A Chinese Ghost Story I Ii Iii 198719901991 Full -

Few fantasy-horror-romance hybrids have aged as gracefully—or as wildly—as Tsui Hark’s A Chinese Ghost Story trilogy. Produced during Hong Kong cinema’s golden era of genre-mashing excess, the three films (1987, 1990, 1991) take a delicate 17th-century ghost tale from Pu Songling’s Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio and turn it into a kinetic, tragicomic, wire-fu opera of doomed love and Taoist exorcisms.

Part I: A Chinese Ghost Story (1987)
Director: Ching Siu-tung (produced by Tsui Hark)
The cornerstone. A hapless debt-collector, Ning Caichen (Leslie Cheung), gets stranded at a haunted Lanruo Temple. There he meets Nie Xiaoqian (Joey Wang), a ghost enslaved by a hideous tree demon (Lau Siu-ming) to lure men for consumption. Their romance is impossible—she’s dead, he’s broke—but the film sells it with swooning melancholy and breakneck action. The iconic scene: Xiaoqian floats through the moonlit forest while Ning plays a guqin, her white ribbons snaking like silk veins.

What makes it a masterpiece is tonal whiplash. One minute, it’s slapstick (Ning stumbling into a monk’s oversized martial arts training). The next, it’s a horror show of giant tongues and corpse puppets. Then it pivots to genuine tragedy: Xiaoqian’s soul trapped in an urn, Ning digging up her bones to reincarnate her. The finale—a cyclone of swords, spells, and burning trees—remains a benchmark for Chinese fantasy action.

Part II: A Chinese Ghost Story II (1990)
The rare sequel that expands rather than repeats. Years later, Ning is freed from prison (wrongly accused as a demon collaborator) and stumbles into a new mess: a government conspiracy where a high monk’s heart is needed to revive a thousand-year-old centipede demon. Joey Wang returns as a lookalike mortal, Fong (cleverly avoiding resurrection clichés), while Michelle Reis joins as another ghostly fighter.

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.

Part III: A Chinese Ghost Story III (1991)
A soft reboot disguised as a sequel. Set 100 years after Part I, with a new monk (Tony Leung Chiu-wai) and a new ghost, Lotus (Joey Wang again, now a fiery red-clad spirit), while the tree demon and a venomous butterfly demon (Jacky Cheung, scene-stealing) return. The plot mirrors the first film—monk falls for ghost—but the mood is darker and stranger. Jacky Cheung’s butterfly demon is a tragic fop who vomits glittering poison; Tony Leung’s monk breaks his vows for love.

It’s the most experimental of the three: less wire-fu ballet, more body horror and Buddhist guilt. The ending rejects the first film’s bittersweet reincarnation for something bleaker—no one gets saved. For that reason, it’s divisive. But as a coda, it asks: What if Ning and Xiaoqian’s love was just a fluke, and most ghost-human romances end in ash?

Why they still matter
The trilogy is a time capsule of pre-CGI Hong Kong craft: rain-soaked sets, hand-pulled wires, and synthesizer scores that sound like a haunted karaoke machine. Leslie Cheung’s wide-eyed sincerity and Joey Wang’s ethereal sadness anchor the fantasy. More importantly, they treat ghosts not as monsters but as refugees of an unjust afterlife—a metaphor for Hong Kong itself in the lead-up to 1997.

For a modern viewer, watch Part I for the poetry, Part II for the chaos, and Part III for the hangover. Together, they form one of cinema’s strangest, most beautiful love letters to the impermanence of everything.

Where to find them – Restored versions exist on Blu-ray (Eureka, 88 Films) and various streaming platforms (Criterion Channel occasionally). Avoid dubbed cuts; the original Cantonese/Mandarin audio is essential for the melancholy.

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 Tsui Hark 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)

The first film remains the most critically acclaimed, centering on the star-crossed love between Ning Caichen (Leslie Cheung), a timid debt collector, and Nie Xiaoqian (Joey Wong), a beautiful ghost enslaved by a terrifying Tree Demoness.

Visual Poetry: The film is famous for its atmospheric use of blue lighting, swirling mist, and "flying cloth" choreography that gives the ghosts an ethereal presence.

Cinematic Hybridity: It successfully mixed Hollywood-style special effects (like the 300-foot demon tongue) with traditional Chinese ghost legends from Pu Songling’s Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio.

Legacy: The chemistry between Cheung and Wong became iconic, establishing a blueprint for supernatural romances in Asian cinema. Culture Shock: A Chinese Ghost Story | Showroom Cinema

The Hero: Ning Choi-san, a timid, debt-collecting tax inspector.

The Setting: He seeks shelter in the dilapidated Lan Ruo Temple.

The Ghost: He meets Nie Xiao-qian, a beautiful woman who is actually a ghost bound to the service of a soul-eating Tree Demon.

