Inspired by historical events, the film EMPIRE OF SILVER features a “piaohao,” Chinese precursor to the modern-day bank. Piaohao controlled the financial world of China like Wall Street has controlled the US financial system. As lending institutions, piaohaos’ mainstay was money transfer. They were the inventors of a wiring system that was secured by secret codes, which enabled the businesses and governments to do transactions without shipping huge amounts of silver. The takes place in China’s Shanxi province is an area dubbed “the Wall Street of China”. Here’s more about the film:

China, 1899. A hedonistic young man must assume the role of heir to a banking empire he cares little about. Following the tragic kidnapping of his brother’s wife, “Third Master” (Aaron Kwok) reluctantly submits to pressure from his overbearing father. Powerful bank-owner Lord Kang (Tielin Zhang) is determined to prepare Third Master for financial leadership by molding his son into his own image. The ruthless businessman tries to convince his son to choose a proven unscrupulous bank manager over a more honest one. But the idealistic Third Master has always questioned his father’s autocratic rule and ethics. The tense relationship is further complicated by Third Master’s undying love for his beautiful young stepmother (Hao Lei), his first and only love stolen from him by his own father. Embarking on a metaphysical journey, Third Master must decide whether to follow his father’s path or find his own. Greed, deception and jealousy surface under the pressures of war and the impending change from silver to paper bills …

Look for this timely film about financial crisis to hit a theater near you soon.

Empire of Silver Trailer