Movie Summary"Daughter of Shanghai" is a 1937 American criminal offense movie directed by Robert Florey and released by Paramount Pictures. The movie is known for being one of the first movies that focused on an Asian-American lead character, breaking away from the stereotyped functions that Asian stars were frequently boxed in.
Starring Notable Asian ActorsThe film showcases Anna May Wong and Philip Ahn as lead characters-- Thai-born starlet Wong plays the function of Lan Ying Lin while Korean-born actor Ahn plays the character of Kim Lee. Both stars shine in the functions of American-born characters, which at the time was groundbreaking, thinking about Hollywood's typecasting of Asian stars in stereotypical, usually foreign character roles.
StoryThe storyline revolves around Lan Ying Lin (played by Wong), who is seeking justice for her father's murder. Her daddy, a rich importer, gets killed by a human smuggling ring. After his death, Lan Ying begins a quest to infiltrate and take down the human trafficking ring responsible for her father's death, thinking her father's company associate, Harry Young, to be the source of the troubles. Kim Lee (played by Ahn), a government representative, allies with her and conceals his occupation to assist Lan Ying in her investigation.
Dealing With a Serious Theme"Daughter of Shanghai" stands apart for its concentrate on severe concerns that were topical and bold for the time. The plot reveals the grim truth behind human smuggling and the exploitation of Chinese immigrants through the individual, emotionally-driven mission of Lan Ying. In doing so, the movie exposes in its undertakings an unmistakable social commentary together with a suspense-filled narrative.
Function and Limitations of a Female ProtagonistAnna May Wong provides an excellent efficiency as the central character, Lan Ying, who drives the plot with her determination and resilience to unravel the criminal activities. While Lan Ying is represented as a strong, purposeful female, Wong's function, nevertheless, was restricted by the cultural and social restrictions of the time. Even as the lead character, she remains in the shadow of her male contemporaries and her character gets rescued numerous times throughout the film.
Cinematic StyleThe movie utilizes a mix of designs from traditional Hollywood genres. Elements of movie noir can be found in its dark, suspense-filled setting, while it passes as a precursor to the detective category, involving complex criminal offense plots and a desire for justice. The movie also includes a number of thrilling chase series in its narrative, typically discovered in action-oriented movies of the era.
Crucial Reception"Daughter of Shanghai" was met with usually favorable evaluations, specifically for its innovative choice of lead stars and a progressive narrative focused on the concern of human trafficking. Despite the constraints of its time, the movie is an early example of Hollywood's effort to tackle major themes and is remembered for its bold casting and engaging story. Its significance in tackling racial limits in movie theater is cemented with its conservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for its cultural and historical significance.
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