The Conflict: The Tree Demon forces Xiao-qian to lure men to their deaths to feed on their life essence. However, she falls in love with Ning’s pure heart. a chinese ghost story i ii iii 198719901991 full

The Resolution: Ning teams up with a powerful, grumpy Taoist swordsman named Yan Chik-pui. Together, they battle the Tree Demon and a Lord of the Underworld to recover Xiao-qian’s ashes so she can be reincarnated, though the lovers are ultimately forced to part. 🦋 Part II: A Chinese Ghost Story II (1990) The Search for a Soul

The Hero: Ning Choi-san returns, now older and world-weary. While fleeing from corrupt officials, he ends up in a deserted villa.

The Look-alike: He meets Windy, a rebel fighter who looks identical to his lost love, Xiao-qian. Though she is human, Ning becomes obsessed with protecting her.

The Conflict: The world has fallen into political decay. A giant, "High Minister" demon (a massive centipede spirit) is masquerading as a Buddha to devour the souls of the righteous and the imperial court.

The Resolution: Ning reunites with Yan Chik-pui. They join forces with a young wizard, Autumn, to take down the massive centipede. The film ends with Ning finding a second chance at love with the human Windy. 🗡️ Part III: A Chinese Ghost Story III (1991) A New Legend Begins

The Setting: Set 100 years after the first film. The Tree Demon from Part I has regained its power.

The Hero: Fong, a young, clumsy Buddhist monk traveling with his master, White Cloud. They arrive at the now-ruined Lan Ruo Temple.

The Ghost: Lotus, another ghost enslaved by the Tree Demon. She attempts to seduce Fong, but his spiritual purity confuses her, leading to a genuine bond.

The Conflict: The Tree Demon plans to marry Lotus off to the "Mountain Demon." Meanwhile, Fong’s master is blinded and captured during a battle.

The Resolution: Fong learns to use his spiritual powers. With the help of a greedy mercenary (also named Yan), he rescues his master and Lotus. They defeat the Tree Demon once more, and Lotus’s spirit is finally freed from her earthly bonds. 🎥 Key Themes of the Trilogy

Visual Style: Heavy use of blue filters, dry ice fog, and wire-fu action.

Social Commentary: Part II specifically serves as a metaphor for political corruption and the fear of the 1997 handover.

Forbidden Love: The core of every story is the tragic realization that humans and spirits belong to different worlds.

If you are looking to watch these, I can help you find where they are currently streaming or provide a detailed character breakdown for one of them.

A Chinese Ghost Story trilogy, produced by Tsui Hark and directed by Ching Siu-tung, redefined Hong Kong fantasy cinema. These films blended breathtaking wire-work, tragic romance, Taoist mysticism, and dark comedy into a unique genre known as "Shenmo" (gods and demons). A Chinese Ghost Story (1987) The Legend Begins

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.

At the temple, he meets Nie Xiaoqian, a ghost of ethereal beauty. She is bound in eternal servitude to the Tree Demon (The Matriarch), a shapeshifting hermaphroditic monster with a massive, lethal tongue. Xiaoqian’s task is to seduce men so the Matriarch can suck out their life essence.

However, Ning’s kindness and purity win Xiaoqian’s heart. They fall in love, a bond that transcends the barrier between the living and the dead. To save her, Ning enlists the help of Yan Chik-pau, a powerful but grumpy Taoist swordsman. The Climax: Where to find them – Restored versions exist

Yan and Ning travel into the Underworld. After a chaotic battle against the "Lord of Black Mountain," they retrieve Xiaoqian’s ashes. In a heartbreaking finale, Ning shields Xiaoqian from the sunlight so her soul can pass on to reincarnation, even though it means they can never be together again. A Chinese Ghost Story II (1990) The Corruption of the Realm

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.

Though Windy is human, Ning becomes obsessed with protecting her. The stakes are higher as they face a deceptive "High Abbot" who is actually a giant Centipede Demon. This monster has consumed the bodies of the imperial court officials, literally "hollowing out" the government from the inside—a sharp metaphor for political rot. The Climax:

Ning and a young, flashy wizard named Autumn Leaf team up with a returning Yan Chik-pau. The battle involves massive transformations and Buddhist iconography used for evil. Though Ning cannot bring back the original Xiaoqian, he finds a new beginning with Windy, honoring the memory of his past love by fighting for the living. A Chinese Ghost Story III (1991) A New Cycle Begins

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.

The protagonist this time is Fong, a young, bumbling Buddhist monk traveling with his Master. Fong encounters Lotus, a cynical and mischievous ghost who, like Xiaoqian before her, is forced to hunt for the Matriarch. Unlike the tragic romance of the first film, the relationship between Fong and Lotus is more playful and comedic. The Climax:

Fong’s Master is captured, and Fong must overcome his fears to rescue him. The film features incredible visual effects, including a "golden body" transformation for the monk. With the help of a greedy but skilled swordsman (Yin), they destroy the Tree Demon once and for all. Fong uses his own body to shield Lotus from the sun, echoing the first film, and helps her soul find peace. 🏮 Themes and Legacy Forbidden Love:

The core of the series is the "Star-Crossed" romance between a mortal and a spirit. Visual Style:

Known for blue-tinted night scenes, billowing silk robes, and rapid-fire editing. The Hero’s Journey:

Both Ning and Fong start as cowards but become brave through their devotion to others. Social Commentary:

The films often suggest that the world of men, filled with greed and corruption, is more frightening than the world of ghosts.

