Wong Kar-wai’s “Blossoms Shanghai” Premieres, Reviving Shanghainese Culture

Cult director Wong Kar-wai, celebrated for films like Chungking Express and In the Mood for Love, has transitioned to television with Blossoms Shanghai. The series,premiering on Filmin this Tuesday,marks his return to his birthplace,Shanghai,after emigrating to Hong Kong as a child. Adapted from Jin Yucheng’s 2012 novel, the 30-episode series will release its first 15 episodes over three weeks, exploring themes of wealth, loss, and reinvention in a rapidly changing China.

The Rise of ah Bao: A Shanghai Story

Blossoms Shanghai centers on Ah Bao,a man who experiences both the heights of wealth and the depths of loss. Born into a prosperous family that faced ruin during the Cultural Revolution, Ah Bao seizes the opportunity presented by the reopening of the Shanghai Stock Exchange in the early 1990s. Transforming himself into Mr. Bao, he amasses a considerable fortune, becoming a symbol of Shanghai’s modernization and economic reform. The series opens with a car accident that triggers flashbacks, revealing Ah Bao’s transformation and introducing a cast of over twenty supporting characters.

Did You Know? The Shanghai Stock Exchange, after being closed for 40 years, reopened on December 19, 1990, marking a pivotal moment in China’s economic reform Investopedia.

wong Kar-wai’s Signature Style in Shanghai

Fans of wong Kar-wai will recognize his distinctive cinematic elements in Blossoms Shanghai. The series delves into intricate love stories, with Ah Bao navigating three different relationships, and features opulent hotel settings reminiscent of In the Mood for Love and 2046. Ah Bao resides in a suite at the historic Peace Hotel, a landmark established in 1956 that continues to operate today, adding a layer of authenticity and glamour to the narrative.

A Long-Awaited Return

While Blossoms Shanghai is now reaching Spanish audiences, it first captivated viewers in China in 2023. The series not only entertained but also revitalized interest in Shanghainese, a dialect spoken by approximately 14 million people but increasingly overshadowed by Mandarin Ethnologue. The show’s popularity has spurred fans to visit iconic locations featured in the series, including the Peace Hotel, the Cathay Theatre, and the vibrant Huanghe Street, known for its bustling nightlife.

Pro Tip: When visiting Shanghai, consider taking a guided tour that focuses on the locations featured in “Blossoms Shanghai” to fully immerse yourself in the series’ atmosphere.

The Making of a Meticulous Masterpiece

Blossoms Shanghai marks Wong Kar-wai’s return to directing after nearly a decade, his last film being The Grandmaster in 2013. Known for his meticulousness, Wong Kar-wai dedicated several years to the series, with filming spanning from September 2020 to mid-2023. The demanding production schedule led cast members to joke about the seemingly endless filming process. Xin zhilei, who portrays Li Li, the owner of the Grand Lisbon restaurant, recounted instances where filming resumed unexpectedly after cast and crew had already bid their farewells.

Key Facts: Blossoms Shanghai

Have you watched “Blossoms Shanghai” yet? What are your thoughts on Wong Kar-wai’s transition to television? Share your opinions in the comments below and subscribe for more updates!