The Shanghai Spell


The Shanghai Spell is a 2002 Spanish film written and directed by Fernando Trueba. The film is based on the novella of the same name written by Juan Marsé and published in 1993.

Plot

The film is set in the Gràcia district of Barcelona, in the wake of the Spanish Civil War. Fourteen-year-old Dani is a budding artist, who looks after Captain Blay, an ageing civil war veteran. Blay suggests Dani draw local girl Susana as the subject of a poster warning of the dangers of factory smoke causing consumption. Dani and Susana begin a tentative romance, as they hear stories of Susana's father's exploits as a secret agent in the Chinese city of Shanghai from one of his wartime colleagues.

Awards

The Shanghai Spell was nominated in several categories at the 17th Goya Awards in February 2003. The film won the awards for Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design and Best Makeup and Hairstyles; and was nominated for Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography, and Best Production Supervision.