Shanghai Triad
Brief Synopsis
Cast & Crew
Zhang Yimou
Gong Li
Li Baotian
Li Xuejian
Wang Xiao Xiao
Chen Shu
Film Details
Technical Specs
Synopsis
Shanghai, 1930. Mr. Tang, the godfather chief of the Tang family-run underground Green dynasty, controls the city's lucrative opium and prostitution trade. He has also acquired the services of Xiao Jinbao, the most beautiful prostitute-singer in Shanghai. Fourteen-year-old Tang Shuisheng has been recruited by his uncle to watch Xiao Jinbao. Ultimately, Shuisheng becomes the only person to whom she can talk openly and whose relationship with her is not motivated by power or greed. In secret, Xiao Jinbao has become the mistress of Song, the Greens' number two man, and together they conspire against Mr. Tang. Their plan fails, and Mr. Tang believes that his deputy will try to eliminate Xiao Jinbao for she was the only witness and accomplice. Using Xiao Jinbao as bait, however, Mr. Tang banishes her to a small, heavily guarded island where, a virtual prisoner, she gradually understands her role, realizing that the men in her life are ready to sacrifice her when she is of no further use.
Director
Zhang Yimou
Film Details
Technical Specs
Award Nominations
Best Cinematography
Quotes
Trivia
Miscellaneous Notes
The People's Republic Of China
Winner of a prize for superior technique at the 1995 Cannes Film Festival.
Winner of the National Board of Review's 1995 award for Best Foreign Film. Filmmaker Zhang Yimou also won the National Board of Review's Freedom of Expression Award.
Winner of the New York Film Critics Circle's 1995 award for Best Cinematography.
Expanded Release in United States December 29, 1995
Expanded Release in United States February 16, 1996
Expanded Release in United States February 23, 1996
Expanded Release in United States January 26, 1996
Released in United States 1995
Released in United States March 2000
Released in United States May 1995
Released in United States November 1995
Released in United States on Video July 9, 1996
Released in United States September 1995
Released in United States Winter December 21, 1995
Shown at Cannes Film Festival (in competition) May 17-28, 1995.
Shown at London Film Festival November 2-19, 1995.
Shown at Montreal World Film Festival (Hors Concours) August 24 - September 4, 1995.
Shown at New York Film Festival (Opening Night) September 29 - October 15, 1995.
Shown at Santa Barbara International Film Festival (Zhang Yimou Retrospective) March 2-12, 2000.
Shown at Telluride Film Festival September 1-4, 1995.
Began shooting November 5, 1994.
Completed shooting February 20, 1995.
Project was originally set to begin production September 15th, but was halted by the Chinese government and Beijing's film authorities following a reported two year ban on Zhang directing foreign-financed movies. To solve this problem Shanghai Film Studio invested 10 million Yuan ($1.2 million) taking over the production from UGC and allowing UGC to retain foreign rights.
Released in United States 1995 (Shown at Montreal World Film Festival (Hors Concours) August 24 - September 4, 1995.)
Released in United States 1995 (Shown at New York Film Festival (Opening Night) September 29 - October 15, 1995.)
Expanded Release in United States January 26, 1996
Expanded Release in United States February 16, 1996
Expanded Release in United States February 23, 1996
Released in United States March 2000 (Shown at Santa Barbara International Film Festival (Zhang Yimou Retrospective) March 2-12, 2000.)
Released in United States May 1995 (Shown at Cannes Film Festival (in competition) May 17-28, 1995.)
Released in United States on Video July 9, 1996
Released in United States September 1995 (Shown at Telluride Film Festival September 1-4, 1995.)
Released in United States November 1995 (Shown at London Film Festival November 2-19, 1995.)
Released in United States Winter December 21, 1995
Expanded Release in United States December 29, 1995
