurin
  • Glenn Davis

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Thematic Analysis

This high-octane Action/Crime/Comedy film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Once a Thief distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.

Director John Woo brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1996, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Once a Thief took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 96 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 132 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
  • The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.

Historical Context

  • In 1996, when this film was released:
  • Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
  • Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: September 29, 1996
  • Runtime: 1h 36m

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