If you are interested in exploring this series further, I can help you with: Where to stream these classics in high definition A deeper look at the Taoist folklore used in the movies Information on the 2011 remake animated version Which part of the legend interests you most? AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more

A Chinese Ghost Story trilogy, produced by and directed by Ching Siu-tung , is a seminal work of Hong Kong cinema that blends (martial arts), fantasy, romance, and horror The Hollywood Reporter

. Loosely based on the 17th-century stories by Pu Songling, the films are renowned for their inventive special effects and the iconic chemistry between their leads No-Budget Nightmares A Chinese Ghost Story (1987) Ning Caichen

(Leslie Cheung), a bumbling tax collector, seeks shelter in the haunted Orchid Temple . He falls in love with a beautiful woman named Nie Xiaoqian

(Joey Wong), only to discover she is a ghost enslaved by a terrifying Tree Demon that feeds on human life force : Assisted by a master Taoist swordsman, Yan Chixia

(Wu Ma), Ning must battle the demon and journey to the Underworld to rescue Xiaoqian’s soul before she is forced into a marriage with an evil lord

: The film popularized the "ghost romance" genre and featured pioneering wire-stunts and stop-motion effects No-Budget Nightmares A Chinese Ghost Story II (1990) Dialogue: Tony Ching Siu-Tung - The Hollywood Reporter Would you like a detailed character guide or

Original Title: Sinnui yauman (倩女幽魂) Release Date: July 18, 1987 Runtime: 98 minutes (original Hong Kong cut)

Watching the A Chinese Ghost Story trilogy in full offers a fascinating look at the evolution of Hong Kong fantasy cinema.

These are considered classics, but availability changes. Current common sources:

Would you like a detailed character guide or a comparison of the different Blu-ray releases?

A Chinese Ghost Story trilogy (1987–1991), produced by Tsui Hark and directed by Ching Siu-tung, is a foundational pillar of Hong Kong’s "Golden Age" cinema. Loosely adapted from Pu Songling’s 17th-century collection Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio, the series famously blended gothic romance, slapstick comedy, and high-octane "wire-fu" action. I. A Chinese Ghost Story (1987)

The original film stars Leslie Cheung as Ning Caichen, a bumbling and penniless debt collector who seeks shelter in the derelict Orchid Temple. There, he encounters Nie Xiaoqian (Joey Wang), a beautiful ghost enslaved by a terrifying, long-tongued Tree Demoness (The Matron).

The Plot: Unaware she is a ghost, Ning falls deeply in love with Xiaoqian. To save her soul from an eternal betrothal to the "Lord of Black Mountain," he teams up with a cantankerous Taoist priest, Yan Chixia (Wu Ma).

Cultural Legacy: The film is celebrated for its dreamlike atmosphere and pioneering special effects, such as stop-motion zombies and giant flying tongues. It is often interpreted as a reflection of Hong Kong's pre-1997 anxiety, featuring lovers whose romance is made impossible by external forces. II. A Chinese Ghost Story II (1990)

This direct sequel picks up shortly after the first film, with Ning returning to a mortal world plagued by corrupt officials and chaotic politics.

A Chinese Ghost Story trilogy (1987–1991) is a seminal work of Hong Kong cinema, renowned for blending supernatural horror, wuxia action, and romantic fantasy into a unique "genre-bending" experience. Produced by and directed by Ching Siu-tung

, the films are famous for their "ultra-stylized energy," atmospheric lighting, and high-flying wirework. Kitley's Krypt A Chinese Ghost Story (1987)

The first film is widely considered a masterpiece and a "true cinema classic".

In the late 1980s, Hong Kong cinema was experiencing a golden era defined by kinetic action, breathtaking stunt work, and a unique blend of genres. Standing tall amidst the heroic bloodshed of John Woo and the kinetic comedy of Jackie Chan was the visionary producer Tsui Hark and director Ching Siu-tung. Together, they crafted a trilogy that redefined the supernatural genre: A Chinese Ghost Story.

Spanning from 1987 to 1991, this trilogy is a masterclass in "Hollywood Chinese" filmmaking—a term used to describe the industry's high-gloss, high-energy output during the handover era. It is a saga of undying love, slapstick comedy, terrifying monsters, and gravity-defying martial arts.

For collectors and new viewers, finding the full, uncut versions is a challenge. Here’s why:

Before 1987, cinematic ghost stories were often slow, atmospheric black-and-white affairs or cheap shockers. But producer Tsui Hark (known for Once Upon a Time in China) wanted to blend classical Chinese literature (Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio by Pu Songling) with the high-flying acrobatics of wuxia and the frantic pace of MTV-style editing.

The result was revolutionary. The "a chinese ghost story i ii iii 198719901991 full" trilogy is not a continuous narrative in the Western sense, but rather a thematic triptych. Each film explores the impossible love between the living and the dead, set against a backdrop of corrupt bureaucrats, demonic tree spirits, and Taoist exorcists with questionable morals.