Shanghai Story

Shanghai Story Chinese literally Beautiful Shanghai is a 2004 Chinese film directed by Peng Xiaolian. A family drama, the film was the surprise winner of the 19th Golden Rooster Awards in China, where it won best picture over the heavily favored House of Flying Daggers. The films win was also surprising given that the story, according to Arthur Jones of Variety, included references to the Cultural Revolution, which is still a sore subject for Chinese censors. Even more surprisingly, the film was littletouched by censors. While the films studio in Shanghai requested changes to the ending, Peng asked for the decision to come from the State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television in Beijing, who chose to leave the film be.

Shanghai Story had an unusual reception in China. Nominated for several categories at the Golden Rooster Awards, the film was not expected to win, which according to Arthur Jones of Variety, faced tough competition particularly from Zhang Yimous bigbudget wuxia picture, House of Flying Daggers. To director Peng Xiaolans surprise, the film won nearly all major categories including the best picture, director, actress and supporting actor prizes. Even after these wins, however, the film was not immediately picked up for domestic distribution in China.The film, however, was screened at several international film festivals, giving the film exposure to audiences abroad. ........

Source: Wikipedia