The film features a stellar cast, including Leslie Cheung as Hsu Wen-Chiang, Andy Lau as Ting Lik, and Ning Jing as Feng Ching-Ching. The movie is directed by renowned Hong Kong filmmaker Poon Man-Kit, and its music is composed by veteran composer Lowell Lo.
Shanghai Grand is known for its stunning visual style, which showcases the glamour and decadence of Shanghai in the 1930s. The film was shot on location in Shanghai and Hong Kong, and its sets and costumes are elaborate and luxurious. The movie's cinematography, by Peter Pau, won the Best Cinematography award at the 1997 Hong Kong Film Awards.
The plot of Shanghai Grand is complex and multifaceted, intertwining themes of love, revenge, betrayal, and patriotism. Hsu and Ting navigate the treacherous underworld of Shanghai, competing with rival gangs and corrupt officials. They both have romantic relationships with Feng, who is torn between her loyalty to her father and her love for Hsu. The film's climax is a gripping showdown between Hsu and Ting, with Feng caught in the middle.
Shanghai Grand was a critical and commercial success upon its release in 1996. It was praised for its stylish direction, strong performances, and epic scope. The movie was also notable for its portrayal of Taiwanese patriotism, an unusual theme for a Hong Kong film. Shanghai Grand remains a beloved classic of Hong Kong cinema and is considered one of the greatest gangster movies ever made.