Introduction"Lord of Shanghai" is a 2017 political thriller film directed by Sherwood Hu. It's a Shanghai story formed by power and intrigue throughout the turbulent period of the WWII and is as much a character-driven piece as it is a historic exposé. The film, based upon the same-titled novel by well-known author Zhu Xiaoping, hosted a skilled cast that includes Hu Jun, Yu Nan, Rhydian Vaughan, and Godfrey Gao.
Plot SynopsisThe movie's protagonist, Charlie, played by Runyin Bai, is a young pianist from the shanty towns of Shanghai who imagines getting away hardship and going far for himself. While playing in a local motion picture theatre's orchestra, Charlie captures the attention of playboy Bai Lede, portrayed by Rhydian Vaughan. Impressed by Charlie's talent, Bai Lede invites him to perform in his bar, where Shanghai's a lot of influential individuals, business people and politicians assemble.
Political Intrigue and DramaCentral to the film's plot are the machinations of 2 rival kingpins: alcoholic autocrat Du Yuesheng (Hu Jun) and manipulative mastermind Huang Jinrong (Chow Yun Fat). As Shanghai descends into political mayhem and war, Du and Huang's fates are linked with the young pianist Charlie and the chorine Yaqing (Yu Nan).
Charlie and Yaqing fall in love, however their relationship is put under stress by the criminal underworld's unstable politics and controls. The movie realistically portrays the rapid changes in Shanghai society, where power, wealth, and love are all shown in a dark method, as they battle for their survival.
Climax and EndingThe movie's climax happens when Charlie, who has been controlled and used by both Du and Huang, chooses to decide. He makes the drastic choice to try an assassination, establishing a domino effect of actions that lead to awful consequences. The last act of the film explores the degree to which one man will go to in order to hold onto his ambition, love in the middle of a world inundated with treachery and deceit.
Final Thoughts"Lord of Shanghai" highlights a range of subjects, from personal aspiration and political intrigue to love and betrayal amongst the complexities of wartime Shanghai. It is as much a portrayal of the historic struggle between rival Shanghai underworld figures as it is an eclectic mix of extreme efficiencies. Eventually, the film encapsulates a detailed portrayal of a time where failure was not a choice, and survival implied welcoming a dark world of power, control, and deceit. Through intense efficiencies and a well-crafted historical backdrop, "Lord of Shanghai" is an engaging watch.
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