Picking up after the events of the first movie, Ning is wrongfully imprisoned in a corrupt, dystopian vision of ancient China. After escaping, he stumbles upon a group of rebel freedom fighters. Among them is (Joey Wong again), a mortal woman who bears an exact physical resemblance to his lost ghost love, Xiaoqian. Key Highlights
The story follows Ning Choi-san, a clumsy and honest debt collector. He is so poor that his ink is frozen and his shoes are falling apart. While traveling, he seeks shelter in the dilapidated Lan Ruo Temple. Locals warn him away, but his innocence blinds him to the danger.
Viewing the A Chinese Ghost Story I, II, and III marathon offers a masterclass in the evolution of Hong Kong's creative peak. The trilogy successfully managed to:
A Chinese Ghost Story trilogy (1987, 1990, 1991) is a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s "Golden Age" of cinema, blending high-octane action with gothic romance and Taoist folklore. Produced by the visionary and directed by Ching Siu-tung , the series redefined the xianxia (fantasy martial arts) genre through its "panache-over-comprehensibility" style and groundbreaking practical effects. I. The Gothic Romance: A Chinese Ghost Story (1987) a chinese ghost story i ii iii 198719901991 full
Decades after their release, the A Chinese Ghost Story trilogy remains a high-water mark for Asian fantasy cinema. It inspired countless spin-offs, remakes, animations, and television series, yet none have successfully replicated the unique lightning-in-a-bottle chemistry of the 1987–1991 originals.
Lotus, another ghost enslaved by the Tree Demon. She attempts to seduce Fong, but his spiritual purity confuses her, leading to a genuine bond.
Directed by Ching Siu-tung. Produced by Tsui Hark. Picking up after the events of the first
For collectors and new viewers, finding the versions is a challenge. Here’s why:
The action is bigger, the politics more pronounced (corrupt officials are literal parasites), and the humor broader (a sword-swallowing Taoist played by Wu Ma). But it loses some intimacy. The love story feels contractual, and the centipede demon lacks the tree demon’s perverse charm. Still, the final battle—a collapsing mansion, flying swords, and a giant arthropod puppet—is glorious mayhem. Grade: B+, but essential for seeing the mythology stretch.
The sequel shifts toward political satire and high-octane action. Ning Choi-san is wrongly imprisoned but escapes, eventually stumbling upon a group of rebels. Among them is Windy, a woman who is the exact physical double of his lost love, Xiaoqian. Key Highlights The story follows Ning Choi-san, a
The A Chinese Ghost Story trilogy is more than just three movies. It's a landmark of cinematic fantasy, a showcase for some of Hong Kong's greatest stars, and a timeless story of love's power to defy the rules of the living and the dead. For any fan of cinema, discovering this world is an unforgettable experience.
The theme songs, performed by Leslie Cheung and James Wong, became timeless Canto-pop anthems.
Set 100 years after the original film, the trilogy returns to Lan Ruo Temple. The Matriarch (the Tree Demon) has awakened from her century-long slumber.