Shanghai Triad Movie Review 1995

Seventh collaboration of director Yimou and star Li takes place in violent crime dynasty of 1930s Shanghai. Here, eight days are seen through the eyes of a young boy (Cuihua) initiated into the Triad to be the lackey of the mob boss's arrogant mistress (Li). The trio and some trusty associates flee to the country after things heat up with a rival mob. Yimou subtly distinguishes the dichotomy between the jaded criminals and the naive youth with the move from the city to the country and his use of color and tone while avoiding cliche. Plot twists are fresh and technical aspects impeccable. Chinese with subtitles.

Distribution

Sony Pictures Home Video, Sony Pictures Plz., 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232, Phone: (310)244-7306, Fax: (310)280-2485, URL: http://www.spe.sony.com, Remarks: Formerly Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 108 minutes.
Originally from French, Chinese.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Period Piece: 1930s, China, Nightclubs

Screenplay

Bi Feiyu

Cast

Gong Li, Li Bao-Tian, Xuejian Li, Shun Chun Shusheng, Wang Xiaoxiao Cuihua, Jiang Baoying

Cinematography

Lu Yue

Director

Zhang Yimou

Music

Zhang Guangtain

Producer

Jean-Louis Piel, Yves Marmion, Wu Yigong, Wang Wei, Zhu Yongde, Alpha Films, UGC, Shanghai Film Studios (China), La Sept Cinema (France), Sony Pictures Classics