The story's protagonist is Ding (Andy Lau), a poor man who makes what little he can by cleaning toliets. Nevertheless, the powerful local gang leader's beautiful daughter, Fung (Ning Jing), takes a shine to Ding. After Ding rescues Fung from an attempted kidnapping, her father gives his blessing to their relationship -- if Ding can help him consolidate power by killing off some of the other "big brothers". Along with his good friend Keung (Leslie Cheung), Ding begins to rise to the top of Shanghai's underworld, but soon the cost to him personally becomes apparent.

The above plot summary is very streamlined. Shanghai Grand is a very dense movie, and that is its' main problem. There's just too many characters and relationships to keep track of, and things become muddled as a result. Obviously, the film-makers were trying to incorporate as much of the original series into here as they could, but perhaps some more judicious editing would have been in order. There are times when the film-makers seem to realize this, and try to speed things up via a musical montage, but that kind of device just comes off as a cheap fix.

Nevertheless, Shanghai Grand is still a compelling movie, thanks to the performances of the leads, especially Andy Lau. It was at this point in his career that, with the departure of several high-profile stars like Chow Yun-Fat, Lau seemed to realized his importance in the Hong Kong film hierarchy and take his roles more seriously. There's a nice depth to Ding which most of his early work was missing, and that goes a long way into making the proceedings more relevant for the viewer.

Combined with top-notch set design, cinematography, and editing, Shanghai Grand is one of those big-budget Hong Kong films that actually looks and feels the part. When you throw in a few very solid action sequences (helmed by Stephen Tung), you have the makings of a good night's entertainment. Thankfully, Shanghai Grand doesn't disappoint. This is an entry that's well worth your time, especially if you're a fan of Andy Lau and/or Leslie Cheung.

Filmed with the epic sensitivities of a Godfather saga, Shanghai Grand is actually a retelling of an old television series named Shanghai Beach, which was famous for pairing Chow Yun-Fat with Ray Lui. Producer Tsui Hark (Time and Tide), has paired Leslie Cheung (Inner Senses) with Andy Lau (Full-Time Killer) in the film version, directed lovingly by Poon Man-Kit (To Be Number One).

Cheung plays a Taiwanese soldier and spy Hui Man-Keung, who in opening scenes is tortured and beaten by a Chinese femme fatale (Almen Wong) aboard her ship. He escapes, but not before witnessing the slaughter of his troops by Wong. Wounded and near-drowned, he is found at dockside in Shanghai by young perfume peddler Ting Lik (Andy Lau), along with his pistol. Ting has been tormented by a local minor gangster and vows his revenge. The pistol suddenly makes it possible. He nurses Hui back to health, and the two become fast friends. However, Hui does not reveal his true identity to his new friend. He helps Ting wreak vengeance against the minor gangster, and suddenly both find themselves filling the gangster's shoes, under the benevolence of local Triad boss Fung. They make a pact to someday be the bosses of Shanghai together, even though Hui promises to leave as soon as he's taken care of his personal vendetta.

The story becomes even more complicated when Ting falls head over heels in love with Fung's daughter, the spellbinding Fung Ching Ching (Ning Jing). Of course, Ching Ching has already met Hui and loves him. But she doesn't know his name or identity, and so has no problem leading Ting on while carrying a torch for true love Hui. Eventually the femme fatale shows up, just when Ting and Hui are most successful, and then everything comes to its inevitable resolve.

Shanghai Grand is beautifully photographed, and the action is perfectly restrained, which helps give the film its epic feel. The convoluted relationships of the main characters provides just enough intrigue and mystery so that we are able to follow the plot easily and still be fully invested in their amazing story. Lau, who can at times be a bit of a ham, is perfect as rising gangster Ting. And Cheung, whose later career sadly offered up few opportunities as good as Shanghai Grand, is superb as the enigmatic soldier/spy.

Shanghai Grand is an excellent film and definitely one worth your viewing time.