Blossoms

Synopsis

"Blossoms" is a 2023 urban period drama with a Douban rating of 8.7, directed by Wong Kar-wai and starring Hu Ge, Ma Yili, Tiffany Tang, and Xin Zhilei. Adapted from Jin Yucheng's Mao Dun Literature Prize-winning novel, it tells the legendary story of A Bao rising from an ordinary person to a business tycoon in 1990s Shanghai. Wong Kar-wai's first television series, featuring cinematic visual quality and Shanghainese dialogue, is hailed as the best of 2023.

Overview

"Blossoms" is an urban period drama that premiered on Tencent Video and CCTV-8 on December 27, 2023. Directed by the internationally acclaimed filmmaker Wong Kar-wai, this marks his first foray into television series direction. Hu Ge stars as A Bao, Ma Yili as Lingzi, Tang Yan as Miss Wang, Xin Zhilei as Li Li, and You Benchang as Uncle Ye. The series consists of 30 episodes and holds a Douban rating of 8.7 (based on approximately 550,000 reviews), making it one of the most watched and discussed domestic dramas of 2023.

"Blossoms" is adapted from the eponymous full-length novel by Shanghai writer Jin Yucheng, which won the Mao Dun Literature Prize. Set against the backdrop of Shanghai in the 1990s, the story follows A Bao (played by Hu Ge) as he transforms from an unknown young man into a legendary figure in Shanghai's business world under the guidance of Uncle Ye (played by You Benchang). Wong Kar-wai seamlessly transplants his signature visual style—interplay of light and shadow, slow-motion shots, and warm color tones—into the television series. Every frame is as exquisite as a film, making viewers feel as though they are watching a 30-hour-long movie.

Plot

The story takes place in Shanghai during the 1990s. A Bao (played by Hu Ge) is a young man engaged in foreign trade business on Huanghe Road, known as Boss Bao. He becomes a disciple of Uncle Ye (played by You Benchang), a revered veteran figure in Shanghai's business circles. Uncle Ye is a legendary character in Shanghai's commercial world, knowledgeable and enigmatic. Under his mentorship, A Bao begins to make his mark in the stock market and foreign trade.

A Bao is surrounded by three important women in his life. Lingzi (played by Ma Yili) runs the Ye Dongjing restaurant and is A Bao's confidante—sharp-tongued, capable, and straightforward. Miss Wang (played by Tang Yan) is an employee at a foreign trade company. She is lively, passionate, and harbors deep feelings for A Bao. Li Li (played by Xin Zhilei) is a mysterious woman who arrives in Shanghai from Shenzhen and opens a high-end restaurant called Zhizhenyuan. She shares a complex emotional and business relationship with A Bao.

Huanghe Road is one of Shanghai's most bustling commercial streets, lined with restaurants, bars, and KTVs, where merchants gather to discuss business and build connections. A Bao gradually rises to prominence on Huanghe Road but also faces competition and challenges from all sides.

Cast

Hu Ge's performance anchors the entire series. He masterfully portrays A Bao's transformation from an inexperienced young man to a mature businessman with nuanced layers. Under Wong Kar-wai's lens, Hu Ge exudes a unique charisma—combining the refinement and elegance of a Shanghai gentleman with the shrewdness and decisiveness of a businessman. Their synergy evokes memories of the classic portrayals by Tony Leung Chiu-wai in Wong Kar-wai's films.

The 90-year-old You Benchang's portrayal of Uncle Ye is the series' most delightful surprise. Although Uncle Ye appears infrequently, every line he delivers is a masterstroke. Sitting in the corner of Ye Dongjing, he leisurely imparts wisdom about business and life, each sentence worthy of repeated contemplation. With minimal dialogue and subtle expressions, You Benchang vividly brings to life a weathered Shanghai veteran.

Visual Style

Wong Kar-wai poured three decades of filmmaking expertise into this series. The visual quality of "Blossoms" reaches an unprecedented height for domestic television dramas—warm yellow lighting, retro settings, and meticulously designed compositions perfectly capture the prosperity and nostalgic atmosphere of 1990s Shanghai. The series extensively employs Wong Kar-wai's signature slow-motion shots and lighting effects, complemented by Shigeru Umebayashi's score, creating a dreamlike ambiance.

The entire series uses Shanghainese dialect for dialogue (with Mandarin subtitles), a bold decision that immerses viewers in the streets of 1990s Shanghai. The intonation, accent, and vocabulary of the Shanghainese dialect are imbued with the unique charm of that era.

Cultural Impact

Following its broadcast, "Blossoms" sparked a nationwide viewing frenzy and boosted tourism in Shanghai. Filming locations featured in the series, such as Huanghe Road, Jinxian Road, and the Peace Hotel, became popular check-in spots. Shanghainese snacks like pork chop rice cakes regained popularity due to their portrayal in the series. The drama has been hailed as Shanghai's best city promotional film.

References

1. Douban Movie: https://movie.douban.com/subject/34874646/
2. Baidu Baike: https://baike.baidu.com/item/繁花
3. Wikipedia: https://zh.wikipedia.org/zh-cn/繁花_(电视剧)