MovieChat Forums > Sien lui yau wan (1987) Discussion > What happened to this genre?

What happened to this genre?

posted 17 years ago by userwithnoname
10 replies | jump to latest

Am i the only person who absolutely loves the chinese historical fantasy/horror genre of movies more than for example those stupid action movies with westernized vampires and a lot over-the-top cgi...I mean what happened to this genre? The Chinese have such an incredibly rich body of mythology and historical folklore that i can't believe there aren't high-budget movies of the genre....For those you who don't know, Chinese Ghost Story was directly inspired by Liaozhai Zhiyi, a piece of classical literature which had have many tv adaptations itself....I can't help thinking that Chinese movies, particularly those in the action and horror genres, have had too much American and Japanese influence....

[–] mtlfilmstudio 17 years ago

If you liked this, look out for Jet li's Kung Fu Master and the spectacular Zu Warriors from the Magical Mountain.

[–] rebirth_2008 17 years ago

I LOVE this genre too. If you haven't already, check out "Green Snake" by the same director, Tsui Hark. It stars Joey Wong, Maggie Cheung and it's IMo a deep and epic movie but fun and gorgeous at the same time. I hope you find it, enjoy~

[–] Mr_Megalomaneac 16 years ago

I'm gonna have to check out some of these others that people mentioned.

If you haven't seen 'Exorcist Master', I'd give that a watch. I don't want to say it's a good movie, but it's very entertaining.

Anyone who still has faith in humanity has never been to the imdb boards.

[–] qatmom 15 years ago

You need to go to a site like www.lovehkfilm.com, which contains reviews of hundreds of Asian movies, and look into the titles that look intriguing to you.

I HIGHLY recommend acquiring a DVD player that will play all DVD regions, since some movies you may most want to see may never get a Region 1 release. Note also that many Region 1 releases have been edited to suit the (imagined) Region 1 attention span. There are many movies available in Region 3 releases with English subtitles.

Also, check out VCD releases of movies you are not sure of. Nobody in the US seems to know what VCDs are, but they are popular in the far east. The quality varies, and is not as good as a DVD, but they are cheap, and a good way to check out directors, actors, and titles that you are not sure you want to pay DVD prices for. Most DVD players can handle VCDs.

Two reputable sources that sell legitimate releases: www.yesasia.com and www.dddhouse.com. I am sure there are others, but I have ordered many times from both of these sources.

Also, there are large numbers of Chinese tv series with great production values and the some of the elements you like, but usually with more of a swordplay emphasis. The sets (Hengdian World Studios is fantastic) and costumes are incredible by tv standards. Some of these series are available with English subtitles.

[–] Star_blazer_9000 15 years ago

Brigitte Lin was the best at playing those mythical type roles in the genre.

[–] abomination21 14 years ago

The problem with HK cinema is that they start to focus on CGI more than actual story... adding that this is produce in the period where really multi-talented actors & actresses exist (1/3 of them have now pass away or totally retired). The current new generation of HK stars are no where need as talented.

[–] cat_aphanisis 13 years ago

I think CGI has taken a lot away from storytelling. Ultimately, I find films boring where you don't care about any of the characters, because it doesn't really matter what happens; action alone isn't satisfying, to me.

They have apparently *remade* Chinese Ghost Story... :(( The review on this page http://s8.invisionfree.com/MHVF/ar/t13145.htm criticises the use of CGI and also comments on the casting.

The original has a gold combination of quirky characters and sense of humour, as well as great sometimes atmospheric, sometimes cheesy low-budget special effects, as did Chinese Ghost Story 2. It had a lot of heart.

Has anyone watched the remake?

[–] lorddeseiz 13 years ago

The original has a gold combination of quirky characters and sense of humour, as well as great sometimes atmospheric, sometimes cheesy low-budget special effects, as did Chinese Ghost Story 2. It had a lot of heart.

Well said.
Heck i prefer quircky characters, humour, cheesy low budget special effects if it means i get to watch a great story, instead of brain at zero bling blings.

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[–] lorddeseiz 13 years ago

Ive seen several in this genre, but can only name a few, most i forgot the title. Vampire Hunters you gonna like for sure. Also by Tsui hark and a rich story.

I think Zombie Kung Fu fighter, but im not sure about the title. Watched with a friend and it was great, we were both rolling on the floor laughing with that one, absolutly fabulous.

Then theres Encounters of the Spooky Kind, of course. Also with hilarious moments.

Theres alot more, but all i can think of right now.
_____________________
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[–] 13 years ago

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