Original subtitles

Be honest

Don't lie

Or else you'll have it coming

Why?

You know the baker boy who comes to deliver pastries every day?

He came to Shanghai as a teenager

Rowed a boat here on his own

The kid had no one to count on

Later he started to study baking under his current boss

After a few years he got good at it

He's a smart kid

The boss had a daughter

He carefully made moves on her

and quietly won her heart

But the boss wouldn't approve since he's got nothing

So the girl goes to her mom

to help persuade her dad

The boss then asks him

What's his ideal wife like

The little smartass thought

who wouldn't want a pretty, rich girl

like your daughter

But he plays coy

And says, "If there is love, I wouldn't mind if she's ugly or poor"

Thinking this would gain the boss's trust

and would agree to their marriage

But the boss is no fool and feels he's untrustworthy

So he ends up marrying a poor servant's daughter

an ugly girl from a poor family indeed

He came over this morning to deliver pastries

Mama Wang made fun of him

What happened? You look awful

He rolled his eyes and left without taking money

Mr. Lu

Sit

I don't care which side you are on

or what your claims are

As long as they are good for Shanghai and everyone gets along

Workers want to go on strike for a raise

which is fine and I can help

But now the water and power are down

Yesterday somebody lined three tramcars across Xiafei Road

blocking traffic

It's become a real problem which is no good for anybody

Seeing their families going hungry

and their kids starving

Some workers requested for water, power and the traffic back

But they were beaten up badly, thirty of them even got abducted

It was you, right?

No no, you misunderstand

All we want is to help the workers get more rights

We wouldn't resort to abduction

I had a welcome gift delivered to the Missus yesterday

Did you receive it?

We did, thank you

The gift is a token

of our good will and friendship

So that we can quickly solve this abduction business

I really want to help, Mr. Lu

I respect you very much

I'd be happy to do your bidding

but we really did not abduct anyone

How can I possibly help?

I swear

in the name of my wife

in the name of my mother

It's okay, I believe you

Please

Get us some dim sum

Dim sum

I'm outraged by this kidnapping

This strike got so long and so nasty

because bad elements got inside the workers

Those people don't want the problem solved nor the strike to end

They deliberately stir things up

These people don't have feelings like normal people

They don't like what we have now

high buildings

and social order

good food, fun and nice stuff, they don't like any of that

or they're up to something

They don't care if Shanghai is destroyed

This is horrible indeed, but

Please wait

Clear these away

I'm gonna go

Where are you going?

I can't stand it here, I'm off to lunch

What's wrong with you people?

Idiots

I'll come here for tea tomorrow as usual

A nice place like this deserves good care

Don't make a big mess here, thanks

No problem, don't worry

I apologize

I know she's not your actual wife

So please understand

Mister

Another job done?

Thanks for allowing us here

We bought you a train ticket

Now just tell me where you keep those workers

Taking this with you?

No

But I'm grateful

I meant the hand

No

Goodbye, Mr. Zhou

Mr. Zhou

Do you need to go back to your hotel to pack?

Okay

Let's head straight to the train station then

Please

Where are you from?

I'm from Zhejiang

Where in Zhejiang?

Xiaoshan

What brought you to Shanghai?

Tough times, thought I'd come here to learn a trade

and make money

Are you married?

Not yet

Girlfriend?

There is a girl back home

Sweet girl

I'll go back and marry her once I make enough money

Have you done it?

Done what?

Bed her

No

We held hands

No kidding?

He's still a virgin?

How old are you?

I'm turning 20 next month

Shit, let me tell you something

I've got this cousin, he's a doctor

He says, before you turn twenty

you gotta take your thing out for a spin

What thing?

What do you think? What else?

What?

Your dick

Or what?

Or it won't work very well in the future

Bullshit

No bullshit! My cousin's famous

Ask anyone around Pudong

He's basically pulled teeth for the entire neighborhood

So he's a dentist

It's all the same

Anyway, he's got a point

Not like you gotta use it everyday

Just once before you turn twenty

to get your system activated so it'll work in the future

Have you done it?

I did it last year

But I'm telling you it's addictive

Once you do it you'll want it all the time

I can't do it

I have a girlfriend back home

For heaven's sake

You're almost twenty, you can't wait

It's for her benefit in the future

She'll understand

You're useless

Where are we?

