Once Upon a Time

Once Upon a Time

Year: 2017

Runtime: 109 min

Language: English

Directors: Anthony LaMolinara, Xiaoding Zhao

Drama

Three hundred years prior, a tragic parting on Zhu Xian Terrace marked the heartbreaking end of a couple's relationship, an event witnessed by a bronze mirror. Fate intervenes centuries later when they unexpectedly reunite within the mystical East Sea Dragon Palace. Their destinies are once again entwined, forcing them to confront the sorrow of their past and the challenges of a renewed connection.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Once Upon a Time yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Once Upon a Time (2017)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Once Upon a Time (2017). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

February 1969

Set in February 1969, this period was marked by significant cultural shifts in America, characterized by the counterculture movement and a burgeoning film industry. The late 60s saw changing societal norms and increasing tensions, reflecting a world on the brink of transformation.

Location

Los Angeles, Spahn Ranch, Playboy Mansion

The movie predominantly takes place in Los Angeles, the heart of the film industry, known for its glamorous lifestyle and iconic landmarks. Key locations include the infamous Spahn Ranch, a former film set turned squatter community, and the lavish Playboy Mansion, which represents the opulence of Hollywood parties in the late 1960s.

🌟 Hollywood 🏞️ Ranch 🍸 Mansion

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:08

Main Characters – Once Upon a Time (2017)

Meet the key characters of Once Upon a Time (2017), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Rick Dalton (Yifei Liu)

Rick Dalton is a once-celebrated actor grappling with feelings of inadequacy as he slides into obscurity. His journey illustrates the trials of maintaining relevance in a volatile industry and the emotional toll it takes on aspiring actors.

🎬 Actor 💔 Struggler 🌟 Fame

Cliff Booth (Yang Yang)

Cliff Booth is Rick's loyal friend and former stunt double, whose life is steeped in mystery and adventure. His carefree demeanor contrasts with Rick’s anxieties, providing a steady anchor amidst their tumultuous lives.

🛡️ Stuntman 🤝 Friend 💪 Veteran

Sharon Tate (Chun Li)

Sharon Tate is a promising actress who embodies the bright future of Hollywood. Her character represents both the dreams of stardom and the tragic vulnerability that comes with fame during a notoriously perilous time in Hollywood.

🌟 Star 🎥 Actress 🌸 Innocent

Charles Manson (Luo Jin)

Charles Manson serves as the looming threat in the film, representing chaos and danger. His disturbing influence casts a shadow over the story, reflecting the darker aspects of the era.

👿 Cult Leader 😈 Manipulator ⚠️ Menace

Bruce Lee (Yikuan Yan)

Bruce Lee makes a memorable appearance, showcasing his martial arts prowess in a nostalgic homage to the golden age of action cinema. His character serves as a reminder of the cultural icons emerging during this vibrant era.

🥋 Martial Artist 🌍 Icon 🎥 Legend

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:08

Major Themes – Once Upon a Time (2017)

Explore the central themes of Once Upon a Time (2017), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎭 Identity

The theme of identity is central to the film, exploring the struggles of actors like Rick Dalton as they grapple with their past fame and present obscurity. This theme is manifested in Dalton's desperate attempts to revitalize his career while navigating the complexities of Hollywood's ever-changing landscape.

🔪 Violence

Violence looms as an unsettling backdrop in the film, primarily highlighted by the threat posed by Charles Manson and his followers. The tension escalates as characters confront their inner demons and external dangers, culminating in a shocking confrontation that blends the glamorous with the horrific.

💔 Friendship

At the core of the narrative is the theme of friendship, particularly between Rick Dalton and Cliff Booth. Their bond is tested through challenges, highlighting loyalty and the bittersweet nature of companionship in both times of success and stark adversity.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:08

Unlock the Full Story of Once Upon a Time

Don't stop at just watching — explore Once Upon a Time in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Once Upon a Time is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Once Upon a Time Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Once Upon a Time, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Once Upon a Time Summary

Once Upon a Time Timeline

Track the full timeline of Once Upon a Time with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Once Upon a Time Timeline

Once Upon a Time Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of Once Upon a Time? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

Once Upon a Time Ending Explained

More About Once Upon a Time

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Once Upon a Time: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Once Upon a Time