Blossoms Shanghai: WONG Kar-wai’s series, an adaptation of an award-winning novel, follows a world in transformation, in this case, Shanghai in the early 1990s, as the economy and capital markets were opening up in China. The protagonist is an ambitious young man, and the series focuses on his efforts and deals in both stocks and textiles; it also explores his relationships with three women. The series smartly gives the female protagonists ample space and allows them to develop as characters. The series’ tone varies from operatic to corny to comic, with some characters belonging more clearly to one group or the other. There is, however, a certain melancholy that permeates it all, coming from a society that is, all of a sudden, in a rush to change.

HU Ge plays the suave, charming, confident protagonist in an engaging performance. MA Yili plays an opportunistic restaurant owner, and she is very entertaining. Tiffany Tang plays a close contact from the government, instrumental in his business. XIN Zhilei plays a mysterious and glamorous newcomer who buys a restaurant in a traditional street of luxurious eateries. YOU Benchang plays the protagonist’s tough mentor.

The series looks absolutely stunning. Visual supervisor Peter Pau and the cinematography team create a style (which includes periodic use of low frame rates, step-printing, prismatic-like breakdown of images, colourful lights, luxurious costume and production designs) that may at times seem like too much of a good thing. But no, it’s all so beautiful that it does not detract from the entertaining story. Music is also of paramount importance, with composer Frankie Chan creating many recurring themes for the different characters and situations.