7.1
Where can I stream Shanghai Triad legally?
You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy. You can also rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Shanghai Triad fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, a touch of humor.
Energy
Tense and violent
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension8
- Violence7
- Adrenaline6
Heart
Moving and melancholic
- Pathos8
- Melancholy7
- Catharsis6
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor4
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Satire & Parody2
World
History, crime, and class and money
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion9
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and characters
- Direction8
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
Style
Standout cinematography and score
- Cinematography9
- Music Composition8
- Music Centrality8
Energy
HighTense and violent
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Shanghai Triad is tense and violent. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence7Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumMoving and melancholic
Emotionally, it's moving and melancholic.
All heart traits
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics5Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age3Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumHistory, crime, and class and money
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, crime, and class and money. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity6Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Crime9Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Class & Capitalism8Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Mystery7Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and characters
The direction, performances, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative4Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
HighStandout cinematography and score
Look and sound: the cinematography and score stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography9Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality8The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchThought-Provoking
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About
In 1930, Shanghai violence was not the problem. It was the solution.
Shanghai, China, 1930. When young Shuisheng arrives from the countryside, his uncle Liushu puts him at the service of Bijou, the mistress of Laoda, supreme boss of the Tang Triad, constantly threatened by his enemies, both those he knows and those lurking in the shadows.
Chinese Triad Crime Drama1930s ShanghaiAtmospheric & BroodingGang WarfareSocial CommentaryVisually StunningHistorical SettingComplex Characters
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Shanghai Triad
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Shanghai Triad worth watching?
68
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 68/100 (IMDb 7.1, Rotten Tomatoes 90%, and Metacritic 77). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Shanghai Triad rated?
RViolence
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence.
How long is Shanghai Triad?
1 h 48 min
Shanghai Triad runs 1 h 48 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Shanghai Triad?
Critics84
Audiences71
Not quite. Critics rate Shanghai Triad higher (84) than audiences (71). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is Shanghai Triad in?
Chinese
It was made in Chinese. Produced in China, France.
In how many countries can I watch Shanghai Triad?
5
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Shanghai Triad in 5 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.