“Once a Thief” (狼たちの絆), Original Japanese First-Release Movie Poster 1991, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) — J141

This is an original Japanese B2 poster printed in 1991 for the first theatrical release of Once a Thief, John Woo’s stylish crime adventure starring Chow Yun-fat, Leslie Cheung and Cherie Chung. Released in Japan as 狼たちの絆, the film combines elaborate art thefts, romance and acrobatic action with a playful sense of humour.

Film background
Set partly in France, Once a Thief follows three childhood companions whose lives revolve around stealing valuable paintings. Their ambitions to leave crime behind become entangled with betrayal, dangerous employers and complicated romantic loyalties.

Reuniting John Woo, Chow Yun-fat and Leslie Cheung after A Better Tomorrow, the film brings a lighter, mischievous tone to Woo’s familiar themes of friendship and loyalty. The chemistry between its three leads gives the spectacular action an engaging emotional centre.

Poster design
A bold black-and-white portrait of Chow Yun-fat aiming a handgun towards the viewer dominates the right side. The coarse photographic texture gives the image an almost stencil-like quality, standing sharply against the pale background.

Across the top, enormous black lettering announces “YUN-FAT COMES BACK!” The Japanese title appears in expressive black brush lettering surrounded by a soft red halo, balanced by a ragged red printed border down the left edge.

Three small colour portraits of Chow Yun-fat, Cherie Chung and Leslie Cheung punctuate the lower-left credits. The English title “ONCE A THIEF” and a miniature image of the trio complete this distinctive Japanese campaign design.

Condition
Excellent, Close to Near Mint. A beautifully preserved example with only very light handling impressions and gentle paper undulations. Please review the photographs—they show the exact poster for sale.

It is over 35 years old!
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.