Review of Shanghai Dreams

Set in China in the 1960s, this movie tells the story of Qing Hong, the title character. Her parents disapprove of her boyfriend and want then to keep away from each other. In the backdrop, there is news of the economic growth in the coastal cities, especially Shanghai. This is bitterly resented by the people living in the interior, who are banned from moving away by the communist government. We get to peek inside the lives of young people living in an era of complete cultural repression. Anything related to western culture is considered to be bad, which makes it instantly desirable for these teenagers. The movie moves towards a surprising denouement in the last quarter which leaves you slightly shocked by it's brutality. The director does not shortchange either the personal or political aspects of the storyline and is backed up by excellent acting.

9/10