Luscious, loving and a lot of fun, the lively romantic comedy Shanghai Blues is one of Tsui Hark’s most enjoyable works. The film was well received by Hong Kong cinema-goers when it was released in 1984. “A real gem of a picture!” enthused the Post reviewer.
“In Shanghai Blues , Tsui has created a mixture of Cantonese pop, comedy, poignant romance, slapstick humour laced with music, satire, fresh creativity, artistry and good taste.” Tsui liked it, too – he has said that Shanghai Blues is a favourite among his own works, and notes that he has fond memories of it because it was the first movie produced by his production company Film Workshop. Tsui founded the company in 1984, with his former life partner Nansun Shi, especially to produce Shanghai Blues .
Tsui has described the film as “iconic”. Shanghai Blues – which came between Tsui’s cheerful Cinema City romp Aces Go Places 3: Our Man from Bond Street and the unusual social realist comedy Working Class – mainly focuses on slapstick, and serves up popular romcom tropes. The story begins in 1937 when Tung (Kenny Bee) and Shu Shu (Sylvia Chang) shelter under the Suzhou Bridge during the bombing of Shanghai in the Second Sino-Japanese War.
It is too dark for them to see each other clearly, but the attraction is palpable, and they vow to meet again. Fast forward 10 years to 1947. The war with Japan is over, and Tung is working as a street musician while trying to make it as a composer of popular songs.
Shu .