Shanghai Blossoms - Too Unique to Get A Score from AvenueX [CC]

01:58 - Book vs Drama
05:46 - Visuals
13:02 - Music
14:44 - Plot
16:43 - Characters/Actors
21:42 - 1990s Shanghai Real vs Imagined
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[@plor3573]

Lighting, unique camera movements, strong focal depth perception is classic Wong Kar Wai signatures. I want to watch it so bad. He's one of my fav. Filmmaker! ❤

[@melindamucsi]

Should you ever contemplate posting less but longer and more detailed videos, please go for it! It's such a delight! And thank you!

[@cosmiyuki606]

The stuff you talk about with the production efforts put into this drama, the lack of stuff like careful lighting and perfect takes are why so many chinese dramas fall flat to me compared to productions from the US or Korea or even the old Hong Kong films. It sounds like this director puts a level of care and attention to detail into his craft that I expect from the best of American films and TVs and I would hope that others productions would do the same. I think if something like the Long Ballad or a Xianxia drama was done with the amount of love you're describing, if some production company was willing to foot the cost an epic story or romance done like that would be such a huge hit. I can only dream....

[@thecritic6977]

I absolutely adore Wong Kar Wai's films so I'm really curious to see how he performs in drama form. Hoping it will be available to international audiences soon!

[@txpepper]

I loved the part at 24:15 ish. The director's and your explanation was so spot on how we as humans filter memories vs reality and how all the aspects change with the passage of time and where we are in our life experiences. Great review and commentary. 👏🏻

[@seanc9520]

Also very spot on about that director. He's not one that cares much about actual reality.

[@daphnemo3080]

I was lowkey expecting you to mention Ma Yili because I love her role and acting so much in the drama. She's just so so convincing and the way many people went from being annoyed at her character to rooting for her in the later episodes, she probably gave one of the best performances in the drama! Personally really loved all the music in the show, and the lighting thing, my god is amazing, as expected from Wong Kar-wai. The drama is really quiet among the international audience because it's not internationally available yet. I've been waiting for more people to talk about it! Hard hard agree about the looking realistic thing like we don't watch Wong Kar-wai for his realistic portrayals of life and true-to-book adaptions lolllllll.

[@acikdarsita]

I like her in The First Half of My Life

[@areejps]

where i can watch the drama please with eng sub ?

[@noelg66]

There’s actually a KZbin video by Aha Lolo discussing the clothing and accessories worn by Xin Zhilei character, Li Li; but it’s in Mandarin. I absolutely love Blossom Shanghai. It’s one of a few Chinese dramas that has the quality and looks that match quality dramas produced in US or UK; absolutely brilliant.

[@areejps]

where i can watch the drama please with eng sub ?

[@trobairitzj]

A few points. First of all, I think it's a stretch to imagine ANYthing coming out of Dramaland as realistic. Movies are not documentaries, and even documentaries, like history, are spun. It does the viewers a disservice to ask a movie to conform to a set and frequently used forms of portraying reality and to believe that those imagined portrayals of reality are in fact reality. Second and as a corollary to the above, movies are art, and as such are very diverse and by definition open to subjective experience. They don't necessarily have to please anyone, despite the gospel of the box office. It does film a disservice to chain its success to popularity. Third, 65 years old is not that old, and Wang Jiawei has been making movies for decades and has the capability of making film for another 20 years. That he credits his viewers' opinions is really generous. Wang Jiawei reminds me of the Swedish director Ingmar Bergman who also had a close connection to his cinematographer with whom together they created a cinematic world that was haunting, individualistic, and had the capacity to expand our imaginations. Difference, experimentation, and artistic vision will always have value no matter how others judge them.

[@MsFiona33]

Xin Zhi Lei has been on my radar since a long time ago.The Wolf, Joy of Life, Ruyi’ s Royal Love…I always found her under rated. She is one of the prettiest actresses in Chinaland and she can act too : Win the future, a pleasure to watch!I am dying to see this drama.Anyone can tell when is it going to be available for international audiences?

[@maichavang92]

Do watch the wrath of time candle in the tomb something like that Xin Zhilei and Gao weiguang are my favorite ❤I love it’s a must watch

[@wollevy2328]

Thanks for this very professional, in depth review. Good to see you take the time to enlighten us on the finer points of what appears to be a work of art rather than just another dramaland drama. We are fortunate to have someone with the experience and depth of knowledge to point out aspects of the drama that we might otherwise miss. I look forward to viewing this drama and hope it will have English subtitles. I, for one, would always prefer you taking as much time as you need to do an in depth review.

