

The Shanghai Spell
2002, Spanish. Directed by Fernando Trueba.
A fourteen year old lad discovers his first love at the point of his pencil whilst drawing the portrait of a sickly but coquettish fifteen year old girl. In the neighbourhood an old freedom-fighter pits himself against bad types, a pretty cinema-ticket girl takes to the streets at night and a young anarchist dedicates himself to telling tall stories. Far away, in Shanghai, a hero of the Republic meets a beautiful femme fatal with oriental eyes. Reality and fiction become fused in an embrace.
- Runtime
- 1h 59m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- Spanish
- Rated
- Check local
Start now and it ends at ….
Too new to call
Not enough people have rated it yet for a verdict.
Seen it? Give your verdict.
Saved privately on this device.
Where to watch The Shanghai Spell
The Shanghai Spell isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 11 April 2002.
No streaming listings yet. Search JustWatch.
Cast & crew
Details
- Released
- 11 April 2002
- Original title
- El embrujo de Shanghai
- Country
- Spain, France, United Kingdom
- Written by
- Fernando Trueba
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
What The Shanghai Spell is based on
The Shanghai Spell is based on El embrujo de Shanghai (1993) by Juan Marsé.
1993
El embrujo de Shanghai
By Juan Marsé
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
If you liked The Shanghai Spell

The King of Havana
2015 · 7.0/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers

The Miracle of Marcelino
1955 · 7.4/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers

Fast Girls
2012 · 6.0/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers

The Truth About Emanuel
2013 · 6.0/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers

Inside I'm Dancing
2004 · 7.4/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers

Hungry Hearts
2015 · 6.5/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers

Eleanor the Great
2025 · 6.8/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers

The Color of Friendship
2000 · 6.7/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers

Here
2024 · 6.5/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers

All the Names of God
2023 · 6.6/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
The Shanghai Spell: quick answers
Is The Shanghai Spell worth watching?
The Shanghai Spell doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is The Shanghai Spell?
The Shanghai Spell runs 119 minutes (1h 59m).
Does The Shanghai Spell have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Shanghai Spell. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Shanghai Spell parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for The Shanghai Spell yet.
Which OTT platform is The Shanghai Spell on?
The Shanghai Spell isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 11 April 2002. (Checked 10 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Shanghai Spell?
If you liked The Shanghai Spell, try The King of Havana, The Miracle of Marcelino, Fast Girls.
Who directed The Shanghai Spell?
The Shanghai Spell (2002) was directed by Fernando Trueba and stars Fernando Tielve, Aida Folch, Ariadna Gil.
What is The Shanghai Spell based on?
The Shanghai Spell is based on El embrujo de Shanghai (1993) by Juan Marsé.