Synopsis
In the roaring 1990s Shanghai, a young man rises from nobody to business tycoon, entangled with three unforgettable women. Wong Kar-wai's debut television series. Stars Hu Ge and Tang Yan. Douban 8.7.
Overview
Blossoms Shanghai (Chinese: 繁花) is a 2023 Chinese period drama series and the first television work by acclaimed filmmaker Wong Kar-wai, adapted from Jin Yucheng's Mao Dun Literature Prize-winning novel. Starring Hu Ge, Ma Yili, Tang Yan, and Xin Zhilei, the 30-episode series aired on CCTV-8 and Tencent Video starting December 27, 2023.
Its Douban rating climbed from 8.5 to 8.7 during its run, making it one of the highest-rated Chinese dramas of recent years. Wong Kar-wai brought his signature cinematic vision to the small screen, rendering 1990s Shanghai in intoxicating beauty.
Plot Summary
In the early 1990s, Shanghai is booming with the energy of economic reform. Abao (Hu Ge), a young man from humble beginnings, rises rapidly through the stock market to become the powerful businessman known as Mr. Bao.
Three women orbit his world: Lingzi (Ma Yili), the sharp-tongued owner of Night Tokyo restaurant who harbors deep feelings for him; Miss Wang (Tang Yan), a naive and passionate foreign trade employee who believes love conquers all; and Li Li (Xin Zhilei), the mysterious and beautiful owner of the upscale restaurant Zhizhen, whose arrival disrupts Shanghai's power dynamics.
In this world of blooming prosperity, everyone chases fortune, dreams, and desire. But when the tide recedes, the splendor fades like falling blossoms, leaving only memories of old Shanghai.
Cast
| Actor | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hu Ge | Abao / Mr. Bao | A self-made Shanghai businessman |
| Ma Yili | Lingzi | Owner of Night Tokyo restaurant |
| Tang Yan | Miss Wang | Foreign trade company employee |
| Xin Zhilei | Li Li | Mysterious restaurant owner |
| You Benchang | Uncle Ye | Abao's spiritual mentor |
Behind the Scenes
Wong Kar-wai spent three years filming on location in Shanghai, meticulously recreating 1990s Huanghe Road, Nanjing Road, and the Peace Hotel. Every frame carries his signature visual poetry — neon lights, rainy nights, cheongsams, and jazz — presenting Shanghai with an allure never before seen on television.
Wong approached the series with the same craft he brings to cinema. Each episode features film-grade cinematography, lighting, and production design. Hu Ge immersed himself in the mannerisms of 1990s Shanghai businessmen, performing a character arc spanning two decades.
References
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blossoms_Shanghai
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14857962/
- Douban: https://movie.douban.com/subject/34874646/
Stills & Gallery
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