Is Old and New Shanghai Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1936)

📖 The Core Premise

Old and New Shanghai stands as a 1936 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Drama landscape. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "The daily life of ordinary people of Shanghai apartment building: an unemployed person who tries not to lose face by concealing the loss of his job, a singer without an audience, a driver, a teacher, but also the owner of the building and his prodigal son."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In Old and New Shanghai, Gong Qiuxia delivers a serviceable performance that keeps the narrative moving. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Drama. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Old and New Shanghai worth your time? If you appreciate Drama films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Old and New Shanghai is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 90 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.