It's the wrong road again

Are you a virgin too?

What are you doing? Get out

What are you looking at?

I have a son

he's the same age as you

Shit, virgin boy

You're good 00:17:33:15 00:17:35:08You're gonna make it someday

All the more reason to help you get laid

What did the old thing say to you over there?

He said I look like a virgin

You don't wanna mess with Mama Wang

You'll be sorry if you get on her bad side

Nobody messes with her

She always makes fun of that poor baker boy

I feel sorry for him

Of course you do

Need me to help take a look?

Don't rush me

Your people are coming to discuss things tomorrow

It would be good for you to join

My people? You mean Japanese?

I'm not going

Japanese give me a headache

I'm Shanghainese

What are you laughing at?

My wife, your sister is Shanghainese, right?

My sons, your two nephews are also Shanghainese

I speak the language too. I'm Shanghainese

What are they meeting you for?

They said to discuss business with me

These Japanese are up to no good

What business? They only want war

I think it's best if you don't go

They've contacted Mr. Wang, Boss didn't want to meet them

How could I say no?

Then just be careful. They're the worst

You say that, but if the Japanese are really at war with us

What would you do?

What would you do?

I'd fight for Shanghai of course

I win!

Told you I'm Shanghainese, beat you all at mahjong!

I have to go now

Give my winnings to my wife, as usual

By the way

I told you this morning not to make a mess at the tea house

You didn't do anything, did you?

Not in the tea house

Good

You guys play with yourselves

You two little monsters

Don't be naughty

Your brother is meeting the Japanese tomorrow

Those Japs are coming for no good

You tell him to be careful

I don't meddle with his business

So he just won and took off?

Call him back

I invited Mr. Mei for dinner tonight, he should come

Mr. Lu, you asked for me?

We need a fourth

I'm busy

Seriously?

I have a lot of stuff to do unlike you

What stuff?

Making fun of that poor baker boy again?

Why do you care who he ends up marrying?

Who told you about that?

Everyone's been asking me, it's not like I said anything

I just made a comment that he looked awful

He did look awful

You should see the color of his face

He's a young man who just got married

I want to make sure he's not working too hard

You're mean

His wife is too ugly. He'll be fine

Well, I just made that one comment

then he glared at me and took off without the money

What was that? What did I do wrong?

He comes to deliver pastries and groceries everyday

You keep teasing him like that

If he poisons us, it will all be your fault

I dare him, I'll skin him

You're here again

Right on time

Are you hungry?

Want some meat?

I can cook some for you

Just don't take my portion

This is mine

Wait a second

What a rare occasion!

You hungry?

You want me to cook you something?

I just had dinner

Great! Money saved

Mama Zhang is grumpy today

What did she do?

I felt her bad mood the moment she opened the door

Ignore her

You all had dinner with Mr. Mei tonight

and didn't bring me along

So she's upset with you

Is she upset or you?

Her of course, I would never

I mean it

No matter what you do, I would never get mad at you

The Japanese Ministry of Commerce

wishes to work with Mr. Wang, Mr. Lu

and Mr. Zhang to establish an East Asia Co-prosperity Bank

The form of this partnership is that we provide all the finances

While Mr. Wang, Mr. Lu and Mr. Zhang

provide us with your networks in Shanghai, Zhejiang and Jiangsu

We will honor all your efforts in terms of shares

It'll be a most favorable arrangement to the satisfaction of all of you

Have some tea

We also hear that your son works in banking

Perhaps he can oversee the whole affair

My son is conventional and never gets involved in my business

We appreciate your generous offer

but to be honest the timing now is too sensitive

We just can't work with the Japanese at this moment

This banking partnership is purely a civil enterprise

and has nothing to do with the current situation

Really? Then what's with the army uniform you are wearing?

About the shares you mentioned, how many?

Have some tea

Zhang seems willing to work with us

We should just kill Lu

It'll shake Shanghai to the core if you do

I just want us to think it through

What is there to think?

You think I don't know?

You boy scouts want to hold a meeting again, right?

I've decided

We kill Lu

We need your expertise

Please arrange it

Very good

Today's porridge is too salty

Cook another pot for the Mister

Yes

Mama Wang, anything else?

