Shanghai Kiss (2007)
A Chinese-American actor inherits his grandmother's Shanghai home and finds his roots — and himself — in this warm, witty comedy-drama.
Shanghai Kiss - Movie Information
- Release Year: 2007
- Directed by: David Ren, Kip Konwiser
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance
- Runtime: 1h 46m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 17, 2007 (United States)
- Production Companies: Shanghai Kid Films
- Production Countries: United States of America
Shanghai Kiss - Plot
Liam Liu unwittingly gets involved with a high school girl. He suddenly has to go to China after learning from his father that he has inherited his grandmother's home in Shanghai. He's not very appreciative of his Chinese roots, and at first, only wants to sell the house and get back to the U.S. as fast as possible. He gets a taste of the Chinese culture and ends up having some big decisions to make.
Shanghai Kiss - Trailer
See the official trailer and get a feel for Liam's journey from Los Angeles to Shanghai:
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Shanghai Kiss - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- David Ren
- Kip Konwiser
Main Cast
- Ken Leung
- Hayden Panettiere
- Kathleen Lancaster
- Joel David Moore
- Summer Altice
- James Hong
- Kelly Hu
- Lorna Scott
- Spencer Redford
- Steve Connell
Writers
- David Ren
Producers
- Kip Konwiser
Shanghai Kiss - FAQs
What is Shanghai Kiss about?
Shanghai Kiss follows Liam Liu, a struggling Chinese-American actor in Los Angeles who unexpectedly inherits his late grandmother's house in Shanghai. Reluctant to embrace his heritage, he travels to China to sell the property but ends up confronting his identity, complicated relationships, and what truly matters in his life.
Does Shanghai Kiss have a happy ending?
Shanghai Kiss wraps up on a bittersweet but ultimately hopeful note. Liam's journey through Shanghai forces him to grow up and make some tough choices about love and identity. Without giving too much away, the ending feels earned — reflective rather than neatly tied up, which suits the film's tone perfectly.
Where can you stream Shanghai Kiss?
You can watch Shanghai Kiss on Fawesome for free, or rent it through Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. It's a fairly accessible title across multiple platforms, so finding a way to watch shouldn't be too difficult depending on your preferred service.
Who are the main actors in Shanghai Kiss?
Ken Leung leads the film as Liam Liu, with a then-teenage Hayden Panettiere playing Adelaide Bourbon, the high school girl who complicates his life. The supporting cast includes James Hong, Kelly Hu, Joel David Moore, Summer Altice, and Kathleen Lancaster, rounding out a lively ensemble.
Why does Liam Liu travel to Shanghai in the film?
Liam heads to Shanghai after his father informs him he's inherited his grandmother's home there. His initial plan is simple: sell the house quickly and return to Los Angeles. What he doesn't expect is that the city — and the people he meets there — will challenge everything he thought he knew about himself.
Who directed Shanghai Kiss?
Shanghai Kiss was co-directed by David Ren and Kip Konwiser. Ren also wrote the screenplay, giving the film a personal, cohesive voice. Konwiser served as producer as well, making this a tightly collaborative project between the two filmmakers from start to finish.
Is Shanghai Kiss worth watching?
If you enjoy character-driven comedies with genuine emotional depth, Shanghai Kiss is a solid pick. It blends fish-out-of-water humor with a sincere exploration of cultural identity and belonging. Ken Leung's understated performance and the film's Shanghai backdrop give it a distinctive charm that sets it apart from typical rom-coms.
What themes does Shanghai Kiss explore?
At its heart, Shanghai Kiss digs into cultural identity, self-discovery, and the tension between assimilation and heritage. Liam's reluctance to connect with his Chinese roots mirrors a broader struggle many second-generation immigrants face. The film also touches on inappropriate attraction, friendship, and what it means to truly belong somewhere.
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