**The End of a Kingpin and the Waves of Time — Du Yuesheng**
**Review of *The Emperor of Shanghai: Winds of the Times* and *The Emperor of Shanghai: Dominance of the World* – How Du Yuesheng’s \"Three Bowls of Noodles\" Philosophy Shaped His Legend and Tragedy**
After watching *The Emperor of Shanghai: Winds of the Times* (and its sequel *The Emperor of Shanghai: Dominance of the World*) directed by Pan Wenjie, it felt like stepping through an epic time travel into the chaotic history of Old Shanghai. The two-part series (with ratings of 7.4 and 7.3 on Douban) features powerhouse performances from actors like Lu Liangwei, Zheng Zeshi, Xu Jinjiang, Liu Jialing, and Siqin Gaowa. With grand storytelling and meticulous detail, the film vividly recreates the rise and tragic fall of the Green Gang's tycoon Du Yuesheng (portrayed as Lu Yuesheng in the film), from a humble fruit stall apprentice to the \"Emperor\" of Shanghai.
**1. A Gangster Epic of Grassroots Rebellion**
The core charm of the film lies in its panoramic portrayal of Du Yuesheng’s dramatic life. We witness how he rose from the very bottom, using extraordinary courage, sharp business acumen, and keen insight into political currents, navigating the chaos of Shanghai to climb to the pinnacle of power. From his early reliance on Huang Jinrong (played by Zheng Zeshi), to his alliance with Zhang Xiaolin (played by Xu Jinjiang), and finally surpassing them to become the true kingmaker, the film paints a clear picture of his grueling journey to the top. This is not just a personal struggle; it’s a portrayal of the social landscape during a pivotal period in China’s history, with forces like gangsters, concessions, warlords, revolutionary parties, the Nationalist government, and Japanese invaders all vying for control. Du Yuesheng is the balancing master navigating between these factions.
**2. The \"Three Bowls of Noodles\" Philosophy: The Foundation of a Tyrant's Survival in Chaotic Times**
Du Yuesheng’s (Lu Yuesheng’s) approach to life and work is legendary, and the film captures it masterfully. He adheres to his famous \"Three Bowls of Noodles\" philosophy—people, occasions, and relationships—when dealing with others:
- **People (Connections)**: Du was skilled in socializing, making friends with everyone from government officials and foreign consuls to street vendors and commoners. He knew when to be tough and when to be gentle, expertly weaving a network of human connections to expand his power. The film showcases his role in mediating workers’ strikes and resolving various conflicts, demonstrating his mastery in social diplomacy.
- **Occasions (Image and Prestige)**: Du placed immense importance on appearance and stature. Whether constructing the luxurious Du Mansion, hosting grand banquets, or generously donating for disaster relief, he did so to build his reputation and assert his status. These gestures were not mere vanity; they were vital tools for consolidating power, intimidating rivals, and elevating his position in society.
- **Relationships (Loyalty and Strategy)**: Du understood the value of loyalty and making promises—at least on the surface. He knew how to extend favors to others and used those relationships to control situations. However, beneath this loyalty was a cold, calculating side; when it came to core interests, he was ruthless (such as dealing with traitors). This blend of benevolence and power cemented his influence in both the underworld and the political sphere.
**3. A More Complex Tyrant than the \"Timely Rain\"**
In comparison to the idealized, symbolic \"Timely Rain\" Song Jiang from *Water Margin*, Du Yuesheng was a more grounded, pragmatic figure. His sense of loyalty was not just about brotherhood but was deeply intertwined with exchange and survival. His world wasn’t the romanticized Liangshan Marsh, but the treacherous, ruthless environment of Shanghai. What made him truly formidable was his ability to tie gang power with the country's politics and economy, reaching a point where the very name Du Yuesheng made Shanghai tremble. His influence far exceeded that of a mere gang leader. Du Yuesheng was truly a rare type of historical figure who, through sheer personal ability, stirred the currents of his time.
**4. The Crossroads of History: The Inevitable Tragedy**
In the later half of the film, especially in the sequel, we see Du Yuesheng’s downfall after his peak. The core of his tragedy was a fatal miscalculation—he backed the wrong side and alienated the Communists. During the critical period of the Chinese Civil War, Du maintained close ties with the Nationalist government and even had blood on his hands from Communist enemies (such as the killing of Wang Shouhua). Though he later attempted to mend fences with the Communists, his past actions and his status as a representative of old power made him untrustworthy to the new regime. The film portrays his later years of hesitation, struggle, and tragic exile. His demise wasn’t just a personal failure—it was the inevitable end of an old order, crushed by the historical forces of change. No matter how skilled he was with his \"Three Bowls of Noodles,\" Du couldn’t reconcile with the deep contradictions of the new forces of history.
**5. Insights from Watching: Reflection Behind the Legend**
*The Emperor of Shanghai: Winds of the Times* is not just a compelling gangster biopic; it’s a mirror reflecting history. It shows us:
- **Personal Ability vs. Historical Waves**: No matter how talented an individual is, if they fail to adapt to the direction of history, they will eventually be eliminated. Du Yuesheng thrived in the old order, but was powerless before the new one.
- **The Dual Nature of Power**: Du used his \"Three Bowls of Noodles\" philosophy to amass great power, but in the end, that very power turned against him, weighing him down with historical burdens.
- **The Complexity of History**: We cannot judge historical figures in black and white. Du Yuesheng had a ruthless side, but he also exhibited patriotism (like during the War of Resistance), a sense of loyalty, and supported social causes (such as education and healthcare). The film does a great job highlighting this complexity.
*The Emperor of Shanghai: Winds of the Times* and *The Emperor of Shanghai: Dominance of the World* are epic historical gangster dramas that leave a lasting impression. Lu Liangwei’s performance captures Du Yuesheng’s ruthless charisma and inner turmoil perfectly. The films take us through the changing landscape of Old Shanghai and prompt us to reflect deeply on the legendary figure Du Yuesheng, whose \"Three Bowls of Noodles\" philosophy created his rise and inevitable tragedy. His story is not just an individual struggle, but a testament to the inevitable transformation of an era, reminding us that at history’s crossroads, decisions matter more than mere resilience. This is a historical film whose allure and depth far exceed typical gangster narratives—truly worth watching again and again.
