The Wasted Times

Mr. Lu (Ge You) is a Shanghai gangster who wants to keep his hold on the city as war with Japan draws near. To do it he has to strike a deal with the enemy's army, which means dealing with Watabe (Tadanobu Asano), while his own household is pulled by loyalties and desires he cannot manage. Cheng Er stages it in rich color and heavy ornament, and the dread builds underneath.