Watch Shanghai Fortress

Shanghai Fortress is a science fiction film first released in China in August 2019. Directed by Teng Huatao, the movie is set in the year 2035, where the world is facing a crisis due to a lack of energy resources. China has developed a new form of energy called the 'Quantum Core', using which they have built a huge energy tower in Shanghai to harness unlimited energy. However, they didn't realize that an alien race from another galaxy is also interested in the Quantum Core, and wants to take over the Earth by attacking the tower.

The main character of the movie is Liu Peiqiang (played by Han Lu), a soldier who is stationed at the Shanghai Fortress, which is the defense system built to protect the Quantum Core. Liu is a diligent soldier who takes his job seriously and dreams of protecting his country from foreign threats. However, his life takes a turn when he falls in love with a beautiful and mysterious girl named Lan Ming (played by Shu Qi), who comes to work as a technician in the Shanghai Fortress.

As the aliens attack the tower with all their might, Liu and his comrades find themselves fighting a losing battle. The aliens have superior technology and are practically invincible. However, Liu is not ready to give up. With Lan Ming's help, he discovers a weakness in the alien's defense system and comes up with a plan to launch a counterattack. However, the plan requires him to disobey his superiors and take a huge risk that puts his life in danger. The movie then follows Liu and his comrades as they fight for their country and their loved ones, against all odds.

The movie's visual effects are impressive, and the action scenes are thrilling. The director has done an excellent job of using special effects to create the alien race and their technology. The city of Shanghai is also depicted in a futuristic manner, with tall skyscrapers and breathtaking landscapes. The performances by the actors are also noteworthy. Shu Qi's portrayal of Lan Ming is mysterious and sensual, while Han Lu's performance as Liu Peiqiang is earnest and sincere.

One of the movie's strongest aspects is its portrayal of the bond between soldiers. Liu and his comrades are shown as a close-knit group, who are willing to give their lives for each other. Their camaraderie is heart-warming, and the movie manages to evoke a sense of patriotism and duty towards one's country.

The movie also tackles some interesting themes such as the impact of technology on society, the role of soldiers in an age of automation, and the importance of sacrifice for the greater good. However, the themes are not explored in depth and are merely used as a backdrop for the action and special effects.

Despite its strengths, the movie does have some weaknesses. The pacing of the movie is uneven, with some scenes feeling dragged out while others are over too quickly. The romance between Liu and Lan Ming is underdeveloped, and their chemistry is lacking. Some of the characters are also underdeveloped, leaving the audience with a sense of detachment towards their fate.

In conclusion, Shanghai Fortress is an entertaining and visually impressive movie that delivers on its promise of an action-packed sci-fi adventure. The movie's depiction of soldiers and their bond is well-done, and the special effects are top-notch. However, the movie suffers from pacing issues, underdeveloped characters, and a lack of depth in its themes. Overall, it is a movie that is worth watching for its entertainment value, especially for those who enjoy sci-fi and action movies.

Shanghai Fortress is a 2019 science fiction movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.4.