For devotees of Wong Kar Wai’s distinctive cinematic style, the news of an international release for his inaugural television series, Blossoms Shanghai, comes as a welcome development. Mubi, the curated streaming service, has acquired the rights to distribute the 30-part drama across a significant number of territories, including Latin America, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Turkey, and India. While specific dates are yet to be announced, this agreement marks a crucial step in bringing the series to a wider viewership.
Blossoms Shanghai premiered in China in late 2023, airing on CCTV-8 and Tencent Video, prompting considerable anticipation for its availability beyond its domestic borders. This series represents a notable undertaking for Wong Kar Wai, celebrated for his visually arresting and emotionally resonant films such as Chungking Express, In the Mood for Love, and 2046. The project marks his return to directing after a decade, his last film being The Grandmaster released in 2013, and its production spanned three years, navigating the complexities of the pandemic.
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Based on the novel Blossoms by Jin Yucheng, the series follows the trajectory of Ah Bao, a self-made millionaire in the burgeoning metropolis of 1990s Shanghai. The narrative explores how Ah Bao embodies the era’s spirit of idealism and entrepreneurial drive as he ascends from humble beginnings to the apex of the city’s opulent society. The cast includes Hu Ge, Ma Yili, Tang Yan, and Xin Zhilei, with the series benefiting from the experienced eye of cinematographer Peter Pau, an Academy Award winner for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
Efe Cakarel, the founder and CEO of Mubi, articulated the platform’s deep connection to the director’s work, stating, “Wong Kar Wai was the inspiration behind starting MUBI. His work has always represented everything we aspire to champion: bold vision, emotional depth, and a singular sense of beauty. To bring Blossoms Shanghai—his first series—to MUBI is profoundly meaningful. It’s a sweeping, deeply personal masterpiece, and we’re honored to share it with audiences around the world.”
Mubi’s increasing foray into television content is evident in its acquisition of Blossoms Shanghai, joining other exclusive series such as William Kentridge’s Self Portrait as a Coffee Pot and Lars von Trier’s The Kingdom Trilogy. Further expanding its offerings, Mubi will also feature David Lynch and Mark Frost’s seminal series Twin Peaks and its 2017 revival in select regions starting in June 2025.
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While the current distribution agreement does not include the United Kingdom or the United States, reports suggest that arrangements for these territories may be in progress. For enthusiasts in those regions, the international deal secured by Mubi offers a strong indication that Blossoms Shanghai will eventually become accessible. The series’ blend of Wong Kar Wai’s signature aesthetic and a compelling story set against the backdrop of a rapidly transforming Shanghai promises to be a significant addition to Mubi’s curated library.
