Madam White Snake
Madam White Snake

Movie spotlight

Madam White Snake

1962
Movie
95 min
Mandarin

This Classic Seductive tale of two snakes who assume human forms will send chills of pleasure down viewers' backs. The Lovely Linda Lin Dai (Les Belles, The Kingdom And The Beauty) and margaret Tu Chuan (The Dream of The Red Chamber) play the two sister serpents, Pak Su-cheng and Ching Ching. Su-cheng meets Hsu Hsien (Chao Lei) one day and recognizes him as her savior in another life 1,000 years ago. She marries him to reward him but the snake-human union brings about problems beyond imagination.

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Director: Yueh FengGenres: Fantasy, Romance, Musical

Plot Summary

A young scholar falls in love with a beautiful woman who is actually a white snake spirit. Their forbidden love is tested when a Buddhist monk intervenes, seeking to banish the snake spirit and separate the lovers. The story unfolds with elements of ancient Chinese mythology, demonstrating the power of love against spiritual and societal obstacles.

Critical Reception

Madam White Snake is a classic of Hong Kong cinema, celebrated for its stunning visuals, elaborate costumes, and the poignant performances of its lead actors. While primarily a musical fantasy, its timeless story of love and sacrifice resonates with audiences, securing its place as a beloved film within its genre.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its vibrant cinematography and elaborate musical numbers.

  • Commended for its faithful adaptation of the classic Chinese legend.

  • Lin Dai's performance as the White Snake is often highlighted for its grace and emotional depth.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this film is not readily available.

Fun Fact

The film was a major production for Shaw Brothers Studio, employing advanced techniques for its time to bring the mythical elements to life on screen, particularly the transformation sequences of the White Snake.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review