Once a Thief (1991) Review in 2025
Once a Thief is a 1991 action-comedy film that follows the story of a retired thief who gets pulled back into the game by a beautiful woman.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for family viewing due to mature themes and language.
CineReview Recommendation
Once a Thief is a solid action-comedy film that's worth watching, especially if you're a fan of John Woo or Chow Yun-fat. However, it's not a must-see, and it's not suitable for family viewing.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie takes a thrilling turn when the protagonist, Jason Statham's character, gets involved in a heist with his old crew, leading to a series of hilarious and action-packed sequences.
Review Details
story7.00/10
The story is engaging, but it's not particularly original. The plot twists are predictable, but the pacing is well-balanced.
acting8.50/10
The acting is top-notch, especially from Chow Yun-fat and Brooke Shields. They have great chemistry, and their performances are convincing.
characters8.00/10
The characters are well-developed, especially the protagonist. The chemistry between the leads is great, and the supporting cast is decent.
direction7.50/10
John Woo's direction is solid, but it's not his best work. The action sequences are well-choreographed, but the comedy moments feel a bit forced.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is stunning, with beautiful shots of Hong Kong's cityscape. The camera work is smooth, and the lighting is excellent.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Engaging story, well-developed characters, stunning cinematography, and great acting performances.
Cons
Predictable plot twists, forced comedy moments, and some mature themes.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a thief, I'm a collector."
"You're a thief, I'm a collector. There's a difference."
