Legendary director John Woo unites with three of Hong Kong’s most charismatic actors—Chow Yun-Fat, Cherie Chung, and Leslie Cheung—for Once a Thief, a rollicking blend of buddy comedy and heist movie packed with lashings of humour and Woo’s signature pulse-pounding action.

The story follows a debonair trio of international art thieves who grew up as orphaned Artful Dodgers on the streets of Hong Kong. Fresh from a successful heist in the French Riviera, they target one last job: stealing a valuable, possibly cursed painting from a heavily guarded fortress. Their plans are complicated when they are double-crossed by their former criminal mentor, the villainous triad leader Mr. Chow (Kenneth Tsang). The gang must rely on their wits, skills, and unbreakable friendship to take him down.

With Once a Thief, Woo showcases his flair for action, his enviable comedy chops, and his love for classic French crime capers, featuring car stunts by the legendary Rémy Julienne (GoldenEye). Thrilling, funny, and surprisingly touching, this film stands tall among Woo’s action movie classics.

Key Features & Highlights

• Rollicking blend of buddy comedy and heist movie featuring signature John Woo action.
• Stars Chow Yun-Fat, Cherie Chung, and Leslie Cheung.
• Features car stunts by Rémy Julienne (GoldenEye).
• Rated suitable for 15 years and over.
• Run time is 1 hour and 48 minutes.

4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS

• 4K (2160p) Ultra HD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible).
• Original lossless Cantonese and English mono audio, plus alternate mono mixes for both languages.
• Optional English subtitles for the Cantonese soundtrack and English for the deaf and hard of hearing subtitles for the English soundtrack.
• Brand new audio commentary with Asian cinema expert James Mudge.
• Brand new interview: Handling a Heist with director John Woo.
• Brand new interview: Heists and Lows with producer Terence Chang.
• Brand new interview: Thoughts About Thievery with co-writer Clifton Ko.
• Brand new interview: Stealing Some Shots with director of photography Poon Hang-Sang.
• Brand new interview: Art of the Steal with editor David Wu.
• Brand new appreciation: Hong Kong Confidential by author and film historian Grady Hendrix.

Specifications

• Media Format: 4K, Collector's Edition
• Director: John Woo
• Actors: Cherie Chung, Chow Yun-Fat, Leslie Cheung
• Languages: English, Cantonese Chinese
• Package Dimensions: 17.2 x 13.7 x 1.6 cm; 150 g
• Studio/Manufacturer: Arrow Video
• Release Date: August 3, 2026

Experience this action-comedy classic restored in stunning 4K UHD quality, complete with extensive new special features exclusive to this Limited Edition release.