The Wasted Times

The Wasted Times

Year: 2016

Runtime: 125 min

Language: Chinese

Director: Er Cheng

Drama

During the chaotic period of war in Shanghai, a tenuous peace exists between the occupying Japanese army and a powerful crime boss. Their uneasy alliance is threatened as they maneuver through a landscape of political intrigue and shifting loyalties. The drama explores how the brutal circumstances force difficult choices and blur the lines between right and wrong.

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Timeline – The Wasted Times (2016)

Trace every key event in The Wasted Times (2016) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Introduction of Lu and Watabe

The story unfolds in 1937 Shanghai, a vibrant city filled with tension as the threat of Japanese invasion looms. Here, we are introduced to Lu, a powerful crime lord and enforcer for Mr. Dai, and his brother-in-law, Watabe, who operates a local Japanese restaurant.

1937 Shanghai
2

Tensions Rise in Shanghai

As the Japanese army exerts pressure on various industrialists, including Lu and Zhang, to support a Japanese bank, underlying tensions escalate. Lu's firm opposition contrasts sharply with Zhang’s betrayal, setting off a chain of tragic events.

1937 Shanghai
3

Tragic Assault and Loss

The mountain of stress culminates in a devastating assault that leads to the death of many members of Lu's gang and family. This tragic event marks a turning point in Lu's life, overshadowing his future with sorrow and vengeance.

1937 Shanghai
4

Watabe's Heroic Act

In a heroic moment, Watabe intervenes during the assault and saves Lu's life by killing a leading Japanese officer. However, during this act of bravery, Watabe is severely wounded, marking an irreversible shift in their fates.

1937 Watabe's Restaurant, Shanghai
5

Lu Takes Watabe’s Children

In the aftermath of the assault and Watabe's injuries, Lu makes the difficult decision to take Watabe's children away from the dangers of Shanghai. This act reflects Lu's commitment to protecting his brother-in-law’s legacy despite their complex relationship.

1937 Shanghai
6

Xiao Liu's Affairs

A flashback reveals the troubled life of Xiao Liu, Mr. Dai's wife, who is entangled in affairs that embarrass her husband. Lu is called upon to handle the situation, showcasing the complicated interplay of personal and business relationships in their world.

7

Xiao Liu's Relocation

To save face, Lu orchestrates Xiao Liu's move to northern China, delegating Watabe with escorting her to a train station in Suzhou. This decision showcases the lengths to which Lu will go to maintain honor among the elite.

Suzhou
8

Wu's Desperation

Wu, an actress with a troubled husband, seeks help from Mr. Dai, who is infatuated with her. This plea for assistance opens a new chapter, highlighting the personal sacrifices made as women navigate the trials of an oppressive society.

9

Lu's Revenge in Hong Kong

By 1941, Lu has relocated to Hong Kong with Watabe's sons and begins to hunt down Zhang for his earlier betrayal. This quest for revenge not only reflects Lu's shifting priorities but also unravels deeper layers of his character.

1941 Hong Kong
10

Watabe's Betrayal Revealed

As the narrative unfolds, it is revealed that Watabe survived and was acting as a double agent for the Japanese. His conflicting loyalties place immense pressure on him, complicating the already fragile dynamics between the characters.

11

Watabe as a POW

After the full brutality of the war unfolds, Watabe finds himself as a prisoner of war in the Philippines. This turn of events illustrates the far-reaching consequences of loyalty and betrayal during wartime.

Philippines
12

Post-Japanese Surrender

In the aftermath of the Japanese surrender in September 1945, Lu is in a Shanghai asylum. He experiences a poignant reunion with Xiao Liu, a moment filled with complexity as they face their shared history.

September 1945 Shanghai
13

Confrontation at POW Camp

The reunion leads to a tense confrontation with Watabe, who is now at the POW camp. This moment is a culmination of past choices, revealing the emotional and moral conflicts that each character grapples with.

POW Camp
14

Tragic Decisions

As tensions reach a breaking point, tragic decisions are made that result in acts of violence that reshape their fates once more. This climax serves as a bitter reminder of the cost of loyalty and betrayal in their lives.

15

Lu's Journey Back to Hong Kong

In the film's poignant closing scene, Lu embarks on a solitary journey back to Hong Kong, left to contemplate the profound weight of loss and betrayal that has accompanied him throughout his life. This moment reflects the somber reality of survival in a war-torn world.

Hong Kong

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 16:11

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Wasted Times

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Wasted Times

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