Watch Shanghai Affairs

Shanghai Affairs is a 1998 action-drama movie directed by Teddy Chan. The movie features some of the biggest names in Hong Kong cinema, including Donnie Yen, Athena Chu, and Rongguang Yu. Set in the 1930s, the movie tells the story of a young man named Ma Wing-jing (Donnie Yen) who travels to Shanghai to join his uncle and cousin in their family business. However, his life takes a sudden turn when he becomes embroiled in a web of betrayal, murder, and organized crime.

The movie starts with the arrival of Ma Wing-jing in Shanghai. As he settles into his new life, he becomes involved with a young woman named Ting-ting (Athena Chu), who is the daughter of a local gang leader. However, their relationship is cut short when Ting-ting is kidnapped and held for ransom. Ma Wing-jing, along with his cousin and uncle, set out to save her.

Along the way, they become embroiled in a power struggle between different factions vying for control of Shanghai's criminal underworld. Ma Wing-jing finds himself pulled into a world of treachery and deceit, and he must use all of his skills to survive.

One of the highlights of the movie is the action scenes, which are expertly choreographed and executed. Donnie Yen, who is now one of the biggest action stars in the world, delivers an impressive performance as the young hero. His martial arts skills are on full display as he fights his way through a gauntlet of enemies.

Athena Chu also shines in her role as Ting-ting. Her character is tough and resourceful, and she more than holds her own in the fight scenes. Rongguang Yu, who plays Ma Wing-jing's uncle, brings a gravitas and depth to the role, and his character is crucial to the story's emotional arcs.

The movie also features some expert world-building, as the filmmakers transport the audience back to 1930s Shanghai. The city is depicted as a chaotic, dangerous place where anything can happen. It's a place of contrasts, with glitzy nightclubs and seedy back alleys coexisting side by side.

Overall, Shanghai Affairs is an expertly-crafted action-drama that stands the test of time. It's a gritty, fast-paced movie that is guaranteed to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. With its memorable characters, thrilling action scenes, and expert direction, it's no wonder that the movie has become a classic of Hong Kong cinema.

Shanghai Affairs is a 1998 art house & international movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.