When this was released in December, 1966, it was a huge hit; while I was watching it, more than anything, I wanted to visit Shanghai. Sadly, in 1970 I took a new position in Hong Kong, and while we lived a short distance apart, American Citizens couldn’t visit China. Anyway, thanks to Amazon Video, I could get a copy and watch it here at home. It’s still a great movie; I never made it to Shanghai, but living in Hong Kong for 4 years put me pretty close.
“The Sand Pebbles” captivated me all over again. Steve McQueen’s portrayal of the American gunboat engineer was both intense and relatable, showcasing the curiosities of life in an unfamiliar land. Watching the film transported me to the 1920s, a time of turbulence and transformation in China. Each scene brought back memories of wandering Hong Kong’s streets and marveling at the blend of tradition and modernity. Although I may not have set foot in Shanghai, the film’s lessons and emotions resonated deeply with me. It’s fascinating how a movie can evoke such strong feelings and memories.