[@majesty1144]

This is a masterpiece that has successfully elevated and resharpened the cast careers for better. Congratulations to the entire team. I patiently awaits it arrival to international audience

[@SophisticatedLang]

Wow, I have to compliment you for this review. So well researched but amazingly articulate about a tv series that is so Wang Ka Wai. I am reminded of In the mood for Love. Thank you!

[@gingermintrose]

I love Wang Kar-wai. I will definitely watch it. Thanks for your detailed review.

[@pamelal8926]

Great review and all your points are spot on. This really is not your typical drama from Chinese drama land and more akin to a piece of cinematic artwork! Although not perfect and will not be everyone’s taste but for me is a very welcome change to all the dull dramas of the past 12 months!

[@softerhaze]

Although I'm a 2003 baby, the 1990s , especially in Hong Kong, really resonates with me as my parents would always play music from that period, all the stars like anita Mui, faye wong etc so music like that really brings back fond memories. Coupled with pretty people looking absolutely stunning I cannot wait for this to be available for international audiences!! Just the OST alone makes me excited, the Hong Kong/China music scene from back then IS SUPERIOR you can't change my mind

[@josejunavac9220]

Thank you for the interesting details and for your opinion that guides us towards the art of Chinese cinema in good quality works. You make us even more intrigued about Blossoms Shanghai. I have been watching some scenes since it is uploaded on many of the platforms where I usually watch Chinese dramas. I love the light, the details, and yes, the setting tends more towards the 40s than the 90s but it is a charming poetic license for our imagination. I just hope that this work of art is not just for the Chinese people and they allow subtitles for the international audience who follow you and love your Art.....

[@lilypond5158]

I've recently come across a very underrated drama called derailment(脫軌), it's a sci-fi romance It has almost no press and I only watxhed it because I read the original novel a few years ago, my favourite aspect of the show is the main character and her acting is really good, which I wasn't expecting because the actress has a really bad reputation. I really hope you give it a try.

[@softerhaze]

A funny thing I heard about one of wong kar wai's movies is that he didn't even have a script for it and the actors would keep asking him to elaborate more on their character but he just never had a script so be couldn't 😂 I'm glad this one has a pretty interesting plot though, very interesting how he's actually re-editing the drama as it is airing using live feedback. That really is amazing dedication to his art and makes me appreciate this even more

[@drapichu]

I just finished the drama last night, and thanks for giving me some closure! I have been binge watching BTS and interviews about this work and your video pretty much encapsulated all I have seen. If you could talk about the puzzling ending, that would be super!

[@daphnemo3080]

hi! just wanted to chime in about the ending. i think the drama meant to show the rise and fall of the stock exchange and china opening up to the world. if u remember, baozong bought a piece of land very early on in the show and in the end that became his escape route to completely shake off his works with stocks. that land later became disneyland (i think) so like it’s a great area of development anyway. i think the final scenes with xin zhilei’s character and the baozong look alike is to show what baozong might have become (like A先生) if he kept on going that route! final final scene with wang xiaojie is probably meant to show that maybe they may meet again or maybe they don’t, we are all passing by for a moment in someone’s life. these are just my interpretation anyway!

[@starlight-bq2we]

@@daphnemo3080 I think that this is a really good interpretation! Thanks for sharing!

[@birsensuuu]

I was about to start watching and I saw your video...🖤

[@elf41354]

I really appreciated this video! I feel like I learned a lot about what to expect when I finally watch this. I continue to hope for international distribution of the Shanghainese version with English subtitles (working on learning Mandarin but it's tough going). Do you think chances are good that this will get picked up by one of the big streaming services for Western audiences, given the director is so well-known?

[@SwiaKeys]

I really want to see it...when will it air for international fans

[@LuArielLor]

So many interesting things I learned from the cast and crew from this video. Tell me there's English subs though because I'm not going to get hyped up if it's still not found

[@kxkx8243]

Omg what lipstick are you wearing? It’s beautiful:) love your reviews as usual!

[@ashielfaye]

Got the Shanghainese version and will watch it next. I always like WJW’s works so I’m glad this drama exists. Thank you for the wonderful review😊

[@melindabarstow1519]

Xin Zhilei, I remember her from Ruys royal love. I absolutely hated her and wanted her to die. Not her personally, her character LOL. She played a villain like none other I have ever seen.

