Cast
View All
Andy Lau
as Mr. Wu
Liu Ye
as Xing Feng
Wang Qianyuan
as Zhang Hua
Cai Lu
as Dou
Lam Suet
as Mr. Su
Wu Ruofu
as Cao Gang
Sang Ping
as Fat Kidnapper
Lu Peng
as Section Chief Li
Ma Sichun
as Female Officer Liu
Li Meng
as Chen Chen
Yu Ailei
as Cang
Han Feixing
as Bo Qi
Na Wei
as President Cheng
Xu Yang
as Officer Guo
Gong Chengqi
as Officer Wei
Crew
Director
- Ding Sheng
Producer
- Preston Lee
- Xia Chenan
- Angela Xiong
- Ding Sheng
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Saving Mr. Wu 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 Ding Sheng 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 2015, 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 Saving Mr. Wu took approximately 34 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 106 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 128 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The film contains approximately 1474 individual shots.
- The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2015, 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 Saving Mr. Wu shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Manhattan, which focuses more on action than character development, Saving Mr. Wu subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Last Emperor and GoodFellas explore similar territory, Saving Mr. Wu stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: September 30, 2015
- Runtime: 1h 46m
Where to Watch
