Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Painted Skin (Cantonese) 72% B (PG13)

Rated: PG13 for slight violence, fantasy and supernatural elements

Painted Skin or Hua Pi is supposed to be an epic adaption of the Pu Song Ling's classic mysterious, supernatural-themed, horror literature "The Strange Tales of Liao Zai" but Gordon Chan (director) simplified things to bring about a movie that basically revolves around an extended twisted web of love story spun with elements of horror/thriller in connection to the spiritual world.

Gordon Chan tries to project the different aspects of love, human nature and morality with a dab of supernatural elements i.e.
1) Friendship love and how it's put to a test for the love of a woman
2) Husband-wife love and how trust is tested by an imergence of a devilishly beautiful 3rd party.
3) The undying love of an old flame and the burden they carry inside them for the rest of their lives
4) The love between demons and the possessive and selfish sides of love
5) The love of a spiritual being towards human and the lengths that anyone go through (including dirty tricks) to get/protect their loved ones.
6) The love build between 2 strangers on a same mission which typically starts with hatred and ends in love.

A recommended watch as it is one of the bigger Chinese production this year. However, fans of kung fu expert, Donnie Yen, should expect some disappointment as he did not get as much action screen time, and is projected as a joker/jilted lover rather than a hero. (Note: Actually, I was expecting much more from Action Director, Stephen Tung). Maybe the 3 beauties, Vicky Zhao Wei, Zhou Xun, and Betty Sun Li can make up for the mediocre storyboarding and distract you with their stunning eyes and demonic charm.

Storyboard: 15 of 25
Cinematography: 20 of 25
Issues Discussed (connection with viewers): 15 of 25
Casting: 22 of 25

Total Score : 72% B

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