shanghai triad never gain momentum from a slow start and languid pacing until it eventually fizzle out . gong li look superb and director zhang yimou attention to detail and stylistic conceit never fail to impress . but the plot be overly simplistic and the character never rise above a narrative bogged down with one dimensional character and clichéd situation . you get the feeling yimou be ready for something different in his career and gong li have play one too many part under his direction . that say and it be entertain without ever attain the high standard of previous collaboration .