MovieChat Forums > Hua pi (2008) Discussion > A beautiful, romantic story...

A beautiful, romantic story...

posted 16 years ago by z3nith_t
10 replies | jump to latest

... but sorry to the guys that are expecting an action film.

This is a beautiful (but I think not accurate) retelling of the Liao Zhai story. The directors changed it to appeal to a mainly modern, young female audience I think.

There is some action scenes, but its definitely not an action movie or even a horror movie (there is one scene that is more gross than scary, but pretty much the only one - the rest of the movie is a beautifully shot, historical set, supernatural romance).

There really isn't any evil characters or great battles of good and evil in this film. Vicki Zhao's Peirong character (the wife) is probably portrayed as the most sympathetic to the audience, but Zhou Xun's female ghost/fox demon isn't really that demonic either.

There is some nice action scenes revolving around chasing the ghost, and of course a bit of a battle at the end with nice special effects but its all to complement the love story which was actually really touching and sweet.

Really enjoyed it, and also the theme song which pretty much summarizes the feelings in the story which you guys can see here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qzHPmGe1l8

[–] ungcas 15 years ago

I agree. Although I was expecting this to be primarily and action film I was still not disappointed

Great, touching story.

I think this will be one of those overlooked, underated movies because those who watch it will be expecting lots of action.

Made me think of A Chinese Ghost Story which is one of my all time favourite movies.

[–] duyharry 15 years ago

Yeah, this movie is great! I don't know what are the other people complaining about?

--------
"I'm not your friend, buddy!"
Ghibli:
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[–] bambo2 15 years ago

Good movie that totally caught me off guard. Most notable for me was Donnie's comedic turn in this film.

[–] BronzeKeilani26 14 years ago

I watched it 5,6x's in a few wks already..lol, although I dont care for Vicky Zhao

"You make your life what it is but there's always a point where fate steps in"

[–] guox0032 15 years ago

This exceeded my expectation by alot, great movie.

[–] lil_vixen_666 15 years ago

I quite enjoyed this movie, I wish I could've read the novel as well though

Carpe Diem ~ Seize the day!

[–] lavashop 15 years ago

This is not at all romantic.
The freaking hubby believed everyone that his own wife, his true love, to be a demoness.
In the end, he did something completely out of character.
He is a dim wit, a complete idiot.
He let his johnson did the thinking.

I advise all to avoid this trash altogether.

[–] abubin 14 years ago

**** SPOILER: ****

i don't think the husband is such a dim wit.

This is the olden days china we are talking about. The time when people really do believe in fairy tales and folklores and can be easily convinced even if they do not believe it initially.

So, it is understandable if the husband believe his wife being a demon.

Cause she sure looks like it.
Cause she admitted she is the demon and killed all those people.
Cause nobody knows what a real demon should look like.

In the end, he did mention about him being a good husband. But the wife was quick and pull the knife to herself before he could do anything.

How is this not romantic when it is something about people sacrificing their life for love?

So this is not really great but not that dim witted either.

[–] Tybaltv6 15 years ago

well i would describe it more like a trully inspired shakespearian plot than a romantic one really.

i'm always amazed how the hk guys always manage to release amazing blockbusters, that is blockbusters which contrary to the western version of that, succeed in having interesting stories, true characters and a beautiful cinematography

we weren't sure for some dim years but the slogan stays true : HK cinema's not dead !

[–] HoppingBunny 14 years ago

I am sure the source material is great. This movie is pretty to look at, but everything else failed.

My life isn't any better than yours.