Watch Saturday Fiction

Saturday Fiction is a 2019 Chinese historical thriller film directed by Lou Ye and starring Gong Li, Mark Chao, and Pascal Greggory. The movie is set in the 1940s Shanghai, a city that is teetering on the verge of collapse as World War II rages on. Against this backdrop, an actress named Jean Yu (Gong Li) returns to Shanghai to star in a play. However, she soon finds herself embroiled in a web of intrigue and espionage as various factions compete for control of the city.

The film starts off slow, establishing a sense of time and place in the old Shanghai that was an exotic, seductive city full of secrets and intrigue. It is the height of World War II, and the city is occupied by the Japanese, who exercise strict control over everything. The presence of agents from various factions - Chinese Nationalists, Communists, Japanese - is omnipresent, as they vie for control of the city and its people.

Gong Li's character Jean Yu is a celebrated actress who has spent the war years in Europe. Returning to Shanghai after a five-year absence, Jean Yu is caught up in a world of intrigue and romance as she tries to find out who is behind a mysterious assassination plot. Her old flame, a playwright named Tan (Mark Chao), seems to be involved, and the more she investigates, the more she realizes that nothing is as it seems.

As the plot progresses, we are introduced to a cast of intriguing characters, each of whom has their own agenda. There is the French diplomat played by Pascal Greggory, who is embroiled in a dangerous love triangle with Jean Yu and Tan. There is also a Communist agent played by Zhang Songwen, who is tasked with carrying out a dangerous mission.

Saturday Fiction is a movie that gradually weaves all these threads together, building up a sense of suspense and intrigue that keeps the audience engaged throughout. The film's plot is complex, but never convoluted, with the various characters and plotlines coming together in a satisfying way by the end.

One of the highlights of the movie is its cinematography, which captures the mood and feel of old Shanghai perfectly. The film is shot in a dream-like haze, with muted colors and a smoky atmosphere that evokes the glamour and decadence of the era. The production design is also top-notch, with incredible attention to detail given to creating the period look and feel.

The acting is also excellent, with Gong Li delivering a standout performance as the enigmatic Jean Yu. She is the embodiment of the film's mystery and intrigue, her face a mask that conceals her true motives. Mark Chao is equally impressive as her former lover, while Pascal Greggory brings a touch of French sophistication to the proceedings.

Overall, Saturday Fiction is a must-see for fans of historical thrillers or anyone who loves great cinema. With its stunning visuals, excellent acting, and gripping story, it is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Whether you are a fan of Gong Li's work or simply appreciate a well-crafted movie, Saturday Fiction is definitely worth checking out.

Saturday Fiction is a 2019 action movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 6 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 54.