Chinese Film 2019
Shanghai Fortress (Chinese Movie Review & Summary)
Shanghai Fortress poster
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Romance
- Release Date: 9 August 2019
- Origin: China, Adapted from the novel of Jiang Nian
- Film: 107 minutes
- Netflix: 13 September 2019
Cast:
- Lu Han as Jiang Yang
- Shu Qi as Lin Lan
- Godfrey Gao as Yang Jiannan
- Shi Liang as Shao Yiyun
- Wang Sen as Pan Hantian
- Wang Gongliang as Zeng Yu
- Sun Jialing as Lu Yiyi
This film had attracted a lot of controversy despite or rather because it starred the gorgeous Lu Han.
The writer/novelist was forced to apologise for the film’s finished product.
The director blamed the epic flop for the miscasting of Lu Han, which did not go well with Lu Han fans, who said that thanks to Lu Han fans, the film had made a bit of money.
I read something that made me laughed so much. It said that if “Wandering Earth had opened the door to Chinese Sci-Fi, Shanghai Fortress shut the door.”
Anyway, I have not really seen the film yet but comes 13 September 2019, it will be available on Netflix.
I did try to watch this in September 2019 on Netflix but at the back of my mind were all the negative reviews, rumours and commentaries from so many people, some who have probably not seen the film. So the first time was that I got as far as Luhan was in the elevator with Shu Qi and then I stopped.
Anyway, today, while going through the film stocks of Netflix, we (my husband and I) came across this film.
The hubby, who is a massive sci-fi fan wanted to see it. I did warn him that reviews have been saying all sorts of negative things about the film.
But he was adamant to watch it. He said that one should not rely too much on reviews. Judge for yourself.
So we started watching it and started really enjoying it.
We did not have a problem with the noona romance between Lu Han and Shu Qi’s characters. In fact, it was so sedate, it was so cute.
The story is just like any Hollywood alien invasion film. This time, the epicentre of the invasion of the alien mothership was over Shanghai Fortress.
The aliens had sent several ships all over Earth to plunder resources that can only be found on our planet.
Several countries were fighting their own alien invasion.
In Shanghai, they’ve got the biggest of all, the alien mothership.
The alien invasion started five years ago and this time on, they are getting more aggressive so the only way for humans to survive was to fight back.
And China in cooperation with other nations had developed some sophisticated weaponry. They have trained men and women to go to battle.
Luhan as Jiang Yang had a crush at first sight with Lin Lan who was a commander (?) at the Shanghai Fortress; This was the reason he opted to join this particular war to be near her.
It was a one-sided love all the way through the film. Just a smile here and there makes it look that she might like him too.
Anyway, Jiang Yang was in a group of fighter pilots called the Grey Eagle Squad (I think, something grey). They became so close, they became a family. They are made up of 4 guys and a girl who were all good at their duties and tasks.
Just before he went into their ‘final’ mission, Jiang Yang sent a text to Lin Lan with the simple word “I love you” Unfortunately, it failed to send.
The Shanghai Fortress stood on directly leading to the core of the Earth that would give untold energy but this would be considered as a last resort because utilising the energy would mean blowing the fortress as it is sucked into the core.
As many as there of trained soldiers, there was an equivalent number of pliable, energetic alien robots which are almost undefeatable.
Contrary to what some reviewers are saying, the CGI is not bad. It might not be as impressive if it had been done by Hollywood of the Brits but it was not bad at all. It has a lot of pretty impressive and enjoyable moments.
Anyway, one by one the Grey Eagle Squad fell into the hand of the aliens’ atrocities until Jiang Yang was the only one left.
He was commanded by Yang Jiannan (I was very surprised to see the late Geoffrey Gao, RIP, being in this film, he’s such a waste of a young life) to take over the command as he was badly injured.
They have given everything they’ve got but the mothership was unbeatable.
The only option was to fire up their Shanghai Fortress energy vault.
Lin Lan did that knowing she will be dead doing it and most of those near the fortress.
It was a success. The mothership exploded.
Five years later…
There was a ceremony to commemorate the Shanghai Fortress and its many people who died saving humankind from the aliens.
Jiang Yang is now a multi-awarded general/commander.
He went back to the old place where he once met Lin Lan for noodles.
His assistant presented him with a box containing his old mobile phone which has been fixed and modernised (?). Finally, his message to Lin Lan was sent and her phone confirmed that it was received previously.
For a bit of closure, he sent her a little message to sleep and have a good rest.
Really poignant.
I am really happy to recommend this film. Forget the negative reviews, this film is a good watch. There are so many good experienced actors as well.
Lu Han himself was not that bad. In fact, he did well.
Just enjoy.