Shanghai Express (1986)

Multi-genre flick (western, martial arts, comedy, adventure, etc.) with an all-star cast about a man who returns to his home town, buys everything in sight, and tries to improve its ... See full summary »

Director:

Sammo Kam-Bo Hung

Writer:

Sammo Kam-Bo Hung

Stars:

Sammo Kam-Bo Hung, Biao Yuen, Olivia Cheng

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Sammo Kam-Bo Hung	...	Ching Fong Tin
Biao Yuen	...	Tsao Cheuk Kin
Olivia Cheng	...	Siu Hung
Rosamund Kwan	...	Chi
Kenny Bee	...	Fook Loi
Eric Tsang	...	Jook Bo
Richard Ng	...	Han
Lydia Shum	...	Han's Wife
Emily Chu	...	Siu Bo
Pauline Yu-Huan Wang	...	Yu
Hoi-Lun Au	...	Siu Chuy
Ching-Ying Lam	...	Security Officer
Hoi Mang	...	Security Officer (as Randy Mang)
Ma Wu	...	Security Officer
Wah Yuen	...	Security Officer

Storyline

Multi-genre flick (western, martial arts, comedy, adventure, etc.) with an all-star cast about a man who returns to his home town, buys everything in sight, and tries to improve its municipal (and his personal) profits by sabotaging a train so the passengers all have to stop in his town and spend lots o' money! Throw in various subplots involving some Japanese swordsmen, some bungling bankrobbers (one of whom is the head of security), and a gang of no-goods who try to mess up the town.

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Plot Keywords:

train | street shootout | written and directed by cast member | unlikely hero | spoof | 

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Genres:

Action | Comedy | Western

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for martial arts combat and some shootings

Details

Country:

Hong Kong

Language:

Cantonese

Release Date:

24 July 1986 (West Germany)

Also Known As:

Shanghai Express

Filming Locations:

Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

Bo Ho Film Company Ltd.

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

In burnt rooftop somersault stunt scene, Yuen Biao was broken leg.

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Goofs

During the final big fight scene, one of the actors does a back flip off of a bar. Wires can be seen during a top view of the flip.

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Connections

Featured in The Best of the Martial Arts Films (1992)

User Reviews

One of the funnies films!

The "Wealthy train" aka "Millionaire's express" looks like an action film. But strangely each and every moment that in a normal action film would have been dramatic here turns into a farce. It has all necessary elements of a classical western, only things happen in China. The fighting stuff is really well done, only instead of tension it brings another occasion to smile. It is extremely rich in characters and situations. One could say overcharged. But most of these situations are illogical: I mean, if it were true, it would never happen, at least it would not happen this way... But it doesn't matter. Do not look for any logical explanations, the film is not about that. In fact it is a parody. And a good one. People who created this film gave a free course to imagination, and the audience is invited to do the same thing. It's like a game: recognize all moments which usually are presented so seriously in many action films (and are supposed to thrill us!) and see how ridiculous they often are. "Wealthy train" is one of those films that never becomes outdated. It will be appreciated by everyone who is able not to take himself too seriously. Watch it when you want to relax, cheer yourself up and just have fun!