Shanghai Express

19321h 22m Directed by Josef von Sternberg
6.9
(217 votes)
DramaRomanceWarCrimeHistory

Overview

A beautiful temptress re-kindles an old romance while trying to escape her past during a tension-packed train journey.

Shanghai Express

A Timeless Tale of Love and Deception on the Shanghai Express

Diego Santillán
Diego SantillánOct 19, 2025
The 1932 film "Shanghai Express" is a captivating drama that masterfully weaves together themes of love, deception, and survival, set against the backdrop of a tumultuous train journey through war-torn China. Directed by Josef von Sternberg, the movie tells the story of a beautiful and alluring temptress, Shanghai Lily, played by Marlene Dietrich, who finds herself rekindling an old romance with a former lover, Captain Donald Harvey, played by Clive Brook, while trying to escape her troubled past. As the train navigates through treacherous landscapes and hostile territories, the tension builds, and the characters are forced to confront their own demons and make difficult choices to survive.

The film's strongest aspect is undoubtedly its visual style, which is characterized by striking cinematography, elaborate sets, and meticulous attention to detail. Von Sternberg's use of lighting and shadows creates a sense of depth and atmosphere, drawing the viewer into the world of the film. The train itself becomes a character, symbolizing a sense of confinement and claustrophobia, as the passengers are trapped in a metal box, hurtling through the unknown. The cast delivers solid performances, with Dietrich shining as the enigmatic and seductive Shanghai Lily, bringing depth and nuance to a character that could have easily been reduced to a mere stereotype.

Despite its many strengths, "Shanghai Express" is not without its flaws. The pacing can be slow at times, and some of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped. Additionally, the film's portrayal of Chinese characters has been criticized for perpetuating negative stereotypes, which can be jarring for modern audiences. However, it is essential to consider the historical context in which the film was made and to acknowledge the limitations of the time. Overall, "Shanghai Express" remains a fascinating and engaging film that explores complex themes and features stunning visuals, making it a must-see for fans of classic cinema and those interested in the early days of Hollywood. With its rich atmosphere, memorable performances, and thought-provoking story, "Shanghai Express" continues to captivate audiences, offering a unique glimpse into a bygone era of filmmaking.

CAST

Marlene Dietrich
Marlene Dietrich
Shanghai Lily
Clive Brook
Clive Brook
Captain Donald 'Doc' Harvey
Anna May Wong
Anna May Wong
Hui Fei
Warner Oland
Warner Oland
Mr. Henry Chang
Eugene Pallette
Eugene Pallette
Sam Salt
Lawrence Grant
Lawrence Grant
Reverend Carmichael
Louise Closser Hale
Louise Closser Hale
Mrs. Haggerty
Gustav von Seyffertitz
Gustav von Seyffertitz
Eric Baum
Émile Chautard
Émile Chautard
Major Lenard
George Blagoi
George Blagoi
Minor Role (uncredited)

Trailer

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