There is another thing but I forgot

It's probably not important

Why didn't the baker boy come today?

Is he still mad at me?

Message for Mr. Lu

So the Japanese want war. There is nothing we can do

Who are we after all?

But now they have made it personal, that has to be addressed

I know you are sad because of Mama Wang

So am I

But now you can't be too quick with your moves

Didn't they invite you to dinner?

Go then

Sort out the Mama Wang thing first

They have to pay for that

You pick the place

Just don't go to Hongkou

Okay

You and your waiter are Japanese

They will feel more at ease

There's nowhere else?

I don't have tables there

You want to sit on tatami mats with them?

That won't be a problem

I will handle it

It all tastes funny

Mama Wang didn't sleep well last night

or one of you guys pissed her off again

Mama Wang went back home, so she'll be gone for a while

I'm done, I'm off to work

I ate too many meatballs yesterday, I am gaining weight

Buy some fabrics, make a new Cheongsam

You look tired

Zhang has a Municipal Council meeting

He will go straight there, I told him to be on time

He seemed unhappy about the bank offer

After this is resolved

I want to give him the factory on Panyu Road

as a compensation

Your feet are so big

Really big

Big feet means a big dick

Bullshit

That's what my cousin said

Do you think of anything else other than your cousin and dicks?

Of course

Women

Tonight No. 38 Sima Street, second floor

Just be there and you'll know

And then what?

Then

you'll feel like you haven't lived before

Look at those Japs

Their dicks must be tiny

like yours

I pulled the trigger, what will you do about it?

Here comes our people

Where are you father?

You're my world, the life I know

Where are you father?

The day has given away to darkness

Take me home, take me home

Take me home

Where are you father?

I'm buried in your love sealed with blood

Take me home

You should go back

I said you should go back now

Don't you have a girlfriend back home?

You should go back to marry her

I'm not going

Haven't we been through this already?

What girlfriend? There is no one else

You've recovered

I don't know why you keep living here

I'm addicted now, I want you all the time

I can't live without you

I'm not a freeloader

I'll go out in a bit to find work, make money

With the war going on out there?

What work?

There is always something

Whatever I do is better than you working

You should stop working

I'll support you

Mr. Lu

You really have nothing else to do?

Being meddlesome is really not good for your health

He sent you, didn't he?

Tell him to come talk to me himself

A bunch of guys bullying a girl

Aren't you ashamed?

We're ashamed, that's why we had to get you back

You people know no shame

Everybody knows you've been fooling around

Even Boss knows

Nobody said anything because we know shame

But now you are doing it so publicly

You're making a fool of him

Tell him to come and divorce me

Boss just got a divorce to marry you

Now it's hardly six months

How will this make him look?

I don't care how he looks

Boss is getting old, have some empathy

Regardless

I still respect you as the Boss's wife

But don't you ever forget who we are

What's the point of living a life like this?

All those people

They are everywhere

Is there a place that has less people?

Take me away

Just the two of us

I have responsibility towards a lot of people

I can't do just as I please

How about this?

Stop fooling around and you will be rewarded

Don't you want the lead in "Love In Bloom"?

I can arrange it

Don't bullshit me again

Miss Wu already got that part last week

As long as you behave, I can talk to Mr. Dai

and get Miss Wu to pull out

Your words

better be good

When are my words not good?

When is the audition?

Director, how do I die?

Suicide or murdered?

All the director does every day is cry

He just bursts into tears while shooting

Something bad must have happened back home?

I have no idea, nobody does

and nobody dared to ask

After we did a scene this afternoon

I turned to him, he was there crying again

So I went over and said

Director, I'm sorry

Did I do something wrong? Then how should I do it?

Just teach me, don't cry

Then he wiped his tears off

and said, no

I just can't believe this is your first time acting

You're so good, I'm moved

Don't make fun of your director

I'm just sharing with family

The day I auditioned, he told me to do the last scene

which is when my character

is already dead

So what's there to see?

I didn't know what to do so I ended up asking him

Director, how do I die?

Suicide or murdered?

He has the script

But he thought for a long time and then said

I don't know

What happens next is anyone's guess

It may not be suicide nor murder

Then how do you die?

I don't

It's possible I don't die in the end

I suffer a lot

but I survive

Tell us about Mr. Zhao, what's he like?

