Watch Shanghai Red

Shanghai Red is a tense thriller that takes place in the bustling city of Shanghai in the early 20th century. The movie tells the story of Mei Ah, played by Vivian Wu, a woman who has been forced into prostitution in order to survive in the dangerous city. However, Mei Ah is not content with this life and dreams of escape. Her chance for redemption comes when she meets a mysterious American sailor named Sam, played by Richard Burgi, who promises to take her to America.

As Mei Ah and Sam embark on their journey, they are pursued by a ruthless gangster named Lan Di, played by Honglei Sun, who will stop at nothing to get Mei Ah back. The chase takes them through the streets and alleys of Shanghai, as Mei Ah and Sam try to stay one step ahead of their pursuer. Along the way, they encounter a cast of colorful characters, including a detective who has his own reasons for helping Mei Ah and Sam.

As the chase continues, tensions between Mei Ah and Sam begin to rise. Mei Ah is desperate to escape her past and start a new life, but Sam seems more interested in using her as a means to an end. The two of them must navigate their complicated relationship while also trying to stay alive.

One of the strengths of Shanghai Red is its vivid portrayal of Shanghai in the early 20th century. The movie does an excellent job of capturing the chaos and danger of the city, from the crowded streets to the opium dens. The production design and cinematography are both top-notch and make the movie feel like a period piece.

Another strength of the movie is its cast. Vivian Wu is excellent as Mei Ah, conveying both vulnerability and strength. Richard Burgi brings a rugged charm to his role as Sam, and Honglei Sun is chilling as the ruthless Lan Di. The supporting cast also delivers strong performances, particularly the actor who plays the detective.

The movie is well-paced and does a good job of keeping the tension high throughout. There are several exciting action sequences, including a thrilling car chase through the streets of Shanghai. The movie also has a few twists and turns that keep the audience guessing until the end.

One potential weakness of the movie is that it relies heavily on cliches and stereotypes. Mei Ah is the typical "hooker with a heart of gold," while Sam is the rugged American hero. Lan Di is the ruthless Asian gangster. While these character types are familiar to fans of the thriller genre, they may feel a bit tired to some viewers.

Overall, Shanghai Red is a solid thriller with excellent performances and production value. It is an exciting journey through the dangerous world of early 20th century Shanghai, and fans of the genre should find plenty to enjoy.

Shanghai Red is a 2007 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.