A Chinese Ghost Story
A naïve young tax collector for the imperial government winds up spending the night in a haunted temple. There he falls in love with a beautiful woman who, unfortunately, is dead. With the aid of a powerful Daoist Swordsman, he must defeat undead hordes, overcome a sinister Tree Demoness, and descend to the pits of hell, to fight for the spirit he loves.
Insights
Plot Summary
A timid tax collector named Ning stumbles upon an abandoned temple while traveling and seeks shelter for the night. He soon discovers that the temple is haunted by the spirit of a beautiful young woman named Nieh, who is forced to lure men to their deaths by a wicked tree demon. Ning falls in love with Nieh, and they must find a way to overcome the demonic forces and be together.
Critical Reception
A Chinese Ghost Story was a significant commercial success and is widely regarded as a classic of Hong Kong cinema. It received critical acclaim for its blend of supernatural fantasy, romance, and martial arts action, as well as its striking visuals and memorable performances.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its unique fusion of horror, romance, and comedy.
- Lauded for its stunning visual effects and atmospheric cinematography.
- Celebrated for the chemistry between Leslie Cheung and Joey Wong.
Google audience: Audience reception details are not readily available from Google user reviews for this film.
Awards & Accolades
Won Best Art Direction at the 7th Hong Kong Film Awards. Nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, and more at the 7th Hong Kong Film Awards.
Fun Fact
The iconic character of Nieh Hsiao-chien was originally intended to be a more villainous figure, but Leslie Cheung's and Joey Wong's chemistry led the filmmakers to develop her into a tragic romantic heroine.
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