Shanghai 2010
"In a world filled with secrets, solving a mystery can be murder."
Mikael Håfström's *Shanghai* (2010) transports viewers to a rain-soaked, politically charged 1940s Shanghai under Japanese occupation, where one man's quest for truth unravels a web of danger and deception.
Director: Mikael Håfström
Cast
John Cusack
Paul Soames
Gong Li
Anna Lan-Ting
Chow Yun-Fat
Anthony Lan-Ting
Ken Watanabe
Tanaka
Jeffrey Dean Morgan
Conner
David Morse
Richard Astor
Franka Potente
Leni Müller
Hugh Bonneville
Ben Sanger
Andy On Chi-Kit
Yum
Race Wong
Cabaret performer
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shanghai (2010) about?
*Shanghai* follows an American operative who returns to the Japanese-occupied city in 1941, only to find his friend murdered. As he investigates, he uncovers a sprawling conspiracy involving espionage and government cover-ups, all while falling into a dangerous romance. The story blends historical tension with personal stakes, revealing a city where trust is a luxury few can afford.
Who directed Shanghai?
The film was directed by Mikael Håfström, known for his work on suspenseful and atmospheric thrillers like *1408* and *The Rite*.
Who stars in Shanghai?
The film features John Cusack in the lead role, supported by Gong Li, Chow Yun-Fat, Ken Watanabe, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan as the doomed friend.
Is Shanghai (2010) worth watching?
*Shanghai* offers a compelling mix of espionage, mystery, and drama, anchored by strong performances from Cusack and Li. While it may lack the polish of big-budget historical epics, its tense atmosphere and intricate plot make it a solid choice for fans of period thrillers. The film's moody visuals and moral complexity add layers worth exploring.
How long is Shanghai?
The film has a runtime of 105 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Shanghai (2010) — A Gritty Spy Thriller Set in Pre-War Shanghai
Mikael Håfström's *Shanghai* (2010) transports viewers to a rain-soaked, politically charged 1940s Shanghai under Japanese occupation, where one man's quest for truth unravels a web of danger and deception. John Cusack stars as an American operative who returns to the city four months before Pearl Harbor, only to find his close friend murdered. As he digs deeper, he uncovers a conspiracy that implicates both foreign powers and his own government, all while navigating a treacherous love affair and the ever-present threat of betrayal. The film blends espionage, mystery, and romance into a gripping thriller that captures the era's oppressive atmosphere and moral ambiguity.
With its moody cinematography and a standout ensemble cast—including Gong Li as a enigmatic socialite, Chow Yun-Fat as a calculating official, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan as the doomed friend—*Shanghai* delivers suspense in every frame. Håfström crafts a story where every alliance is fragile and every secret could be lethal, making it a tense, atmospheric ride through a city on the brink of war.
