Shanghi Triad (1995)

Shanghai Triad (1995) directed by; Zhang Yimou is about a Country boy named Shuisheng who is

brought to 1930s Shanghai by his uncle who wants the boy to become a member of the powerful gang ruled by a character named Tang. Shuisheng is forced to serve Tang's uptight mistress Bijou, who is a night club singer. While serving under Bijou the boy’s uncle who he cared for very much died in a gang war which forces the boy and the Tang the leader of the gang to go into hiding where they will plan their revenge. While at the island Bijou and Shuisheng start to get along. Later on Tang finds out that Bijou has been cheating on him and he takes action by killing both her and her lover. Which leaves Shuisheng alone and upset.

            This film touches upon many important topics in regards to the culture in China. For example the film tells a story about a boy who is forced to serve a gang called the Triad, which exist in china. Its shows gang violence, and the brutality that this sort of group can inflict on anyone in their path. Zhang Yimou does a great job in showing how gangs were portrayed back in the day. This film also shows what the culture was like in china.  It’s was authentic by showing the tradition of the natives and how they live their everyday life. 

            There were several elements that made this film enjoyable. First Shanghai Traid (1995) to me did a fantastic job in explaining the story to the audience. The writing was great and kept audience members like myself interested. Another element that stood out to me was the filters used throughout the film. For example in the scenes, which were happy, the editor went with brighter colors to exemplify the mood of happiness. Then when upsetting scenes occurred he used darker colors to show that the mood displayed to the audiences, was more sad and upsetting. Finally the last thing that I enjoyed about this film was that the acting. Throughout the film both of the lead actors, Li Gong and Wang Xiaoxiao were very believable and enjoyable to watch. Zhang Yimou (the director) did a great job in transforming the script into a wonderful film.