Shanghai 1920 (1991)
A sweeping Hong Kong crime drama about friendship, ambition, and betrayal in the shadows of 1920s Shanghai.
Shanghai 1920 - Movie Information
- Original Title: 上海1920
- Release Year: 1991
- Directed by: Leong Po-Chih
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Crime
- Runtime: 2h 17m
- Original Language: Chinese
- Spoken Languages: English, Cantonese
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 19, 1991 (Hong Kong)
- Alternative Titles: 上海1920 (CN)
- Production Companies: Fully International Film Distribution Company Limited
- Production Countries: Hong Kong
Shanghai 1920 - Plot
Billy Fong, a Chinese boy working the Shanghai docks, becomes friends with Dawson Cole, the spoiled son of an American shipping tycoon. As adults, the friends become business partners. Dawson wants to run a legitimate trade, but Billy craves the power that comes with leadership among the cities gangster underground.
Where to Watch Shanghai 1920
Looking for where to watch Shanghai 1920?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Shanghai 1920 - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Leong Po-Chih
Main Cast
- John Lone
- Adrian Pasdar
- Fennie Yuen Kit-Ying
- Eric Michael Zee
- Keone Young
- Billy Cohen
- Yeung Chong-Hon
- Loletta Lee Lai-Chun
- Gregory Wong Chung-Yiu
- Lau Siu-Ming
Writers
- Michael Laughlin
- Timothy R. Long
Producers
- Jim Choi Ji-Ming
Shanghai 1920 - FAQs
What is Shanghai 1920 about?
Shanghai 1920 follows Billy Fong and Dawson Cole, childhood friends from opposite worlds who grow up to become business partners in pre-war Shanghai. Their bond fractures when Billy is drawn to the power of the city's criminal underworld while Dawson pushes for legitimate trade, setting them on a collision course.
Does Shanghai 1920 have a tragic ending?
Shanghai 1920 builds toward a deeply melancholic conclusion. The friendship at the heart of the story cannot survive the diverging paths both men choose — one seeking respectability, the other chasing power in the underworld. The film treats its ending with a sense of inevitability rather than melodrama.
Where can you watch Shanghai 1920?
Streaming availability for Shanghai 1920 varies by region and platform. As a 1991 Hong Kong production, it may be harder to find on mainstream services. Your best bet is to check JustWatch for up-to-date viewing options in your country, including rental and purchase options.
Who are the main actors in Shanghai 1920?
The film stars John Lone and Adrian Pasdar in the lead roles as Billy Fong and Dawson Cole. The supporting cast includes Fennie Yuen Kit-Ying, Keone Young, Loletta Lee Lai-Chun, Eric Michael Zee, and Lau Siu-Ming, blending Hong Kong and Hollywood talent in a rare East-West co-production.
Is Shanghai 1920 based on a true story?
Shanghai 1920 is not based on a specific true story, but it draws heavily on the real historical atmosphere of 1920s Shanghai — a city notorious for its foreign concessions, powerful criminal triads, and complex tensions between Chinese and Western interests during a turbulent era of Chinese history.
Who directed Shanghai 1920 and what is their background?
Shanghai 1920 was directed by Leong Po-Chih, a Hong Kong filmmaker known for bridging Eastern and Western cinematic styles. His experience working across both industries made him a fitting choice for this bilingual crime drama set against the backdrop of 1920s Shanghai's volatile cultural and political landscape.
What is the music like in Shanghai 1920?
The score for Shanghai 1920 was composed by Kitaro, the acclaimed Japanese new-age and ambient musician. His atmospheric, evocative style lends the film a distinctive sonic texture — blending Eastern musical sensibilities with cinematic drama to underscore the period setting and the emotional weight of the story.
What films are similar to Shanghai 1920?
If you enjoy Shanghai 1920, you might also like Prison on Fire (1987), A Sun (2019), and True Believer (1989) — films that share its interest in loyalty, moral compromise, and the cost of ambition. The Protector (1985) and Siberian Education (2013) also explore crime and brotherhood in vivid settings.
More About Shanghai 1920
Explore further details about Shanghai 1920 on these trusted resources.