Shanghai Surprise

Shanghai Surprise

Year: 1986

Runtime: 97 min

Language: English

Director: Jim Goddard

AdventureDramaComedyRomanceCrime

During the 1930s in Shanghai, Glendon Wasey, a skilled con artist, joins forces with the captivating nurse Gloria Tatlock. They become entangled in a dangerous scheme involving a stolen supply of opium, forcing them to maneuver through the city’s complex underworld. Facing ruthless gangsters, cunning smugglers, and dangerous thugs, they must use their wits to secure the valuable drug and survive the perilous game they've entered.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Shanghai Surprise (1986)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Shanghai Surprise (1986). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1938

The year 1938 is marked by the rising threat of war, with many nations facing political tensions and conflicts. In Shanghai, the atmosphere is charged with uncertainty as local residents and foreign nationals navigate the complexities of occupation and survival. This historical backdrop intensifies the urgency of Glendon and Gloria's mission.

Location

Shanghai

Shanghai in 1938 is a bustling metropolis filled with diverse cultures and political unrest, particularly due to the Japanese occupation. The city is a blend of East and West, known for its vibrant streets and complex social dynamics. Amidst this chaos, the struggle for power and survival plays a central role in the adventures of Glendon and Gloria.

🏙️ City 🌊 Harbor

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:50

Main Characters – Shanghai Surprise (1986)

Meet the key characters of Shanghai Surprise (1986), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Glendon Wasey

Glendon Wasey is an American traveling salesman whose charm is overshadowed by his reckless tendencies and struggles with alcohol. Fluent in Chinese, he possesses a unique understanding of the local culture, which proves invaluable amidst the chaos of Shanghai. Throughout the film, he grapples with his motivations, loyalty to Gloria, and the dangers that surround them, ultimately leading him to make difficult choices.

🧑‍🌾 Protagonist 💔 Vulnerable 🇺🇸 American

Gloria Tatlock

Gloria Tatlock is a determined British Salvation Army missionary whose initial disdain for Glendon's carefree attitude evolves into a complex relationship. Driven by a fierce sense of duty to obtain morphine for wounded soldiers, she reveals a resourceful and resilient spirit. Her interactions with Glendon illuminate her struggles with morality and the choices she must make amidst dire circumstances.

👩‍⚕️ Missionary 💪 Strong-willed 🇬🇧 British

Wu Ch'En She

Wu Ch'En She is a pivotal character, though mainly discussed rather than seen, representing the tangled web of debt and the underworld of Shanghai. As the father of a wounded soldier, his past involvement in the opium trade complicates the protagonists' search for him. His actions and reputation influence the direction of the plot significantly.

📜 Enigmatic 👤 Mentioned 🚬 Opium

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:50

Major Themes – Shanghai Surprise (1986)

Explore the central themes of Shanghai Surprise (1986), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ Conflict

Conflict arises on multiple levels in 'Shanghai Surprise,' from personal struggles to the broader geopolitical tensions of the time. The protagonists must confront their own vulnerabilities while navigating external threats from both local criminal elements and corrupt authorities. The ongoing fight for survival and moral integrity remains central to their journey.

💊 Addiction

Addiction, particularly to opium, is a critical theme that weaves through the narrative. Gloria's quest for morphine highlights the dark underbelly of drug trade, and it reflects both the desperation and challenges of wartime conditions. The allure and dangers of addiction are portrayed through the characters' interactions with opium-related challenges.

❤️ Love

The theme of love complicates the plot as Glendon and Gloria navigate their feelings amidst chaos. Their evolving relationship, marked by tension and attraction, adds depth to their characters and raises questions about loyalty and sacrifice in dire circumstances. Love serves as both a motivation and a source of internal conflict for the two.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:50

Unlock the Full Story of Shanghai Surprise

Don't stop at just watching — explore Shanghai Surprise 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 Surprise is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Shanghai Surprise Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Shanghai Surprise, 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 Surprise Summary

Shanghai Surprise Timeline

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

Shanghai Surprise Timeline

More About Shanghai Surprise

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Shanghai Surprise: 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 Surprise

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