Mr. Zhao?

I don't know, I haven't met him yet

He's the star

his scenes are arranged to be shot all together later

He won't be on set until next week

Too much talking and not enough eating

I wouldn't say too much if I were you

We were just complaining about your food

Seriously?

They bought a new pan last week

Some steel made by foreigners

I knew there would be problems

You people always make fun of me

Keep laughing, I'm off to sleep

I almost forgot

I have something serious to talk to you about

I'm listening

My old rickshaw guy who took me

for groceries left to get married

Two days ago came this new guy

He's really strange

How so?

The gentleman who introduced him secretly told me that

This guy can help do anything

Take me to the market, buy fabrics for the Missus

And

And what?

And other things, such as

killing people

Mama Wang

Now even you're talking about killing people!

I didn't, I just ask for a rickshaw ride

Mama Wang, don't mind her, you go on

No matter what you ask him to do

He'd only charge you the rickshaw fare

Like today you send him to Nanjing Road to buy fabric

He'd go there, come back with the fabric

and charge you for the round trip

You send him to Xujiahui to kill somebody tomorrow

He'd go again, kill the person

come back and still charge you for the round trip

You'd think tomorrow's job is more difficult

and want to give him more money

But he says, I'm a rickshaw puller

I pull rickshaw, I just help with other stuff

Buying fabric or killing people

Whatever it is, not charging a penny more

So he's basically always running about

with an empty rickshaw?

Exactly!

Why are you telling me this?

He's special

Isn't it a waste of him

to just pull an old lady for groceries every day?

Don't you want to meet him?

Bring him to me tomorrow

Great

Mama Wang

I'm short of a mistress now

Please keep an eye out for that too

I'd appreciate it

Stop teasing me

Just stand still, don't say anything

unless you're spoken to

Keep your face straight

Eyes not too high nor too low

Keep them steady

but not blank, be sharp

and keep your composure

It's just like

an audition, you know?

Sure

I'm not just talking about how you treat women

Not that

I got used to that a long time ago

I'm talking about other things

I've seen through your so-called "universal love"

What you show as tolerance and affection

is nothing but selfishness and self-preservation

Also laziness and avoiding responsibility

Universal love is merely the safest and most convenient name

for you to hide behind

while living your lazy, selfish and petty life

Lives are wasted because of men like you

What I want is

a man who is capable of love and hatred

I don't love you anymore

Goodbye

Mr. Zhao

You are such a slut

You'll definitely make a good actress

A big star

You are so vulgar and silly

but so exquisite in front of the camera

So elegant, it's incredible

You're a born actress

So which one do you prefer?

To behold

I appreciate elegance

But to play

I like vulgar

People today like to act like players

with a lot of dirty affairs

but only you are not acting

I'm an actress

You know what I am

I'm a slut

Talk to the Boss for me

Please set me free

You make it sound so easy

Then let me die

I'm already dead inside anyway

All these affairs and silliness

are just ways to pass time

I know you're not going to kill me

You'd hate to lose me

So you'll think of a way

Cheer up

If there's no other way, kill her

That slut is not worthy anyway

I'm thinking about what she said

doesn't feel right

What did she say?

Nothing really

Where are you going?

I'll go to Mr. Wang

You want some?

Sure

If you are so hesitant, don't do it

I'm not hesitant, I'll do whatever you say

Then don't do it

I said it

There is no point in killing for this, it's just a face thing

Send men down to the studio and get the negative back

Let the tabloid gossip about it and we'll get a bit of face back

Either the company wants to remake the movie

or make something else

We'll give them money under the table as compensation

It's just a movie anyway

Got it

But those two can never be seen in Shanghai again

Send them away from Shanghai as far as possible

and never to return

if they want to live

Everybody will think they are dead

and nobody will think less of us

I'll have my brother-in-law take them to Suzhou

and make sure they take a train bound north

That's good

Okay

Make it look real

Slip her some money so she'll manage

I know

This thing can't get out

I don't tolerate big mouths

Liberty swathes this city of shades

Like gloves on the wings of a bird

The silken smoke of the words you spoke

Still rises where you lay

The pathways were red, the lanterns alive

Diamonds adrift in the sky

You're standing here when I close my eyes

This slumber leaves me blind

Take me to Shanghai

Take me to Shanghai

To the town where I belong

My throat was dry, my tongue ashamed

Of all the words I could not say

Your eyes were night within the day

And mine the moon in flames

Stop

I think you should do it with seriousness

You should do it with a sense of righteousness

If you do it as you just said

Your hands are trembling when you put the poison in

and you turn to watch me, for fear that I might awake

It feels that you know you're doing something wrong

Then the whole scene would be different

So no trembling hands

And don't turn, be calm

What do you think?