[@andaro45]

Thanks for this thorough review! It makes me want to watch it even more! I've been waiting for this one for so long. But, does anyone know where I can find it with english subs? Maybe I should watch it without anyway to enjoy the visuals fully, but I want to understand what's happening lol and my chinese is definitely not to the level I can understand without subs (especially if it's in Shanghainese). Anyway, other than that, I can't wait to see Xin Zhilei in a different role. To me, she's the most beautiful Chinese actress, she looks like a goddess. She's def my girl crush haha! And I always thought she was a great actress, but often under-utilized or in bad shows. But she can play both very emotionally charged scenes and comical scenes very well. Yes, I'm a fan lol

[@SoNgO1314]

Av, you look glowing

[@_kpoplicious]

Your hair are slaying

[@nicoleraheem1195]

1.) "All of your hairstyle choices have been impeccable!'' 2?) "Your hairstyle is slaying!!!"

[@csp8429]

I can't wait to find this with English subs!

[@ErinBerlintop10]

I really love watching Xin Zhilei and haven't seen her in anything since The Wolf, so I may give this drama a watch.

[@verseJ]

Waited for this one for years and haven't been able to watch it till mow because of it being not available to the international audience. I hope that it resolves soon so we can also watch what magic Wong Kar-Wai has weaved for the small screen.

[@satyasyasatyasya5746]

EDIT: yeh ok you mention her and everything haha Yay! *omg, is that Jia from Ruyi's Royal Love?!* :D

[@ChinaJapanLover]

Yes, she is

[@rebeccadarwon8971]

I’m excited….. but I might watch the rest of your review soon. I’ve about 10m in but want to see how I go!

[@emeryroe2487]

Riveting analysis. Thanks

[@hamularas4929]

well that is one interesting point of view. will try to watch it before decide 😁 by the way, have ever watched Ruby Lin's Light the night? i'm curious with your opinion about it

[@funnybunny3823]

I’m still waiting for Eng sub! At this point I don’t even care if it’s the Shanghainese version or Mandarin version. I just wanna Eng sub 😩

[@irurouni]

Amazing, isn't it, what an authentic auteur could create?

[@strangersontheinternet]

I still havent found the Shanghai dialect one with good eng subs :/

[@cecildolorfino5632]

Too bad I haven't watched it yet because there's (still) no eng sub. Btw, you look extra pretty today

[@sophyhusna6263]

Where can l watch it with English subtitles please

[@JunSaintXu]

just finished watching. the relationship between 李李 and 宝总 remind me of the characters in 花样年华。 what do you think?

[@theNfl_Esq]

Anyone know when any of the expected dramas are going to drop?

[@junetrahman1176]

Sweet drama❤

[@yny13xx]

Sadly the drama doesn't get aired in my country. The online platforms also don't have it streamed since they think it's not gonna do well. I'm so sick of lovey-dovey idol dramas, which, sadly, sell better.

[@najibahtahir9245]

Its on youtube

[@moondawnlab]

does this drama has sub yet TT i've been looking for sub but haven't found any

[@bangtanct]

where can i watch this drama ???

[@azalor3223]

I have being looking for somewhere to watch this show with English subs but can't find it anywhere 😢

[@moumitasharmin1306]

Where can I find the eng subtitle one

[@OldSchoolFilm1930]

Wong Kar Wai is legend but it's save to sy that I probably will never watch the show .... but I still watched 30 minutes talking about it. Now I need to find out why. :D PS: I believe I said that before but your film/drama critizism trashes most of US wannabes. Very knowledgeble, fair and as far as possible objective. Thnak you.

[@user-fj1du6uh1x]

Is Sword and Fairy good?

[@carolzamar3458]

Hola! podrías hacer review de novoland eagle flag? 😘

[@carolzamar3458]

please

[@h.a7688]

no subtitles till now so i didn't watch it yet 😢😢😢.i will watch your review when they realse the drama english subtitle....sorry avenu

[@areejps]

where i can watch the drama please with eng sub ?

[@giooadrians]

It's not Shanghai Blossoms. It's Blossoms Shanghai

[@benisrood]

Has it been announced whether Shanghai Blossoms will be sold to a western distributor?

[@user-vk6ne6uv1y]

Anyone know where to find Blossoms? I inadvertently watched the wrong version of 繁华 on KZbin that looked nothing like how I imagined hahah

[@4ever4given01]

爱壹帆 (Aiyifan) has it if you can read Chinese. Tencent actually has it region-locked, so if you’re in the U.S., you can’t watch it there. The ones on KZbin are all fake since any uploads of the actual drama are struck by copyright and taken down.

