Introduction to Peter Chan’s Latest Film
Peter Chan is set to release his latest film, She has no name, in two parts. The first part will open the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) on June 13th. The film, a criminal thriller set in 1940s Shanghai, was initially 150 minutes long but has been split into two parts.
The Storyline
The story is based on a famous unresolved murder case in 1940s Shanghai and revolves around a woman from the lower class, played by Zhang Ziyi, who is known only as her husband’s wife, Zhan-Zhou. When she is found with her husband’s dismembered body, she admits to killing him but later withdraws her statement, leading to a high-profile trial.
Film Release and Production
The first part of the film, also titled She has no name, has a runtime of 96 minutes and will play in over 100 cinemas in Shanghai from June 14th. A nationwide release is also planned, although details for the second part’s title and release date have not been announced. The film was produced by Chan’s own production company, We Pictures, and was shot almost exclusively on location in Shanghai.
Personal Touch
In a video message, Chan praised his late father, author and director Chan Tung Man, who had fond memories of the people and places of old Shanghai. Chan’s father passed away a few months before filming began.
Cast and Crew
The film features a talented cast, including Zhang Ziyi, Wang Chuanjun, Lei Jiayin, Yang Mi, Da Peng, Li Xian, and Ci Sha. The cast walked the red carpet at the film festival in 2024.
Tribute to Peter Chan
The Shanghai International Film Festival will also be honoring Peter Chan in the "Filmmaker in Focus" sidebar, which will showcase several of his films, including Comrades: Almost a Love Story (1997), Maybe Love (2005), The Warlords (2007), and American Dreams in China (2013).
