The Message (2009): cast, story & where to watch

2009 · Film · ★ 7.5

The Message poster

Released in 2009, The Message is a thriller and drama film directed by Gao Qunshu, running about 118 minutes.

What it’s about. 1942, Nanjing (Nanking). Following a series of assassination attempts on officials of the Japanese-controlled puppet government, the Japanese spy chief gathers a group of suspects in a mansion house for questioning. A tense game of "cat and mouse" ensues as the Chinese code-breaker attempts to send out a crucial message while protecting his/her own identity.

Who’s in it. The Message stars Zhou Xun as Gu Xiaomeng, Zhang Hanyu as Wu Zhiguo, Li Bingbing as Li Ningyu and Huang Xiaoming as Takeda / Wutian, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 7.5/10, The Message has been warmly received by audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Message page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Message tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, Pulp Fiction, Parasite and Fight Club.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch The Message (2009)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Message change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is The Message worth watching?
The Message holds an audience score of 7.5 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy thriller and drama. Most viewers rate it highly.
Who stars in The Message?
The Message stars Zhou Xun, Zhang Hanyu, Li Bingbing, Huang Xiaoming and Zhiwen Wang.
When was The Message released?
The Message was released in 2009, with a runtime of about 118 minutes.