Shanghai Triad is a 1995 period crime drama directed by by Zhang Yimou.
Three things about Shanghai Triad stand out: the POV of the story, Gong Li’s performance, and the visuals.
Much of the movie is from the POV of a teen boy from the country who comes to work for his Uncle who works for a crime boss/family. Early on, for example, a scene familiar to crime films fans, a drug deal gone wrong, plays out on the periphery. Much of the central action isn’t shown because the inexperienced boy is told to wait behind. The viewer is limited by sound and the occasional glimpse. The limited POV continues to be interesting as more of that world and its inhabitants are revealed.
Even though the POV of Shanghai Triad is the boy, the central character is Gong Li’s Bijou, mistress to the Triad boss. She’s a nightclub singer with a mercurial personality, especially towards the boy. As we get to know her more throughout the story our view of her softens and changes. She becomes a far more sympathetic character and ultimately a tragic one. This is a masterful performance by Gong Li.
Zhang Yimou is a great director and there are some wonderful visuals here. The copy I streamed wasn’t the best but it’s clear this is a beautiful film. So make sure you watch the highest quality available.
Shanghai Triad is a beautiful and tragic crime story told with a unique POV.
Positive/highly recommended
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