Watch Secrets of Wu Sin
- 2009
- 1 hr 4 min
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5.1 (45)
Secrets of Wu Sin, a 1932 film directed by Richard Thorpe, explores the dark side of the gambling world, where lust for power and money reign supreme. The story is set in San Francisco's Chinatown, a bustling hub of illicit activities and mysterious folklore. Lois Wilson plays Kate Lee, a young woman desperately trying to find her brother Jim, who has disappeared from the city without a trace. Kate's search takes her to Wu Sin's (J. Carrol Naish) gambling den, where she meets Jim's friend Dan Bailey (Grant Withers), a reporter who promises to help her uncover the truth. However, their quest for justice is complicated by the fact that Wu Sin holds sway over the Chinese community with his intelligence and cunning.
As the story unfolds, Kate and Dan find themselves embroiled in a web of deception and danger. They soon discover that Jim has been kidnapped by Wu Sin and is being held captive for a hefty ransom. Wu Sin is not a man to be trifled with, and his ruthless tactics leave Kate and Dan few options for rescuing Jim.
Meanwhile, Wu Sin's beautiful and enigmatic mistress Lotus Flower (Dorothy Revier) becomes embroiled in the conflict. A woman of mystery and intrigue, Lotus Flower is torn between her loyalty to Wu Sin and her growing affection for Dan.
Secrets of Wu Sin is a gripping thriller that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The film's tension is heightened by its dark and shadowy cinematography, which captures the netherworld of Chinatown with eerie accuracy. The set design is impressive, recreating the maze-like alleys and dimly-lit taverns of San Francisco's Chinatown.
Moreover, the performances of the cast members are top-notch. Lois Wilson's portrayal of Kate is both vulnerable and determined, as she risks her life to save her brother from the clutches of Wu Sin. Grant Withers's Dan is the quintessential hero, fighting against all odds to protect Kate and bring the criminals to justice. J. Carrol Naish as Wu Sin is a menacing presence, using his charm and cunning to manipulate those around him. Finally, Dorothy Revier's Lotus Flower is a complex character who adds an element of unpredictability to the film.
One of the film's most endearing qualities is its recognition of the Chinese community living in San Francisco at the time. It depicts the Chinese as a people with their own culture and traditions, rather than just a group of faceless villains. Moreover, it highlights the racism and discrimination that the Chinese faced in American society during that period.
Overall, Secrets of Wu Sin is a fascinating film that explores the underworld of San Francisco's Chinatown with an air of authenticity. It is a tense and engrossing thriller that keeps the audience guessing until the very end. With its strong performances, impressive set design, and nuanced characterizations, it is a true gem of early 1930s cinema.
Secrets of Wu Sin is a 2009 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 4 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.1.