Once a Thief was given the shaft I think in the John Wallis review. While the American version wasn't up to par, I think the HK version is one of my favorite John Woo films. It's a lot of fun. There is action but it's so different than his other stuff. I think that adds to the appeal. The review, John Wallis, here makes it seem that the movie is an unfunny flop that should be passed over. I disagree and think that the reviewer was expecting Hard Boiled and was a bit upset that he didn't get it. IMHO Once a Thief is one of the classic films from the HK flicks of the early 90's.

John Woo's Once a Thief with Leslie Cheung, Chow Yun Fat and Cherrie Chung?

Yup. I like that one too. I'm not sure whether I want to see the American version though, cause the Hong Kong version is already too good.

When you guys are talking about the American version, you mean the American remake, rather than an American version of the DVD?

Yeah, screw it. The original was a lot of fun. In some ways it's goofier than his other films, but it's definitely worth watching.