[@user-vk6ne6uv1y]

Thank you!!! @@4ever4given01

[@coralmoney0702]

your hairstyle makes you much more pretty

[@screenplayhouse4932]

Xin Zhi Lei is about the most beautiful woman on the planet right now. But please, don't take this from some drooling male. I say this with respect to her presence. And by beauty I don't mean 'lovely', which is really where my taste lives. (Song Yi, Zhou Xun, and now Gia Ge). I mean Xin Zhi Lei is vibrant, striking, pretty, sexy, sassy -- all that stuff. If I was in charge of the Bond franchise I'd made a deal with China to produce an agent in China (Xin Zhi Lei) who is a double agent, and no one can ever quite figure out who's side she is on... including herself. Every actress in RUYI was doing their career best there. I've desperately tried to find Xin Zhi Lei in something better. I hope this BLOSSOMS business is it.

[@user-ie8dg9qh4s]

Maybe she's a dark winter.

[@duckraft]

Is there a reason this isn't being subbed into English etc. the way other dramas are? Very frustrating that the one drama I've waited for - the only one I care about - is not available anywhere with subs. I've never encountered this with any cdramas. Subs usually are put out within a week of an episode airing. Gah! Maybe you talk about this but I don't want to watch your review until I've seen it. (Sorry!)

[@duckraft]

I'm still waiting for Disney+ to put out A Lifelong Journey. No one subbed that one either, presumably because Disney snapped it up for foreign distribution. It doesn't look like they intend to release it anytime soon. They just canceled their highly acclaimed American Born Chinese (which was terrific!). So they may be reevaluating the market for Asian representation the US at least. So so disappointing.

[@ilivehere8320]

😢 me three. I've been waiting and looking everywhere for the subbed version I can't find anything

[@estefad.3677]

Gimme the english subs

[@maigaray9506]

I'm still waiting for this to have English subs so I can watch it

[@tashaonly]

Is it English subbed yet?

[@sleppyhead1501]

There is no English subtitles and there is no English book version 😩😵😩omg I might just die of anger. Should I just buy the chinese version book and learn chinese??😂😭😭😭😨 these English subtitles will not come anytime soon. And I don't want to use my trans app but it might lose it meaning. I'm so lost😭😭🥶😭

[@cassball7]

You should just learn Chinese. I started learning Chinese a few years ago and I watch Chinese dramas to enhance my learning. I know enough now that I catch mistranslations. The language is beautiful and a lot of things get lost in translation. So much dialogue means more in Chinese. Even characters mean more than their English translation.

[@elaineyi3281]

the book was also written in shanghai dialect though...Think it will be difficult to read even for mandarin native speakers in northern china

[@yankong8290]

I am waiting for this drama to become available on KZbin. Not likely to watch all in Shanghainess. I grew up in Beijing in 70's and 80's, left in1991. I still have some unfavorable stereotype on Shanghainess. I don't expect to have the emotional nostagia to the show, unique and brilliant though it is. Will check it out for sure. By the way, you were trying to brush your hair away from your chin so much, too much static?

[@manju331]

🙄 Static hair…really?

[@daydaytouchfish1]

Beijing person here, coming in to say isn't having unfavourable stereotype of Shanghainese people dumb af 🙄🙄🙄 if you have these stereotypes and recognise it's an oversimplified prejudice then maybe try to resist the discrimination... The Shanghainese version is definitely going to be better than the Mando dub.

[@naleenidas7734]

I have my reservation with that actress from Ruyi - she played the Korean concubine ? To me she's kind of one dimensional & overacts. So, I will wait to see this drama to see if she has improved somewhat ?

[@btsarmy.saranghae7492]

2nd person

[@dannichen6049]

Anybody know where to find the shanghai language version with eng sub?

[@ceciliazhou79]

I actually don’t like the series. The music is too overpowering and cinematography is too dramatic for me. I watched the first episode and gave up…..

[@KimberlyHarrison45]

Where did you watch it?

[@ceciliazhou79]

@@KimberlyHarrison45 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHzJd3puobZlb7Msi=NB27RvyOqfz0-HAw

[@ceciliazhou79]

@@KimberlyHarrison45no Eng sub though.

[@harunotodoroki]

Sounds over hyped, too artistic and complicated for laymen to appreciate

[@user-bt6ns1sp1l]

Huge disappointment

[@dicktaylor7575]

Amazing camerawork. Makes stuff like Poor Things look as if it was made you a You Tuber.

[@Barbarossa-heir]

❤❤❤❤❤ First one to.comment on this trending Drama 瀪花 Great to know about the director..😊 Sizzling curious about the color choice ,i love oil painting, if it is cleverly iused then hats off.