Rediscovering Tsui Hark’s Shanghai Blues: A Timeless Screwball Comedy
It’s unachievable not to be swept up in the whirlwind of hilarity that defines Shanghai Blues,the 1984 screwball comedy directed by Hong Kong genre maestro Tsui Hark. Restored last year for its 40th anniversary, this film is a masterclass in farce, blending love, mistaken identity, and slapstick humor into a deliriously entertaining package.
Set against the backdrop of 1937 Shanghai, the story begins with the looming threat of Japanese invasion. Do-Re-mi, a young aspiring songwriter played by Kenny Bee, finds himself working as a clown in a nightclub—a humiliating gig that pushes him to consider joining the army. Amid the chaos of Japanese fighter planes, he has a fateful encounter under Suzhou Bridge with shu-Shu, portrayed by the ever-graceful sylvia Chang. Their meet-cute moment sparks a love story that promises to endure beyond the war.
Fast-forward a decade, and peacetime Shanghai is grappling with hyperinflation, mirroring the film’s frenetic energy. Do-Re-Mi, now a tuba player in a military band, is still searching for Shu-Shu. Unbeknownst to him, she has transformed into a glamorous nightclub singer, living in the same building. Adding to the comedic tension,Shu-Shu’s scatterbrained roommate Stool,played by Sally Yeh,falls head over heels for Do-Re-Mi,creating a wacky love triangle that drives the narrative.
The film’s humor is as broad as it is clever. from Do-Re-Mi’s tuba mishaps to the classic trope of mistaken identities in the dark, Shanghai Blues revels in its absurdity. Yet, beneath the laughter lies a poignant exploration of love and resilience in the face of societal upheaval.
Tsui Hark,often dubbed the “Chinese Steven Spielberg,” crafts a story that feels both intimate and epic. The film’s setting—before and after the events of Empire of the Sun—offers a engaging contrast to the serious tone of Spielberg’s work. Yet, both films capture the chaos and transformation of a westernized Shanghai, albeit through vastly different lenses.
One of the film’s standout scenes takes place in Shu-Shu’s nightclub, where she deftly deflects the advances of the lecherous Mr. To. His resigned remark to the nightclub owner—“Never insult a woman, she may become your boss’s wife”—is a testament to the film’s sharp wit and social commentary.
| Key Details | summary |
|——————|————-|
| Director | Tsui Hark |
| Release Year | 1984 |
| Main Cast | kenny Bee, Sylvia Chang, Sally Yeh |
| Restoration | 4K, 40th Anniversary |
| Streaming | Available on Mubi from 5 February |
For fans of classic Hong Kong cinema or anyone seeking a dose of laughter, Shanghai Blues is a must-watch. Its restoration ensures that Tsui Hark’s comedic genius shines brighter than ever, inviting a new generation to fall in love with this timeless gem.
Rediscovering Tsui Hark’s Shanghai Blues: A Timeless Screwball Comedy
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In anticipation of the 40th anniversary restoration of Shanghai Blues, we sat down with Dr. Mei Ling, a renowned film scholar and expert on Hong Kong cinema, to discuss the enduring appeal of Tsui Hark’s 1984 screwball comedy.From its slapstick humor to its poignant themes of love and resilience, Shanghai Blues remains a cinematic gem that continues to captivate audiences.
The Genesis of Shanghai blues
Editor: Dr. Ling, Tsui Hark is often referred to as the “Chinese Steven Spielberg.” How does Shanghai Blues reflect his unique storytelling style?
Dr. Mei Ling: Tsui Hark has a knack for blending the intimate with the epic, and Shanghai Blues is a perfect example of this. The film starts in 1937, during the Japanese invasion of Shanghai, and then jumps to the post-war era, showcasing the city’s conversion. Hark masterfully interweaves personal stories with broader societal changes, creating a narrative that feels both deeply personal and grand in scope. His use of humor, especially slapstick and farce, makes the film accessible while still addressing serious themes.
