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Xiao Jingbao: Gong Li Tang "The Godfather": Li Baotian Liu Shu: Li Xuejian Shuisheng: Wang Xiao Xiao Number Two: Shun Chun Directed by Zhang Yimou. Written by Bi Feiyu, based on the novel by Li Xiao. Running time: 109 minutes. No MPAA rating (some violence and sexuality). |
Shanghai Triad opens with a shot of a boy in a sea of anonymous faces. He looks lost and confused, as if he didn't belong there. Finally someone recognizes him and greets him. It is his uncle, the man who sent for him. He takes him to a warehouse and within minutes, he witnesses a gangland execution. The boy suddenly, without warning or choice, has been inducted into the Mafia.
The boy's name is Shuisheng (Wang Xiao Xiao). He is from the country and probably has never been to a city in his life. He remains silent in the beginning probably because of fear or awe of what he is seeing. Shuisheng quickly finds out that his uncle is a gangster, who works for Tang, one of the top triad bosses in Shanghai. They refer to their boss as the Godfather, no doubt in homage to Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather. The uncle tells Shuisheng how lucky he is to be here. He tells him that as he gets older he will earn money and respect.
We easily find out that Shuisheng is a naive little kid. When he is asked if he's ever slept with a woman, he replies, "Yes, with my mother, when I was little." His first job is to be a servant for Tang's mistress, Xiao Jingbao (Gong Li). Their initial encounter turns into a lecture from Xiao as he becomes a bumbling fool with every task she asks from him.
Xiao Jingbao's nickname is Bijou given to her by her lover. Like all gangster films, she is an aspiring singer that is the top act in his nightclub. The productions are lavish and colorful as she has numerous back up dancers and a huge band behind her. Everyone knows that she is bad, but no one tells Tang, who enjoys the sound of her voice.
Gong Li, who is the lead actress in all of Zhang Yimou's films, usually plays a peasant woman, who is demure and conservative, but still a strong woman. Here she seems to be the complete opposite. She plays a pompous, arrogant and deceiving sort of woman. She is dressed in lavish and somewhat revealing clothing compared to her usual torn and ragged clothes.
The film is set in 1930's, a time where the Triad gangs ruled the city much like the gangsters in Chicago during Prohibition. Our guide is Shuisheng, as we watch the film by his point of view in the span of eight days. In those eight days he will witness events that will dramatically change not only his life, but the people around him.
Being an underling in the gang, we see only snippets of what is going on, through half open doors and overhead conversations. We see that there is tension between Bijou and Tang, as he tries to mend her into his ways. We also know that there is a rival gang, who have been imposing on the Godfather's territory.
As a result it leads to an attack on Tang's home, killing many people, including Shuisheng's uncle. Shuisheng gazes upon his dead uncle, as Tang tells him that "His open eyes call out for vengeance." Tang is also hurt from the raid. He then decides to flee Shanghai, with his gang, Bijou and Shuisheng to a small island for them to recover and regroup by planning an attack.
The island is serene, as the only inhabitant is a woman and her daughter. Her duties include doing their laundry and to cook and bring the food to the group. Bored of her surroundings and the inability to do anything else, Bijou befriends the woman, against Tang's wishes of course. Meanwhile Shuisheng has come to accept his job and slowly befriends Bijou. Shuisheng begins to fear for Bijou's safety, as he knows that she might be in danger, from previous scenes that we see in the film. This all leads to the final meeting at the end. We learn the fate of all the characters, as everything is not what it seems.
Zhang Yimou, who is an artist using film to paint his picture, displays images that are vivid and saturated. I became hypnotized by it. When it was early in the morning, the whole island would become a dull blue. The color wiped the character's features, as we could only see their outlines.
The characters are interesting, especially Tang. He isn't in many scenes, but his calm persona gives him a sense of control and awe that is bigger and better than Brando's Godfather. His circular dark tint glasses also add to his allure, as you get the feeling he is always one step ahead of his competitors.
Shanghai Triad is a wonderful film. The film is strong in every category: acting, writing, directing, cinematography and especially the music. If you noticed the music was the same piece that was played in different instruments. What makes this film great is that it makes you think what is happening behind the scenes. What is happening that Shuisheng is not able to witness? If you figure that out then you will know why the Triad boss is called the Godfather.
Zhang Yimou's films usually find a way to protest the Chinese government either up front like To Live or metaphorically like Shanghai Triad. It is no surprise that most of his films are banned in China. Here the rule of Tang can be an allegory to the current Communist regime, an omnipotent being that cares not for the people under him. His people are used and manipulated to how he sees fit.
Shanghai Triad may be the last collaboration of these two talents for quite awhile. Their work together started in 1987 with Red Sorghum and continued with Ju Dou, Raise the Red Lantern, The Story of Qui Ju and To Live. Unfortunately, the couple ended their romantic involvement in February 1995, and now plan to work apart. Shanghai Triad is a great film to tidy us over until they decide to reunite once more. Grade: A-.
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