Once a Thief
1991, Cantonese. Directed by John Woo.
They only stop to reload.
Three orphans grow up to become art thieves under the tutelage of a crime boss. Romance complicates matters when the trio are double-crossed.
- Runtime
- 1h 48m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- Cantonese
- Rated
- R
Start now and it ends at ….
Popcorn Flick
Fun if you don’t overthink it.
6.9/10 from 193 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch Once a Thief
Once a Thief is streaming on Tencent Video in India.
Stream
Tencent VideoFree
PlexAvailability in India as of 9 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- John WooDirector
- Chow Yun-FatRed Bean Puddin / Joe
- Leslie Cheung Kwok-wingJames / Jim
- Cherie Chung Cho-HungRed Bean / Cherie
- Paul Chu KongChu / Godfather
- Kenneth TsangChow / Dad
- Woo FungMr. Cheung
- Pierre Yves BurtonMr. Burton
- John Tang Yat-kwanYoung Red Bean Pudding / Young Joe
- Tong Ka-FaiYoung James / Young Jim
- Leila TongYoung Red Bean / Young Cherie
- David WuAuctioneer
- John WooStanley Wu
Details
- Released
- 2 February 1991
- Original title
- 縱橫四海
- Country
- Hong Kong
- Written by
- Janet Chun Siu-Chun, Clifton Ko Chi-Sum, John Woo
- Box office
- $4.3M
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
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Once a Thief: quick answers
Is Once a Thief worth watching?
Our verdict is Popcorn Flick: Fun if you don’t overthink it. It scores 6.9/10 from 193 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is Once a Thief?
Once a Thief runs 108 minutes (1h 48m).
Does Once a Thief have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Once a Thief. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Once a Thief parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
Once a Thief is rated R in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.
Which OTT platform is Once a Thief on?
Once a Thief is streaming on Tencent Video in India. (Checked 9 November 2026.)
What movies are like Once a Thief?
If you liked Once a Thief, try High Risk, Twin Dragons, Chasing the Dragon II: Wild Wild Bunch.
Who directed Once a Thief?
Once a Thief (1991) was directed by John Woo and stars Chow Yun-Fat, Leslie Cheung Kwok-wing, Cherie Chung Cho-Hung.