Shanghai Blues

Shanghai Blues

Year: 2025

Runtime: 1 h 43 m

Director: Hark Tsui

ComedyRomance

Amidst the chaos of the Second Sino-Japanese War in 1937, a soldier and a young woman unexpectedly meet while seeking shelter from a bomb raid. Hiding in the darkness under a bridge, they share a brief, intimate encounter despite being unable to see each other. They make a promise to reunite once the conflict subsides. A decade later, the soldier, now pursuing a career as a songwriter and playing the tuba, hopes to fulfill that pledge.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Shanghai Blues (2025)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Shanghai Blues (2025). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Second Sino-Japanese War, Post-war years

The movie takes place during the tumultuous period of the Second Sino-Japanese War, a time of great unrest and nationalism in China. Following the war, the narrative shifts to the post-war years, reflecting on the changes in personal lives and society, as characters navigate their relationships and the impact of their past choices.

Location

Shanghai, Suzhou Bridge, Bat-je-sing nightclub

Shanghai is a vibrant metropolis known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance, especially during the 20th century. The Suzhou Bridge serves as a poignant symbol of love and hope in the story, where the protagonists first meet during the war's chaos. Additionally, Bat-je-sing nightclub represents the nightlife and entertainment scene, showcasing the struggles and aspirations of its characters.

🏙️ City 🌉 Bridge 🎤 Nightclub

Last Updated: June 23, 2025 at 06:03

Main Characters – Shanghai Blues (2025)

Meet the key characters of Shanghai Blues (2025), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Dung Gwok-man

Gwok-man is a clown with patriotic zeal, eager to join the army during the war. His character evolves from a naive performer to a determined individual searching for love and purpose in a changed Shanghai. Despite the comedic surface, he carries a depth of emotion and longing.

😂 Clown 🇨🇳 Patriot 💔 Romantic

Aak-syu

Aak-syu transitions from a hopeful girl into a dance hostess, facing the harsh realities of life in war-torn Shanghai. Her character showcases resilience and vulnerability, as she struggles with love and societal expectations while seeking her own happiness.

💃 Dancer ❤️ In love 🎶 Performer

Dang-zai

Dang-zai is a scatterbrained girl who inadvertently enters the spotlight while navigating her own challenges. Her character highlights themes of innocence and ambition, bringing comedic relief as well as a poignant reflection on unrequited love.

👩‍🎤 Dreamer 😅 Innocent 🌟 Star

Last Updated: June 23, 2025 at 06:03

Major Themes – Shanghai Blues (2025)

Explore the central themes of Shanghai Blues (2025), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

❤️ Love

Love is a central theme in 'Shanghai Blues', depicted through the budding romance between Gwok-man and Aak-syu amid wartime chaos. This theme encapsulates the longing for connection, the sacrifices made during tumultuous times, and the complexities of relationships faced by the characters as they reunite and confront their past.

🎭 Farcical Comedy

The film blends farcical elements, highlighting the absurdities and complexities of life during and after war. Through various comedic scenarios, such as beauty contests and mistaken identities, it reflects on the characters' resilience and ability to find humor amid hardship.

🚂 Journey

The concept of journey is both literal and metaphorical, as characters traverse through physical locations and emotional landscapes. Gwok-man's quest to find Aak-syu encapsulates not just a physical journey but also the emotional growth and discoveries they face along the way.

Last Updated: June 23, 2025 at 06:03

Unlock the Full Story of Shanghai Blues

Don't stop at just watching — explore Shanghai Blues in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Shanghai Blues is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Shanghai Blues Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Shanghai Blues, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Shanghai Blues Summary

Shanghai Blues Timeline

Track the full timeline of Shanghai Blues with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Shanghai Blues Timeline

More About Shanghai Blues

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Shanghai Blues: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Shanghai Blues

Explore More About Movie Shanghai Blues

Shanghai Blues (2025) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Shanghai Blues (2025) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline