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During the 1930s in Shanghai, a young man named Shuisheng loses his innocence when he is drawn into the city’s dangerous criminal underworld. He finds a connection with Jinbao, a captivating nightclub singer, and an island peasant, forging unexpected bonds amidst treachery and escalating violence. As rival gangs battle for control, the ruthless Tang’s power struggles create chaos and threaten to consume everyone in his path.

During the 1930s in Shanghai, a young man named Shuisheng loses his innocence when he is drawn into the city’s dangerous criminal underworld. He finds a connection with Jinbao, a captivating nightclub singer, and an island peasant, forging unexpected bonds amidst treachery and escalating violence. As rival gangs battle for control, the ruthless Tang’s power struggles create chaos and threaten to consume everyone in his path.

Does Shanghai Triad have end credit scenes?

No!

Shanghai Triad does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of Shanghai Triad

Explore the complete cast of Shanghai Triad, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for Shanghai Triad

See how Shanghai Triad is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Shanghai Triad stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Metacritic

77

Metascore

tbd

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

%

TOMATOMETER

review

0%

User Score

IMDb

7.1 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

68

%

User Score

Take the Ultimate Shanghai Triad Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of Shanghai Triad with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


Shanghai Triad Quiz: Test your knowledge on the intricate plot and characters of the 1995 film Shanghai Triad.

Who is Tang Shuisheng's uncle in the movie?

Awards & Nominations for Shanghai Triad

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68th Academy Awards 1996

Nomination

Cinematography

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for Shanghai Triad

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Read the complete plot summary of Shanghai Triad, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


Tang Shuisheng finds himself in the bustling city of Shanghai, prepared to work for a notorious Triad Boss who shares his name, Tang. His introduction to this underworld begins at a warehouse where an opium deal between two rival Triad factions spirals into chaos, resulting in the death of one member from the opposing group. Shortly after, Shuisheng is taken by his uncle to the luxurious abode of Boss Tang, where he is assigned the duty of serving Xiao Jinbao, a captivating cabaret singer and the Boss’s mistress. However, the tension escalates when it becomes evident that Jinbao is also entangled in a secret affair with the Boss’s second-in-command, Song.

As the story unfolds, on the third evening, Shuisheng is thrust into a violent confrontation between the Boss and a rival, Fat Yu, leading to the tragic death of his uncle. In the aftermath, the Boss and a select group of his men escape to a secluded island. Jinbao forms a bond with Cuihua, a peasant mother whose daughter, Ajiao, remains innocent in this chaotic world. Unfortunately, Jinbao’s meddling in Cuihua’s life sets off a tragic chain reaction, culminating in the murder of Cuihua’s lover by the Boss’s henchmen. Enraged, Jinbao confronts the Boss, urging Shuisheng to flee Shanghai.

By the seventh day, the tension reaches a boiling point when Song arrives at the island with Zheng, the Boss’s third-in-command. In a rather unfortunate twist, Shuisheng suffers from unexpected and severe bouts of diarrhea. While attempting to find privacy among the reeds, he stumbles upon a deadly plot against Jinbao. Rushing back to warn the Boss, he witnesses a chilling confrontation during a mahjong game, where the Boss unveils evidence of Song’s betrayal, leading to the execution of Song’s men and his own burial alive.

As the climax approaches, the Boss decrees that Jinbao, along with Cuihua, must face death for their complicity in Song’s treachery. In a desperate attempt to save her, Shuisheng finds himself overpowered and beaten into submission. The film culminates with Shuisheng bound to the sails of a ship, heading back to Shanghai, as the Boss ominously takes Cuihua’s daughter, telling her that she will one day become just like Jinbao. This haunting conclusion leaves viewers pondering the harsh realities of loyalty and betrayal in a world dominated by crime and despair.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

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Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for Shanghai Triad

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Trailer

Shanghai Triad (Digitally Restored) - Film Movement Classics Trailer

Shanghai Triad Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


boy1930slive actiontriadsislandshanghai

Shanghai Triad Other Names and Titles

Explore the various alternative titles, translations, and other names used for Shanghai Triad across different regions and languages. Understand how the film is marketed and recognized worldwide.


Operação Xangai Шанхайская триада Yáo ā yáo yáo dào wàipóqiáo Szanghajska triada Shake Shake to Grandma's Bridge La reina de Shanghai Shanghai Triaden La joya de Shanghai Yao a yao yao dao wai po qiao Shanghaitriaden 搖啊搖,搖到外婆橋 Yao a Yao Yao Dao Wai Pe Qiao La triade di Shanghai Shanghai Serenade Το τρίγωνο της Σαγκάης A Tríade de Xangai 트라이어드 Şangay Üçlüsü 上海ルージュ Триадата от Шанхай A sanghaji maffia Hội Tam Hoàng Thượng Hải შანხაის ტრიადა

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