Review of Shanghai Triad (1995) by Nicki M — 03 May 2014

Zhang Yimou is a director who continues to surprise me, even though I have only seen four of his films so far. I had only seen his more well known martial arts films like Hero, House Of Flying Daggers, and Curse Of The Golden Flower, but yet again I have been surprised by him in the form of this gangster film set in the 1930's in Shanghai.

The film follows the point of view of a 14-year-old boy named Shuisheng, who is brought in by his uncle to be the servant of a woman named Bijou, who is a showgirl and the girlfriend of a mobster who is only known as "Boss." Though only a servant, Shuisheng gets to see some of the inner workings of the gangsters he works for and the life of the woman whom he serves, who treats him like garbage and is having secret affairs.

Things begin to fall apart in this dangerous world of the Shanghai mafia when a trusted associate attempts to murder the "Boss" and kills some of his associates in the process. Now the "Boss" along with his girlfriend, trusted associates, and Shuisheng must go into hiding on a tiny island where things get progressively more dangerous as Bijou herself causes things to unravel, while her servant watches on.

Shanghai Triad is a very subdued and quiet gangster film, rather than a bombastic and violence-filled one like most others. It's one that's all about characters, story, and making the viewer pay attention to all the little details as they watch. But, when it strikes, it leaves a powerful impact on the viewer.

The acting is also quite good, especially from actress, Gong Li, who plays the troubled Bijou. Her character was the most complex and fascinating, especially when she begins revealing parts of her life before getting caught up in the criminal world. She really steals the show, though her fellow actors are no slouches either, and deliver fantastic performances as well.

It's film that's all about story, characters, and little details for the viewer to process, which is why it gripped and engaged me so much from beginning to end. Shanghai Triad is easily one of the best crime films I've ever seen and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a film that is mostly story and character-driven.