As Time Goes By in Shanghai is a Chinese romantic thriller film released in 2013. Directed by Kathy Wu, the movie stars Jibin Sun, Zhengzhen Bao, and Jingyu Zhang in lead roles. The story revolves around a young couple, Gao Yuan (Jibin Sun) and Lin Wo (Zhengzhen Bao), who are deeply in love with each other. But due to societal pressure and family obligations, they are forced to separate after their graduation from college. Gao Yuan goes to Hong Kong to pursue a promising career while Lin Wo stays back in Shanghai to marry a wealthy businessman.
Years pass by, and Gao Yuan becomes a successful architect and designer in Hong Kong. However, he remains haunted by his lost love for Lin Wo. Meanwhile, Lin Wo's marriage is on the rocks, and she feels emotionally trapped in Shanghai's high society.
However, fate intervenes, and the couple meets again after 14 long years at a design expo in Shanghai. Despite being married, Lin Wo's affection for Gao Yuan rekindles, and they restart their relationship, which soon reaches the boiling point.
Yet, the lovers' reunion is not without obstacles. Lin Wo's husband, Li Tianou (Jingyu Zhang), is a powerful businessman who will go to any extent to safeguard his interestsâespecially his wife. As the past collides with the present, Gao Yuan and Lin Wo are dragged into a web of conspiracy involving betrayal, love, and violence.
The film's secondary characters aid to the given storyline, offering support to both the film's protagonists and antagonists. There is Sun Ge (Yubo Han) who is Gao Yuan's faithful friend and ally, Sister Li (Jie He) who is a confidante to Lin Wo and Li Tianou's mistress, and Li Tianou's ruthless business partner (Guoxiao Wang) who is known to be a playboy.
As Time Goes by in Shanghai is a visually stunning film with magnificent landscapes of Shanghai juxtaposed against sleek, modern architectural designs in Hong Kong. The film gives a vivid picture of the Chinese society - differentiated with Hong Kong's vibe which sounds like a completely different place.
The film's director's focus on the protagonist's psychology is another big advantage. The audience gets a clear insight into the characters' emotions, and the backstory from the past's separation that led to the protagonists' present state of mind. The lead actors deliver convincing performances, especially Jibin Sun, as they depict human emotions that are relatable and keep the audience engaged throughout.
Although As Time Goes by in Shanghai maintains intrigue throughout the race, some parts of the film feel too predictable. Some dialogues might seem too forceful for the storyline, especially in scenes involving the secondary characters. Additionally, the film's pacing isn't the best, which can feel overwhelming to some viewers.
However, despite these minor drawbacks, As Time Goes by in Shanghai is a well-made, well-acted film that leaves the audience with a satisfying ending.
In conclusion, As Time Goes by in Shanghai is a pleasant love story with an associated mix of thriller and drama elements. It's a story of two naive lovers forced to separate, only to be re-united later in life. The film's visual focus and excellent performances raise it above average. If you're a fan of romantic thrillers, this film is a must-watch.
As Time Goes by in Shanghai is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.
