Zhang Yimou
The film was the last collaboration between Zhang Yimou and actress Gong Li in the 1990s, thus ending a successful partnership that had begun with Zhang's debut, "Red Sorghum", and had evolved into a romantic relationship as well. With the wrapping of filming for "Shanghai Triad" the two agreed to end their relationship both professionally and personally. Gong Li and Zhang Yimou would not work together again until 2006's "Curse of the Golden Flower".