The 1987 original film, A Chinese Ghost Story ( Sinnui yauman ), tells the story of Ning Tsai-tsen (Leslie Cheung), a naive and timid tax collector. Lost on his rounds and denied lodging in the nearby town due to a curfew against roaming bandits, he is forced to seek shelter in the legendary Orchid (or Lam Ro) Temple, an abandoned building rumored to be haunted. It is here that he meets the beautiful and ethereal Nieh Hsiao-tsing (Joey Wong) and falls deeply in love with her. However, he soon discovers that his new love is a ghost, a soul captured by the malevolent Matron, a thousand-year-old tree demon with a life-sapping tongue. Bound to the demon, Hsiao-tsing is forced to lure men to the temple so the demon can drain their life force. With the help of the powerful but eccentric Taoist swordsman Yen Che-hsia (Wu Ma), Ning must defy the underworld to rescue Hsiao-tsing from her fate and allow her soul to be reincarnated.
The A Chinese Ghost Story trilogy (1987-1991) is more than just a series of horror-romance films; it is a cultural phenomenon that defined the "ghost story" genre in Hong Kong cinema.
While the plot continues to focus on the love between characters portrayed by Leslie Cheung and Joey Wong, the story takes a more political tone, addressing the chaos of the Ming Dynasty. The world expanded, introducing more powerful demons, eccentric martial artists, and political intrigue, often featuring incredible action sequences choreographed by Ching Siu-tung.
The trilogy (1987, 1990, 1991) is a cornerstone of Hong Kong cinema, blending supernatural horror, martial arts action, and gothic romance into a genre-defining "xianxia" experience . Produced by Tsui Hark and directed by Ching Siu-tung , the series revitalized traditional folklore with gravity-defying wirework and innovative special effects. A Chinese Ghost Story (1987) A chinese ghost story I II III -1987-1990-1991-...
For fans of Asian fantasy cinema, exploring this trilogy—which can be found in a 3-film set by Imprint —offers a unique glimpse into a period of unmatched creativity. I can help find more information. If you'd like, I can: Find where to watch or buy the films. Provide information on the original story by Pu Songling. Movie Review: A Chinese Ghost Story | - Kitley's Krypt
What makes the original so enduring is its atmosphere. It is gothic yet vibrant, terrifying yet tender. Leslie Cheung embodies the archetypal "nice guy" scholar with a clumsy charm, while Joey Wong creates the definitive image of the "fox spirit"—ethereal, innocent, and tragic. The chemistry between them makes the impossible romance feel grounded.
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Action director Ching Siu-tung used innovative wirework, making characters glide through bamboo forests with unprecedented grace.
Before the era of high-budget CGI epics like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon , there was the golden age of Hong Kong cinema—a time of wire-work, practical effects, and frenetic energy. Standing tall among the classics is the A Chinese Ghost Story trilogy, a series that defined the "ghost romance" genre. Directed by Ching Siu-tung and produced by the legendary Tsui Hark, this trilogy remains a masterclass in blending horror, comedy, and heart-wrenching romance.
The late 1980s and early 1990s marked a golden age for Hong Kong cinema, a period characterized by untamed creativity, blending high-octane action with surreal fantasy and intense romance. At the pinnacle of this era stands , a trilogy directed by Ching Siu-tung and produced by the visionary Tsui Hark . The 1987 original film, A Chinese Ghost Story
Decades later, the CGI may look dated, and the humor may be culturally specific, but the tragedy of Ning Tsai-shen and Lit Siu-sin remains timeless. It is an essential watch for anyone who wants to understand the soul of Asian fantasy cinema.
The A Chinese Ghost Story trilogy, released between and 1991 , is a landmark of Hong Kong cinema that redefined the supernatural fantasy genre by blending "wire-fu" action, slapstick comedy, and gothic romance. Produced by Tsui Hark and directed by Ching Siu-tung , the series became a global cult phenomenon, known for its "Spielbergian" special effects and its hauntingly beautiful leads, Leslie Cheung and Joey Wang . 1. A Chinese Ghost Story (1987)