Shanghai Surprise

Shanghai Surprise

Year: 1986

Runtime: 97 min

Language: English

Director: Jim Goddard

AdventureDramaComedyRomanceCrime

In 1930s Shanghai, con artist Glendon Wasey teams up with alluring nurse Gloria Tatlock in a high-stakes game of deception. As they navigate treacherous underworld politics to secure a stolen supply of opium, they must outwit ruthless gangsters, cunning smugglers, and deadly thugs who'll stop at nothing to get their hands on the valuable drug.

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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

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