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The Last Tycoon

The Last Tycoon (2012)

Dec 22, 2012 1h 58m Drama History

Cheng, a young man who is set up by the chief of police, must leave the life he knows and Qiu, the woman he loves, to start again. After escaping prison Cheng quickly and violently moves his way up the ladder of Shanghais criminal underworld to become on the most powerful mob bosses in Shanghais history. But fame and notoriety take their toll when Cheng finds himself stuck between the looming Japanese army and the scheming local secret service. Matters are only made worse when he bumps into the love of his life QIU, along with her writer husband. Will love re-kindle in the dusk of an era?

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Directed by Wong Jing

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Wong Jing
Writer
  • Manfred Wong Man-Chun
  • Lui Koon-Nam
  • Wong Jing
Producer
  • Connie Wong Nga-Lam
  • Andrew Lau Wai-Keung

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, The Last Tycoon examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Wong Jing brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2012, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of The Last Tycoon took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 118 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 141 minutes long.
  • The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • The film contains approximately 1832 individual shots.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.

Historical Context

  • In 2012, when this film is released:
  • Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
  • Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While The Last Tycoon shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike GoodFellas, which focuses more on action than character development, The Last Tycoon offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Night and Fog and Moulin Rouge! explore similar territory, The Last Tycoon stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: December 22, 2012
  • Runtime: 1h 58m

Where to Watch

Amazon Prime Video
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