Critical Reception
In a review for the Korean Film Council, Yi Ch'ang-ho described Once Upon a Time as being "technically excellent" and "a well balanced heist comedy", also praising the film for its use of music and portrayal of 1940s Korea. Yang Sung-jin of The Korea Herald commended the "solid performances of the leading characters", while also giving credit to the comic relief provided by supporting actors Seong Dong-il and Jo Hee-bong. Susan Yoon of the JoongAng Daily noted that although the film shows the harsh realities of life under Japanese colonialism, it could also be enjoyed as a comedy "because it focuses on personal journeys, not just historical events", and that the film was "Funny from beginning to end", with "a delightful finish". James Mudge of BeyondHollywood.com regarded Jeong's direction as being "slick and confident throughout", and commented that while the film lacked originality, "it stands as a solid, entertaining action comedy that should be enjoyed by all".
Read more about this topic: Once Upon A Time (2008 Film)
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