Wong Kar-wai’s ‘Blossoms Shanghai’ Sets Criterion Channel Launch

Wong Kar Wai’s “Blossoms Shanghai” to Make U.S. Debut on Criterion Channel

Wong Kar Wai’s highly anticipated 30-part television series, “Blossoms Shanghai,” is set to stream on the Criterion Channel later this year, marking the auteur’s first-ever series debut in the U.S. The North American release comes after successful distribution via Mubi across various regions such as Europe, Latin America, India, and Turkey.

Based on Jin Yucheng’s acclaimed 2013 novel, the series follows the captivating story of Ah Bao, often likened to the “Jay Gatsby of Shanghai,” as he navigates the bustling economic boom of Shanghai in the 1990s. With Wong’s distinctive visual style and intricate character development, the series originally aired in China in late 2023, spanning nearly 25 hours of compelling storytelling.

Debuting on Tencent Video and CCTV-8, “Blossoms Shanghai” quickly became a ratings and streaming sensation, captivating audiences with its engaging narrative and stunning visuals.

Wong expressed his excitement about the North American premiere, stating, “The series captures the vitality of Shanghai’s roaring ’90s, revealing universal human truths about desire and destiny.”

Mubi has acquired rights to the series in key international territories, including France, Germany, Italy, Brazil, and India, with rollout dates yet to be announced.

At the 2024 Shanghai Television Festival, “Blossoms Shanghai” swept the Magnolia Awards, winning accolades for best television series, actor (Hu Ge), cinematography, art direction, and adapted screenplay.

The series marks a reunion for Wong with his longtime collaborators, including production designer William Chang and cinematographer Peter Pau. Considered the final installment in an informal Shanghai trilogy, which includes “In the Mood for Love” and “2046,” “Blossoms Shanghai” uniquely places the city at the forefront of the narrative.