Once a Thief

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Iconic director John Woo (Paycheck; Mission Impossible 2; Hard-Boiled; The Killer) and international superstar Chow Yun-fat (Bulletproof Monk; Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) once again join forces, this time to deliver a delirious mix of exuberant comedy and hi-octane action in the stylish caper thriller Once A Thief.

Soon to be available on DVD from Hong Kong Legends, this Special Collector's Edition of Once A Thief features a host of unique special features including interviews with John Woo and producer Kenneth Tsang.

Chow Yun-fat, Leslie Cheung (A Chinese Ghost Story; A Better Tomorrow) and Cherie Chung (Wild Search; Winners And Sinners) star as Joe, Jim and Cherie, three street orphans who, as children, were adopted by Hong Kong underworld kingpin Chow (Kenneth Tsang). Taught to survive by stealing, they are, however, given some moral guidance by a kindly cop who assumes the role of surrogate father after catching them in an act of petty larceny. By the time they have reached adulthood the three friends have established themselves as a team of renowned art thieves, stealing paintings to order.

The passing years have also seen romance blossoming between Joe and Cherie. Following their latest successful heist, the trio attempt one last job – the theft of a priceless and reputedly cursed painting. When their plans go horribly wrong during the getaway, the painting is lost and Joe is presumed to have been killed. Years later, Jim and Cherie have taken solace in each other and married. But their lives are turned upside down when the crippled and wheelchair-bound Joe reappears, his mind set on exacting revenge on the people he believes set them up. High on the list of suspects is their former stepfather and benefactor…

With his own unique explosive style, director John Woo delivers a thrill-packed, stunt-laced tribute to the classic caper movies of the 1950s.

Once A Thief (cert. 18) will be released on DVD by Hong Kong Legends on 27th December 2004.