Once Upon a Time
Performance & Direction: Once Upon a Time Review
Last updated: February 14, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Once Upon a Time (2017) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Once Upon a Time features a noteworthy lineup led by Liu Yifei . Supported by the likes of Yang Yang and Luo Jin , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Once Upon a Time
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2017, Once Upon a Time is a Drama, Fantasy, Romance film directed by Zhao Xiaoding. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Liu Yifei.
Ending Explained: Once Upon a Time
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Zhao Xiaoding, Once Upon a Time concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Liu Yifei, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Once Upon a Time reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Once Upon a Time?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Liu Yifei or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: Once Upon a Time
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $22.0M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Once Upon a Time Budget
The estimated production budget for Once Upon a Time is $22.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Once Upon a Time
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Where to Watch Once Upon a Time Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV Store
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Apple TV StoreFandango At HomeOnce Upon a Time Parents Guide & Age Rating
2017 AdvisoryWondering about Once Upon a Time age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Once Upon a Time is 108 minutes (1h 48m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.8/10, and global performance metrics, Once Upon a Time is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2017 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Once Upon a Time worth watching?
Once Upon a Time is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.8/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Once Upon a Time parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Once Upon a Time identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Once Upon a Time?
The total duration of Once Upon a Time is 108 minutes, which is approximately 1h 48m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
