Where can I stream Once Upon a Time in Shanghai legally?
GoodWatch doesn't know of a legal streaming option for Once Upon a Time in Shanghai in the United States right now. Pick another country in the Where to Watch section to check elsewhere.
Once Upon a Time in Shanghai
1996·Show
·40Episodes in1Season·
Once Upon a Time in Shanghai fingerprint
High energy, big heart, a touch of humor.
Energy
Nerve-racking and thrilling
Fast from start to finish.
- Tension9
- Adrenaline8
- Violence8
Heart
Deeply romantic and deeply moving
Much of it is about family.
- Romance9
- Pathos9
- Melancholy8
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay6
- Dark Humor3
- Physical Comedy2
World
History, crime, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion9
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and direction
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
- Intrigue9
Style
Standout cinematography and score
- Cinematography8
- Music Composition8
- Editing7
Energy
HighNerve-racking and thrilling
Fast from start to finish.
Once Upon a Time in Shanghai is nerve-racking, thrilling, and violent.
All energy traits
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline8High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence8Physical conflict and intensity.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Warfare6Battles, strategy, and conflict.
Heart
HighDeeply romantic and deeply moving
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's deeply romantic, deeply moving, and melancholic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Romance9Love stories and emotional connections.
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia7Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Coming of Age4Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
LowSome sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
World
MediumHistory, crime, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, crime, and politics. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Crime8Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Politics7Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Warfare6Battles, strategy, and conflict.
Craft
HighStandout performances, characters, and direction
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The performances, characters, and direction stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
HighStandout cinematography and score
Look and sound: the cinematography and score stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchTeensBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You want to half-watch while scrollingGraphic violence bothers you
Find more like it
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every show. Select a row to see all of them.
About
Set in 1930s Shanghai, the story opens with legendary gambler Gon and his vow to recover his father's casino from Shanghai tycoon Fung In his quest, he becomes acquainted with Sou and uncovers her fiance's nefarious conspiracy. Sou gives her heart to Gon, but he can't forget his old love Gu. Meanwhile, up-and-coming gangster Hui Man Keung is quickly making his name in Shanghai. Crossing paths during chaotic times, Hui, Gon, and Ding Lik become brothers and business partners, but Fung recruits Hui and Ding to his side through backhanded methods. Though deeply in love with Fung's daughter Ching Ching, Hui can only turn away from love and friendship when Fung's true nature is revealed. Fung, however, is not about to just let Hui walk away.
Epic Historical Drama1930s ShanghaiGangster SagaIntense RomanceBetrayal and LoyaltyBrotherhood & ConflictAtmospheric Period PieceHigh StakesTragic Story
Actors
Crew
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Shows
Movies
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Once Upon a Time in Shanghai
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Once Upon a Time in Shanghai worth watching?
80
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 80/100. The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Once Upon a Time in Shanghai rated?
ViolenceSexual content
Content advisories: violence and sexual content.
How many seasons does Once Upon a Time in Shanghai have?
1 season
It has 1 season with 40 episodes.
When did Once Upon a Time in Shanghai air?
S1
It ran from 1996 to 1996 and has ended.
What language is Once Upon a Time in Shanghai in?
cn
It was made in cn. Produced in Hong Kong SAR China.