Shanghai Film Group's latest Shanghainese film, "Vegetable and Pork Wontons," has officially been released on November 15th, with a separate distribution model, initially opening in Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang. Directed by Wu Tiange, the film stars Zhou Yemang, Pan Hong, Mao Shanyu, Chen Guoqing, Xu Xiang, Wang Lin, Gao Bowen, and Wang Ju. "This story is essentially a love letter to Shanghai. We hope that when people truly open this love letter, they will experience the deep emotions within," said Jin Ying, the author of the original novel and screenwriter of the film.
On the day of the release announcement, the film released a new trailer. A bowl of wontons connects the alleyways of old Shanghai and the warmest bonds between people. The powerful Shanghainese actors deliver passionate performances, showcasing the unique charm of Shanghainese culture. In the trailer, Old Wang, entering his twilight years, hopes his son can quickly establish a happy family like he and his wife, but struggles to communicate with young people. He goes to a matchmaking corner to find a partner for his son, but is misunderstood, escalating the conflict between father and son. However, Old Wang's life is transformed as he enjoys dining, dancing, and afternoon tea with his newfound friends, learning to relax and enjoy life, and gaining a new perspective on life. "Everyone in this city creates their own lives. That's the most remarkable thing about Shanghainese people," Zhou Yemang, who plays Old Wang, said of his observations on Shanghai's urban culture.
The newly released release poster also evokes a warm and inviting feeling. Lao Wang and his wife, Su Juan, chat and laugh on a bench, parked nearby, their old bicycle, a companion through countless years. Miqin, Afang, Lao Jin, and Xiao Wang gather at Lao Wang's home to enjoy his signature vegetable and meat wontons. This bowl of Shanghainese favorite, a daily delicacy, stirs imagination and curiosity about the heartwarming stories it will unfold. Director Wu Tiange said, "The vegetable and meat wontons not only captured our stomachs, but also our hearts."
Poster of "Vegetable and Meat Wontons"
Shanghai-themed, Shanghai-based crew, filmed in Shanghai
"The vegetable and meat wontons come out of the pot steaming hot, and Shanghai audiences should be able to taste the first bite." Xu Chunping, vice president of Shanghai Film Group, said that this movie has "authentic Shanghai flavor: Shanghai themes, Shanghai crew, and Shanghai scenes. It tells the story of the daily life of men and women who eat and drink. They reshape the familiar daily life with a warm, simple and down-to-earth attitude."
In recent years, Shanghai has produced a number of excellent film and television dramas full of urban flavor, from "Love Mythology" in 2021, "Flowers" in 2023, "Good Things" in 2024, to the current "Vegetable and Pork Wontons". "These works all incorporate the fireworks of Shanghai's urban life and the various aspects of human relationships. At the core of these film and television dramas, there is a common major IP: the city we live and love."
Zhou Yemang has appeared in nearly every one of the Shanghai films Xu Chunping mentioned. Unlike the sleazy, old Wu in "Love Mythology" and the gossipy doorman in "Good Things," Zhou Yemang revealed that he plays a remarkably gentle Shanghainese man in "Vegetable and Meat Wontons." He explained on the spot that "gentleness and attentiveness are prominent characteristics of Shanghainese men," and added that this was his "fewest lines" acting career.
In stark contrast to Zhou Yemang's character is the comedian Chen Guoqing, who plays Lao Jin. In the film, he's a playboy, the "most handsome guy at the People's Park dating corner," but he admits that in real life, he's a "nerd," completely different from his film portrayal.
Chen Guoqing as Lao Jin
Vegetable and meat wonton parlor is open offline
Beneath the plane trees, deep within the villas, lie Shanghai's most captivating stories. The "Vegetable and Meat Wonton" parlor will open a window into Shanghainese life. On October 21st, the film and Sinan Mansions jointly launched the "Vegetable and Meat Wonton Sinan Parlor."
Aqing welcomes guests in the reception room
Sinan Mansion has restored the three-story old house into a movie scene, and carefully created a "Shanghai Coffee" retail area, a movie-themed immersive check-in area, and a "Vegetable and Meat Wonton Delicious Reception Room" cultural activity area. Through the planning of more than 30 series of activities, it uses a fashionable, youthful and interesting form to spread Shanghai culture in all aspects, allowing the effect of movie IP to blend and coexist with the urban space.
From now until December 14th, a variety of engaging activities are scheduled daily, including "Mr. Mao's Café," "Shanghainese Classroom," "Tracing the Roots of Shanghai's Time-Honored Brands," "Film Culture Lectures," and "Wonton Discussions." In addition to the film's main cast, Shanghai cultural figures such as Huang Ying, Kong Xiangdong, Shen Hongfei, Gao Bowen, and Ma Shanglong will be in attendance. Enjoy a bowl of wontons, a cup of coffee, and a few Shanghainese quips. Amidst the light, the food, and the local accent, you can rediscover the warm, jade-like Shanghai of your memories.
Zhou Yemang serves as "one-day store manager"