Is Shanghai Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Shanghai is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 105 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Shanghai Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2010, Shanghai emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Thriller, Mystery domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of An American man returns to a corrupt, Japanese-occupied Shanghai four months before Pearl Harbor and discovers his friend has been killed. Unlike standard genre fare, Shanghai attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Shanghai features a noteworthy lineup led by John Cusack . Supported by the likes of Gong Li and Chow Yun-Fat , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Shanghai (2010) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.1/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Shanghai Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Shanghai is a Drama, Thriller, Mystery film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Shanghai Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Shanghai concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Shanghai reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Shanghai?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Shanghai Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $50.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $15.3M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Shanghai Budget
The estimated production budget for Shanghai is $50.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Shanghai
- John Cusack – Paul Soames
- Gong Li – Anna Lan-Ting
- Chow Yun-Fat – Anthony Lan-Ting
- Ken Watanabe – Tanaka
- Jeffrey Dean Morgan – Conner
Top Highlights
John CusackPaul Soames
Gong LiAnna Lan-Ting
Chow Yun-FatAnthony Lan-Ting
Ken WatanabeTanaka
Jeffrey Dean MorganConner
David MorseRichard Astor
Franka PotenteLeni Müller
Hugh BonnevilleBen Sanger
Andy On Chi-KitYum
Race WongCabaret performer
Where to Watch Shanghai Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Shanghai is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.1/10, and global collection metrics, Shanghai stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2010 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shanghai movie hit or flop?
Shanghai has received mixed reviews with a 6.1/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Shanghai worth watching?
Shanghai is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Thriller, Mystery movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Shanghai online?
Shanghai may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Critic Reviews for Shanghai
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