Whatever you say, you're the star

I'm just a hanger-on

Trust me, you will succeed

Really

Cut

You're trying to poison your wife

How could you be so calm?

You should have all these emotions rolling

and broiling inside you

They should be reflected in your physical movements

You should watch out for her when you put the poison in

To express your nervousness

Your hands should be trembling

Director

All this roiling and broiling, it's too abstract

Miss Wu, you're terrific

It's not you, it's your husband I'm talking about

What do you want to eat tonight? I'll cook for you

Go home first, I need to rest a bit

I'm not going to play mahjong, I'm going to work on the script

It's raining, can I take your car?

Sure

Thanks

It's my husband, the Division Commander caught him with...

one of his mistresses

Now, they won't let him go

Can you help me look into it?

Whatever it takes just get him out first

He has my car

It's okay, I think I know the way

Miss Wu

Mr. Lu has already returned

He'll help you, everything is going to be okay

You don't want to meet him looking like this

Okay

This is the first time you've seen me

but not the first time I've seen you

I've watched all your films

Have some food

We need to go to Mr. Dai for your problem

I will take you to him

Miss Wu, Mr. Lu asked me to pay you a visit

How is everything going?

Good, thanks to you and Mr. Lu

I brought you pastries

You know me well, I love pastries

Have some then

Sure

You want tea?

No thanks

Please sit

Miss Wu

I watched your new film a couple of days ago

You're splendid in it

Thank you

It's just that

I didn't quite get the film

Sorry to hear that

But it's quite normal, I didn't get it either

Really?

I've been wanting to ask you about it

I asked the director the same thing

He actually never wanted anybody to get it

He said that it's an art film

for art's sake, made for people of the next century

Wow

We'll all be dead by then so it has nothing to do with us

Quite right

I almost forgot what I'm here for

This is for you

It's a gift from Mr. Dai

After he met you briefly last time

He's been thinking about you, he really likes you

Miss Wu, please don't get mad

I'm just a messenger, please hear me out

and don't get me wrong

Mr. Dai said these are chaotic times

and there is only more chaos to come

He's buried in work every day

but the thought of a lady like you

living in such troubled times really makes him worried

He's so worried that he couldn't even sleep

He's concerned about you and has the ability to protect you

Mr. Dai is a thoughtful person

He'll handle this very well

What does that mean? Isn't this strange?

It's nothing weird

Do you dislike Mr. Dai?

No, I respect him

There you go, great

Great? I'm a married woman

Mr. Dai knows

So he's especially arranged a good job for your husband

A high position with a good pay

The job is fairly easy and safe

Mr. Dai is going to send him to Yunnan

How is that possible?

Why not?

Before I came here, the day before yesterday

Mr. Dai talked to your husband about it

About last time, I do thank Mr. Dai

But please show me and my husband some respect

Your husband already agreed to it, he didn't tell you?

You knew it already

Why didn't you tell me?

I'm still thinking about it

Okay, then don't go

You must know

that I'm no actor material and I'll never become a star

Now these are chaotic times

and only more chaos to come

It's not easy to find a good job

Whatever happens outside

we can still live our own life

Whatever happens at least we'll be together

But I want to go

This is a dream opportunity

It's a high position and a lot of money, the job is easy

and safe

They brought it on a platter to you

You know

the moment you leave Shanghai

I'll have to move to the Mr. Dai's residence

It'll be all right

You know

Wherever I am

My heart will always be with you

And I believe you are the same

Wherever you are, your heart

will always be with me, right?

