Ray's DIY Electronics Hobby Projects
Part III: A Chinese Ghost Story III (1991) – Reimagining the Mythos
The 1987 film is a masterclass in tonal whiplash. One moment, you are laughing at Leslie Cheung (a man who famously hated action scenes) fumbling with a sword; the next, you are weeping as Joey Wong’s ghost tries to save her lover from a slimy, tentacled root monster. A chinese ghost story I II III -1987-1990-1991-...
The trilogy is a testament to the creativity and imagination of Hong Kong filmmakers in the 1980s and 1990s. These beloved films have stood the test of time, and their influence can still be seen in contemporary cinema. If you're a fan of fantasy, romance, or comedy, or simply looking to explore the rich world of Cantonese cinema, A Chinese Ghost Story , A Chinese Ghost Story II , and A Chinese Ghost Story III are essential viewing. Part III: A Chinese Ghost Story III (1991)
The final chapter of the original trilogy, A Chinese Ghost Story III , was released just a year after the second film. The series underwent a significant transformation, jumping one hundred years into the future and featuring an almost entirely new cast. This time, the story follows Fong (Tony Leung Chiu-Wai), a young, gentle, and slightly bumbling Buddhist monk, and his stern master (Lau Shun) as they travel to the Orchid Temple to re-consecrate a golden Buddha statue that has been stolen by local bandits and used to subdue the resurrected Tree Demon. To stop them, the Tree Demon sends her ghostly "daughters" to seduce and distract the holy men. The playful and mischievous ghost Lotus (Joey Wong) is assigned to Fong, but instead of corrupting him, she finds herself falling for his purity and kindness. As Fong and Lotus's secret romance deepens, the monk must defy his master and the Demon Tree to save her soul. These beloved films have stood the test of
While Part I was intimate, Part II is expansive. It introduces bizarre characters, including a hermaphroditic demon and a frantic Taoist swordsman. While it lacks the emotional purity of the first film, it compensates with sheer audacity. The sets are grander, the stakes are higher, and the satire of government corruption gives it a sharp edge. However, the introduction of a look-alike character for Joey Wong feels like a narrative crutch, highlighting that the heart of the series was the original couple.
The Ultimate Guide to the A Chinese Ghost Story Trilogy (1987–1991)