The Quirky Love Triangle
Editor: The film’s love triangle between Do-Re-Mi, Shu-Shu, and Stool is both hilarious and heartwarming. what makes this dynamic so engaging?
Dr. Mei Ling: The love triangle is the heart of the film’s comedic tension. Do-Re-Mi, played by Kenny Bee, is this earnest, slightly bumbling tuba player who has been searching for Shu-Shu for years. Unbeknownst to him, shu-Shu, portrayed by Sylvia Chang, is now a glamorous nightclub singer living in the same building.Adding to the chaos is Shu-Shu’s scatterbrained roommate, Stool, played by Sally Yeh, who falls head over heels for Do-Re-Mi. This setup allows for a lot of mistaken identities and slapstick moments,but it also explores deeper themes of unrequited love and missed connections. It’s a classic screwball comedy trope, but Hark infuses it with a uniquely Hong Kong sensibility.
Humor and Heart in Shanghai Blues
Editor: The film is known for its broad yet clever humor. Can you talk about how the comedy serves the story?
Dr. Mei ling: The humor in Shanghai Blues is multi-layered. At its core,it’s a slapstick comedy—there are plenty of physical gags,like Do-Re-Mi’s mishaps with his tuba or the classic trope of mistaken identities in the dark. But Hark also uses humor to highlight the absurdity of life,especially in the face of societal upheaval. The characters’ struggles with hyperinflation, their romantic entanglements, and their attempts to find happiness in a chaotic world are all underscored by this sense of absurdity. Yet, beneath the laughter, there’s a poignant exploration of love and resilience. It’s this balance of humor and heart that makes the film so enduring.
Editor: The film also includes some sharp social commentary.Can you elaborate on how Hark uses humor to address societal issues?
Dr. Mei Ling: Absolutely. One of the standout scenes is in Shu-Shu’s nightclub, where she deftly deflects the advances of the lecherous Mr. to. His resigned remark to the nightclub owner—“Never insult a woman, she may become your boss’s wife”—is a brilliant example of Hark’s wit and social commentary.Throughout the film, he uses humor to critique societal norms, particularly the treatment of women. Shu-Shu’s transformation from a vulnerable young woman to a confident nightclub singer is a testament to the film’s feminist undertones.hark’s ability to weave these themes into a comedy is what sets Shanghai Blues apart.
The Restoration and Legacy
Editor: The film has been restored for its 40th anniversary. How does this restoration help introduce Shanghai Blues to a new generation?
Dr. Mei Ling: The 4K restoration is a gift to both longtime fans and new viewers. It brings the film’s vibrant visuals and intricate set designs to life, allowing audiences to fully appreciate Hark’s directorial genius. The restoration also ensures that the film’s humor and emotional depth remain as impactful as they were in 1984.For a new generation, it’s an possibility to discover a classic that continues to resonate with its themes of love, resilience, and societal change. I’m thrilled that it’s now available on platforms like Mubi,making it accessible to a global audience.
Final Thoughts on Shanghai Blues
Editor: As we wrap up, what would you say is the lasting legacy of Shanghai Blues?
Dr. Mei Ling: Shanghai Blues is a testament to Tsui Hark’s ability to blend humor with heart, creating a film that is both entertaining and thoght-provoking. Its exploration of love and resilience in the face of societal upheaval is as relevant today as it was in 1984. The film’s restoration ensures that its comedic genius and poignant themes will continue to shine for years to come. For anyone who loves classic Hong Kong cinema or is simply looking for a good laugh, Shanghai Blues is a must-watch.
Conclusion: Our conversation with Dr. Mei Ling highlights the timeless appeal of Shanghai Blues, from its slapstick humor to its poignant themes. As the film celebrates its 40th anniversary with a stunning restoration, it continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of comedy and heart. Weather you’re a longtime fan or discovering it for the first time, Shanghai Blues is a cinematic gem that remains as relevant and entertaining as ever.
