Once in the Life
Synopsis
Two estranged half-brothers, Billy and Torch, reconnect during a brief jail stay. 20/20 Mike concocts a scheme in which the two of them will steal dope from some young couriers. The heist goes wrong when Billy shoots the couriers dead. They hole up in an abandoned building, and 20/20 Mike seeks help from an old cell mate, Tony.
Top Cast
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Laurence Fishburne
20 / 20 Mike
Titus Welliver
Torch
Eamonn Walker
Tony
Annabella Sciorra
Maxine
Gregory Hines
Ruffhouse
Michael Paul Chan
Buddha
Dominic Chianese Jr.
Freddie Nine Lives
Justin Pierre Edmund
Little Mikey
Paul Calderon
Manny Rivera
Nick Chinlund
Mike Murphy
Wanda De Jesus
Jackie
Jim Breuer
Pizzaman
Tiger Chen Hu
Chino
Sue Costello
Kneeley
Madison Riley
Precious
Eric van Alstyne
Plainsclothes Cop (uncredited)
Andres Titus
Hector
Harsh Nayyar
Cab Driver
Release History & Theatrical Window
October 27, 2000
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Laurence Fishburne
- Screenplay & Story
- Laurence Fishburne
- Original Score
- Branford Marsalis
- Original Title
- Once in the Life
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 47m
- Production Studios
- The Shooting Gallery, Cinema Gypsy Productions
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Laurence Fishburne
Laurence Fishburne
Branford Marsalis
Richard Turner
Bill Pankow
Laurence Fishburne, Helen Sugland, David L. Bushell
Department Leadership Roster
Laurence Fishburne
Director
Laurence Fishburne
Writer
Laurence Fishburne
Screenplay
Laurence Fishburne
Producer
Bill Pankow
Editor
Brian Smyj
Stunt Coordinator
Helen Sugland
Producer
David L. Bushell
Producer
Richard Turner
Director of Photography
Charley Beal
Production Design
Darryle Johnson
Costume Design
Branford Marsalis
Original Music Composer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Once in the Life.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Once in the Life
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Once in the Life about?
Two estranged half-brothers, Billy and Torch, reconnect during a brief jail stay. 20/20 Mike concocts a scheme in which the two of them will steal dope from some young couriers. The heist goes wrong when Billy shoots the couriers dead. They hole up in an abandoned building, and 20/20 Mike seeks help from an old cell mate, Tony.
Who directed Once in the Life?
Once in the Life was directed by Laurence Fishburne.
Who stars in Once in the Life?
The principal cast of Once in the Life includes Laurence Fishburne, Titus Welliver, Eamonn Walker, Annabella Sciorra, Gregory Hines.
When was Once in the Life released and how long is it?
Once in the Life was released in 2000 with a total runtime of 1h 47m.
Who composed the musical score for Once in the Life?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Once in the Life was composed by Branford Marsalis.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Once in the Life?
Once in the Life holds official age classifications: DE: 16 (FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).