2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
The Romance of History, March 6, 2001
This review is from: Shanghai Shanghai (DVD)
This film takes place at the end of an era as Chang Kai Shek's rule of China comes into conflict with the growing people's revolution. Set against this historical backdrop is a tale of cops, mobsters, stolen money, a nightclub, and the dreams of a pair of brothers... one a cop, one flirting with the wrong side of the law.
I originally watched this just because Sammo Hung is in it, but found myself paying attention all the way through because of the story. Aside from the action, it's a story about allegiances/responsibilities and dreams coming into conflict.
It's more than just an action film, though somewhat less than a great historical drama, and it seems to have trouble deciding which it wants to be more, thus only three stars.
The juxtaposition of the action element with a fairly complex historical plot is a bit hard to reconcile for both the viewer (and it seems the filmmakers too), but the historical element is what really makes it worth watching if you enjoy both history and action.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
wish I'd watched it sooner, January 19, 2002
By A Customer
This review is from: Shanghai Shanghai (DVD)
This movie was very interesting. As with most of Sammo's movies, they're always great, but rather confusing at times..maybe its because the lack of translation with the Chinese/English. But if you're a fan of Sammo or Yuen, you shouldn't be disappointed. I bought the movie just because the incredibly talented Mr. Biao is in it..never disappoints me..His pole scene at the beginning is fantastic, running through a mine field hysterical..and the fight between Sammo and Yuen was awesome. I had this dvd for 6 months before I watched it. Now I wish I had watched it sooner. Anita Mui has "quite a set of legs" as my guy friends put it! She's incredible. Don't watch it for the history, watch it if you like the cast.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Very nice movie, February 5, 2000
By A Customer
This review is from: Shanghai Shanghai (DVD)
Very interesting story. Creative ideas. Nice characters. George Lam is GREAT!
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