Chinese Guide to Blossoms Shanghai, Wong Kar-wai’s New Series
In just a few weeks, the 30-episode Chinese drama series Blossoms Shanghai (繁花, Fánhuā) directed by Wong Kar-wai has become one of China’s most talked-about series in years. Here’s what you need to know about Blossoms Shanghai.
繁花 (Fánhuā) Q&A
NOTE
A Spoiler-Free Guide to the Popular Chinese Series ‘Blossoms Shanghai’ | Storyline, Characters, and Backstory 🍿
Q: What’s the Story About?
繁花 (Fánhuā) tells the story of a self-made millionaire A Bao, who’s journey mirrors Shanghai’s transformation amid rapid economic growth in the early 1990s.
阿宝
Ā Bǎo
A Bao
Q: Where is the Idea From?
The TV series is based on the Chinese novel “Blossoms Shanghai” written by Jin Yucheng (金宇澄 Jīn Yǔchéng), first published in 2012.
繁花
Fánhuā
Blossoms
Q: Who’s the Director?
The Blossoms Shanghai series was directed by Shanghai-born filmmaker Wong Kar-wai (王家卫, Wáng Jiāwèi), who spent the first five years of his life in the city.
Every movie directed by Wong Kar-wai is considered a significant cultural event, so his TV series debut, “Blossoms Shanghai” was eagerly anticipated not only in China but also by movie enthusiasts worldwide.
王家卫
Wáng Jiāwèi
Wong Kar-wai
Renowned Chinese director of
Blossoms Shanghai and iconic films.
Q: What’s Special About the Series?
繁花 (Fánhuā) is the 3rd Wong Kar-wai movie in his series of “love letters” to Shanghai 💛 Filming began in Shanghai Film Park, Songjiang District in 2020, and it took 3 years to complete production.
Wong Kar-wai draws inspiration from his nostalgic memories of 1990s Shanghai. The scenes are bathed in a warm, golden light, beautifully capturing the essence of the era. Whether it’s glimpses of the Huangpu River, traditional homes, or iconic landmarks like the Oriental Pearl Tower, these elements contribute to the show’s distinct charm.
Q: How Long is the Series?
The Blossoms Shanghai series of 30 episodes, with each episode running for 50 minutes. This Chinese drama series offers an engaging, in-depth experience for fans of Wong Kar-wai and 1990s Shanghai.
Q: Is There an English Version?
Not at the moment. The Blossoms Shanghai series is only available in Mandarin (普通话, pǔtōnghuà) and Shanghainese (沪语, hùyǔ), with Mandarin subtitles. Fans of Chinese drama series and Wong Kar-wai’s work can enjoy the with subtitles.
Q: Where Can I Watch the Series?
Blossoms Shanghai is available on several popular online streaming platforms, such as Tencent Video (腾讯视频, Téngxùn Shìpín) and iQIYI (爱奇艺, Àiqíyì). Watch this Chinese drama series and immerse yourself in the world of Wong Kar-wai’s Blossoms Shanghai.
腾讯视频
Téngxùn Shìpín
Tencent Video
爱奇艺
Àiqíyì
iQIYI
Watching Tips
Since the Blossoms Shanghai series is currently available only in Mandarin and Shanghainese, it might be challenging for Chinese beginners, and is more suitable for intermediate and advanced Chinese learners. The actors speak fast, so you will have to rely heavily on Mandarin subtitles.
You can also just sit back and enjoy the visuals. The series beautifully captures the mood of Shanghai in the 90s.
And if you start feeling overwhelmed by the plot, mind that many Chinese netizens felt the same way:
画面是美的，剧情是看不懂的。
Huàmiàn shì měi de, jùqíng shì kàn budǒng de.
The visuals are beautiful, but the storyline – impossible to understand.
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