From 1987 to 1991, the A Chinese Ghost Story trilogy set a benchmark for East Asian fantasy cinema.
The story follows Ning Choi-san (Leslie Cheung), a timid, debt-collecting scholar who is forced to take shelter in a dilapidated temple during a rainstorm. Unbeknownst to him, the temple is a hunting ground for a millennia-old Tree Demon (Lau Siu-ming), who uses beautiful female ghosts to lure men to their deaths to feed on their spirits. Ning falls in love with one such ghost, Lit Siu-sin (Joey Wong), a tragic spirit enslaved by the Tree Demon. With the help of a Taoist swordsman, Yin Chek-hsia (Wu Ma), Ning attempts to free her spirit and grant her reincarnation.
When Ning discovers Xiaoqian is a ghost whose ashes are held captive by the Tree Demon, he enlists the help of the wild, drunken, and incredibly powerful Taoist exorcist Yin Chek-ha (Wu Ma). A legendary battle ensues. The climax is heartbreaking: Xiaoqian is reincarnated, and Ning must let her go, running to her rebirth as dawn breaks, leaving the audience in tears.
If you have never experienced these films, find a restored 4K print. Let the mournful pan-flute music wash over you. In a world of soulless CGI blockbusters, the image of Joey Wong floating through a ruined temple, her silk ribbons trailing through moonlight, remains the definitive image of cinematic enchantment.
Copyright 2020 – Bruno Tauzin – Tous droits réservés.
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