Snakes and special effects abound as human and mythical worlds collide in this lavish variation of an old Chinese fable about a learned man who falls under the spell of two snake women. After 1,000 years of practice, White Snake is finally able to take on a completely human form. Hsu Hsien, the scholar, falls in love with the lovely White Snake. Her sister, Green Snake, is not as adept at shape-shifting as she has only practiced for 500 years. She is human above the waist only. The serpentine sisters are hunted by a Buddhist monk who is almost to nirvana, and a Taoist monk determined to rid the area of all snakes. When the two forces finally meet, Hsu stands by as a secular witness. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
Review by All Movie Guide
All Movie Guide
lost interest.
Director
Tsui Hark's lush treatment of the Lilian Lee novel that has been adapted for the screen more than a dozen times in Chinese cinema is a great introduction to Chinese romantic fantasy for those who may not be familiar with the genre. Fast-paced, humorous, and strikingly visual, Harks' interpretation of the tale of two serpentine sisters who long to assume human form is beautifully filmed, poetic, and fun, even if its budget at times betrays its ambitious scope. As snake sisters Green and White (
Maggie Cheung and Joey Wang respectively), the two talented actresses have their reptilian mannerisms honed to near perfection. Though branded as inhuman predators who poison and corrupt mankind's virtue by an intimidating Buddhist monk (Wing Zhao) who has vowed to destroy the reptilian siblings, the audience's sympathies ultimately reside with Green and White, who for the most part appear vastly more human than the well-intentioned but self-righteously vicious monk. Hark's sensuous visuals (courtesy of cinematographer Ko Chiu-lam) and innovative direction create an exciting and elegantly romantic fable that isn't afraid to shed its skin and lighten the mood when it starts to take itself too seriously. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide