There can be a debate when it comes to adaptations of literature: Is it best to have read the source material or not? Reading it gives you an understanding of character and context so are not confused by any cinematic shorthand that presumes your understanding. Yet, coming in without that knowledge also removes any images that have formed in your head and so you base everything purely on what is presented to you on screen. “Creation of the Gods: Kingdom of Storms” is part one of a trilogy based on the classic work “Investiture of the Gods” written in the Ming Dynasty by Xu Zhonglin. With the second and third parts to follow, Well Go USA are bringing the opening chapter to the west and introducing the tale to a largely unfamiliar (Including this reviewer) audience.
Creation of the Gods: Kingdom of Storms is released from WellGo USA
Prince Yin Shou (Fei Xiang) along with his regiment of Hostage-Sons (A force of sons sent by the various nobility to act as insurance against their rebellion) succeed in overcoming the fortress of Su Hu, the Lord of Jizhou who has defied the Shang Dynasty. Rounding up the refugees, they encounter his daughter Su Daji (Narana Erdyneeva) who commits suicide rather than be captured, only to emerge unharmed after an avalanche. She is taken back by Yin Shou in triumph. At the celebration, King Yi is slain by an unhinged Prince Qi who is subsequently slain by Ji Fa (Yu Shi) one of the hostage sons from the state of Xiqi. Yin Shou ascends to the throne but on the day of his coronation a sign is sent that the circumstances of his ascension have brought upon the land a great curse. The only way to rid the land of the curse is for Yin Shou to build a great pyre and sacrifice himself. Aware of the mortal's situation, the gods are undecided whether to intervene. Jiang Ziya (Huang Bo) agrees to sacrifice his own immortality and return to deliver the Fengshen Bang scroll that can remove the curse and restore order. Upon meeting Yin Shou, he realizes that Yin Shou is not the saviour he appears to be and that his son Yin Jiao (Chen Muchi) may be the one to prove worthy. Fox Demons, Mysticism and a tale of betrayal, honour and loyalty follow as battle lines become drawn in this opening saga.
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Trying to keep the synopsis of this chapter succinct is incredibly challenging as there is a lot of plot to get through in the 2 hours 28-minute running time. Keeping tabs of characters is not easy either, as so many are introduced in rapid succession that, initially, it can feel overwhelming. Helpfully, each character is introduced with an onscreen title but to be honest, it's best to let this just wash over you and pay attention to what is happening on screen instead. This would be something that would happen regularly in the Chu Yuan adaptations of the Gu Long. Eventually, as the cast would get whittled down it would become easier to follow. This is largely what happens here. Once the story really kicks in then an awareness of who is who is somewhat unnecessary as it begins to focus on the core characters.
The opening sequence at the snow-covered fortress is one that resembles the Winter in “Game of Thrones”. An epic battle to draw you in at once and set up the principal players. This comparison is not limited to just this though as we start the feature with an epic ground battle before moving on to the plot machinations. This helps someone perhaps unfamiliar with the fantasy world we are about to explore to settle in, with the fantastical gradually being colored into the piece as we progress rather than throwing it at the screen from the outset. Regular Hong Kong cinema audiences will be reminded of the classic “Zu Warriors” when the gods are introduced with a familiar visual look. When the fantasy does kick into gear, it never feels overwhelming and we never lose sight of the very human emotions at stake. As an introduction to the more fantastical world of Chinese cinema, it's a superb starting point. Fox Demon's are a regular feature manipulating men to their own whims. Su Daji's soul transference by the Fox Demon creates a seductive force that Yin Shou is incapable of resisting. Magic is perfectly normal and divination, especially that of Ji Chang, is one to be respected. Fate and destiny are key drivers of this opening chapter with Yin Shou desperately trying to escape his own fate and manipulate others to his own end.
As Yin Shou, Fei Xiang gets a character to really get his teeth into. In this epic tale, his central villain is that of Shakespearean proportions. Whilst we only get to see him briefly before his fixation with Su Daji commences, he is set up as the noble saviour of the Kingdom. When he begins to act more like a tyrant, those around him question the role of Daji and when she is ultimately revealed as a Fox demon it is hoped he will return to his senses. Here is where “Creation of the Gods” really succeeds. Yin Shou is a villain with genuinely human desires. All Su Daji does is release them. As the film progresses his actions get more and more vicious with one sequence surrounding the fate of Ji Chang and his first one beibg particularly malevolent. Fei Xiang takes this and runs with it, never fully going over the top and retaining the right balance of charisma and evil to make you understand why his men follow him without hesitation. Narana Erdyneeva is suitably enchanting as the seductive Daji and makes you believe she could capture his mind and soul.
Huang Bo's Jiang Ziya is both the driver of story and comic relief. In a very serious epic, his lighter moments certainly help as he struggles to readapt to the world he left behind. Li Xuejian as the ill-fated Ji Chang is excellent. His fall is tragic and well played. In a film about filial duty and the honor between fathers and sons, his is the highlight. It's his divination skills that bring about his downfall but his kindness that is ultimately his saviour. The younger male leads purely due to the way the story unfolds are at times indistinguishable, which is no fault of Yu Shi and Chen Muchi. As the saga moves to the second and third chapters, then hopefully, they will get more of a presence.
Special effects for these features are crucial and the CGI is well crafted here. Never reaching the point where what we see on screen becomes overwhelmed by spectacle. The effects match the storyline well and for the most part, are kept to enhancing the action. That the effects and story mesh well should come as no surprise given the director overseeing it all. Wuershan has history with literary adaptations and directed the astonishing “Painted Skin: The Resurrection” one of the most visually striking wuxia in recent memory. His ability to combine a solid narrative with visual finesse is a key factor in why “Creation of the Gods” works so well.
If you want spectacle, then “Creation of the Gods: Kingdom of Storms” is certainly for you. A feature that deserves to be seen on the biggest screen possible. Great visuals, a compelling narrative and a villain to die for (Literally for most of the cast!). As a set up story it only builds expectations for the upcoming sequels and if they retain the impact of what is on display here then they won't disappoint.
