Chinese Reviews

Film Review: The Enchanting Phantom (2020) by Lin Zhenzhao

The story of Nie Xiaoqian from Pu Songling's Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio has been made into movies and TV series many times over. It's a classic tale about a young scholar, Ning Caichen who falls in love with Nie Xiaoqiqn, a beautiful female ghost. She's under the control of a Laolao, a tree demon who uses her and other female ghosts to seduce young men and drain their energy so he can live forever. There's also a Taoist demon hunter who will stop at nothing to hunt down ghosts and demons of any form.

, A Chinese Ghost Story: Human Love” is the latest version but it's only showing online. This is actually an advantage since more people are exposed to it. Singaporean television series actress, takes on the lead role of Nie this time. In general, she does a decent job; she's easy on the eye, looks good in her ghost costume while flirting around, seducing men.

Mainland Chinese actor plays scholar Ning Caichen, one of the victims of Nie, but she falls for him and the two become soul mates. However, in this version, Ning is portrayed as a righteous man but with a weak personality. He behaves like a coward, most of the time we see him screaming like a girl, running away from situations and he's just annoying to watch.

My favorite characters are the tree demon, Laolao, and Yang Chixia, the Taoist demon hunter. Laolao is played by veteran and he looks respectable in his demon boss mode. I like the way he speaks in both male and female voices. Another Asian cinema veteran, plays Taoist Yang Chixia, the demon hunter who roams the countryside slaying away evil. Both actors shine in their given roles, Yuen Wah, however, provides the much needed comedy relief, while Norman gives a more serious performance.

Director actually pulls off a decent film here, the art direction and set designs are very detailed and beautiful to behold. He uses vibrant colours for most of the lady ghost costumes and differentiates them with more dark and raggedy outfits of the demon hunters. The use of music is fitting and recalls the mood of the ancient Chinese theme. The down side is that there is just too much use of CGI effects during the fight scenes and they're a mixed bag and a letdown, especially during the final battle with a mammoth rock monster. The wirework on the other hand, fares much better.

Nonetheless, the film has a good pacing and it doesn't seem rushed. The action sequences are well done and the one that takes place in the old temple is memorable and stands out. It involves two demons sent by Laolao to kill Taoist Yang; one is built like a tank and the other a child, but they're both powerful and deadly enemies. The fight is creative with an interesting use of weapons. Interestingly, in contrast to all this excitement and in a swing of mood, Nie is trying to seduce scholar Ning in the next room.

Unfortunately, this film and all the “Chinese Ghost Story” remakes will be compared to the 1987 version starring Leslie Cheung and Joey Wong, a true classic and iconic film that's hard to top. However, as a fantasy horror film, “The Enchanting Phantom” is a good looking film despite its small screen budget; it's entertaining and moves at a pleasant relaxing pace.

About the author

David Chew

G'Day! Ni Hao? Hello! Many steamy hot tropical moons ago, I was bitten by the Shaw Brothers movie bug inside a cool cinema in Borneo while Wang Yu was slicing away on the screen. The same bug, living in my blood then, followed me to Sydney, Down Under years later, we both got through Customs & grew roots. Now I'm still happily living with this wonderful old bug and spreading my 'sickness' around to others whenever I can. Cheers!

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