A Chinese Ghost Story
1987, NR, 101 min. Directed by Siu-Tung Ching. Starring Leslie Cheung, Joey Wong, Wu Ma, Lau Shi Ming.
REVIEWED By Marjorie Baumgarten, Wed., Sept. 27, 2000
Oh, man. This Tsui Hark-produced classic is the real deal. A million times better than its two sequels, A Chinese Ghost Story asks the eternal question: Is it possible for a man and a ghost to find happiness in love, especially when thwarted by a vampiric transsexual spirit who is the ultimate in pure evil? The film’s effects are wonderful and the spirit world is made into a palpable presence. But the really amazing thing is how transcendent the love story remains amid all the flying through trees, finger-zapping, and the memorable 40-foot animated tongue. You are not really ready to see Ang Lee’s eagerly anticipated fall 2000 release, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon unless you have A Chinese Ghost Story already under your belt.
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Marc Savlov, Nov. 7, 2008
Russell Smith, Dec. 5, 1997
March 15, 2025
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A Chinese Ghost Story, Siu-Tung Ching, Leslie Cheung, Joey Wong, Wu Ma, Lau Shi Ming