You're indeed no actor material

You were awful when you were acting

Really

But you pulled off

that line all right

Mr. Dai says the Japanese are about to attack Hong Kong

He has arranged a plane to fly you to Chongqing

along with Miss Wu

And

Zhang is coming out of his lair

He's going to Nanjing

He told people that he's going by car

But he's actually taking the train from Shanghai North Train Station

I hear Lao Wu is doing pretty well back in Shanghai

Socializing with all sides

She could be helpful

She just needs to get me a pass

Hello

Mr. Lu

I'm listening

Understood

How are you?

What time does the train for Nanjing leave?

Why are you here?

Go back

Mr. Zhang

Mr. Zhang

To all Chinese citizens

To the people who love peace all over the world

Today, victory is ours

Right will triumph over might

This great truth has been finally vindicated

I remember the first time I met you

We were sitting face to face just like this

I still remember what I said

I said I watched all your films

Sorry, I shouldn't have mentioned films

Stay in Chongqing any longer and I'll starve to death

All the food here tastes terrible

A little spicy is fine with me, I've gotten used to it

Perhaps I just hate this place so much that I have no appetite

I love Shanghai, so I love the food

I hate Chongqing, so I hate Chongqing food

Perhaps your love of a place makes you love its food as well

Are you okay?

Back in Shanghai my brother-in-law had a Japanese restaurant

Have you been there?

Stop

Go back

Go back

Stop the engine

You're back

When did you come back?

You should have said something

I just got back, you two were sleeping

He's been good?

I wish! He's been stirring all night

I'm exhausted

Take this and eat

You're back

Any troubles?

The driver is visiting some relatives in Suzhou

and he said he would be back in a few days

What's the matter with him?

So you drove the car back yourself?

Yes

Lu won't cooperate

but Zhang seems willing to work for money

We can consider getting rid of Lu

Do it

I ate too many meatballs yesterday

I am gaining weight

Buy some fabrics, make a new Cheongsam

You look tired

What has come over you?

Are you crazy?

It's daytime already!

Where are the kids?

Downstairs in the yard

Why did you shoot me?

Wait

Why did you let him go?

Idiot

I shot you

because you forgot to shoot me

I could have killed him just now

You let him live on purpose

because you couldn't leave your two kids alone

Tomorrow you go post Ikeda and my obituary

in both Shanghai and Japanese newspaper

and restore Shanghai's order

Until after we have occupied Shanghai

I will have a new identity

and a new mission

There will be a new battlefield

I'm counting on you

to handle things

For Imperial Japan! Make or break!

For Imperial Japan! Make or break!

What about her?

Kill her off

How did things end up like this?

I never wished the war to end

I never wished

to survive it

But now I want to live

Can you help me find my sons?

Take them to Yokohama, Japan

I have a house and land there

You can grow crops to live

After all this is over

I'll go find you and the boys

I saw you get into the car

You were supposed to go to Suzhou

and take a train bound north from there

Sometimes I think of you

You were supposed to be in the North

I'm going to need an army uniform

I don't understand these yellow skinned monkeys

The day before

they were fighting like they didn't expect to see tomorrow's sunrise

The next day they just threw up their arms and quit

They even went ahead and built POW camps

for themselves and these nice dormitories for us

We brought one thousand men to this island

and they brought three hundred thousand

And they just quit fighting

Stupid, stinky bastards

Who do you wanna extradite?

I made the right decision not killing you

They are big boys now

Leave with me

I can't let you live

You're not going to hurt them

nobody is going to hurt them

I know you people too well

Stop crying, there is no time for tears

Listen to me, you have to survive

That camp will protect Japanese

Tell them you are Japanese

You understand?

I am dad

You must run over there

Tell them you are Japanese

You must go back to Japan

You understand?

Japanese

Japanese

Japanese

Sir, over here

Hat off

Hands up

Guess this is it

Don't know the difference

You are finally trapped in love

Collapsed in your past

You do not apologize

You do not remember

Guess this is it

Don't know the difference

He abandoned love

Back to who he was

He does not linger

He does not remember

You wonder deep inside

You should have lived longer

You wonder deep inside

You should have been closer

You can not stop lying to yourself

As if you ever left

from where we began

You should have lived longer

You should have been closer

You should have lived longer

You should have been closer

You can not stop lying to yourself

As if you ever moved on

He can not stop pleasing you

As if he ever lived

We watched you with silence

As if it means anything

You should have lived longer

You should have been closer

You should have lived longer

You should have been closer