The trilogy (1987, 1990, 1991) is a cornerstone of Hong Kong cinema, blending supernatural horror, martial arts action, and gothic romance into a genre-defining "xianxia" experience . Produced by Tsui Hark and directed by Ching Siu-tung , the series revitalized traditional folklore with gravity-defying wirework and innovative special effects. A Chinese Ghost Story (1987)
When Ning discovers Xiaoqian is a ghost whose ashes are held captive by the Tree Demon, he enlists the help of the wild, drunken, and incredibly powerful Taoist exorcist Yin Chek-ha (Wu Ma). A legendary battle ensues. The climax is heartbreaking: Xiaoqian is reincarnated, and Ning must let her go, running to her rebirth as dawn breaks, leaving the audience in tears. A chinese ghost story I II III -1987-1990-1991-...
What makes the original so enduring is its atmosphere. It is gothic yet vibrant, terrifying yet tender. Leslie Cheung embodies the archetypal "nice guy" scholar with a clumsy charm, while Joey Wong creates the definitive image of the "fox spirit"—ethereal, innocent, and tragic. The chemistry between them makes the impossible romance feel grounded. A Chinese Ghost Story The trilogy (1987, 1990,
It became an instant classic, winning Best Original Score and Best Art Direction at the Hong Kong Film Awards. It inspired countless imitations, video games, and a 2011 remake (which, while visually lush, lacked the original’s soul). The theme song, “Dawn” (sung by Leslie Cheung), remains a heartbreaking anthem of forbidden love. A legendary battle ensues
Before the CGI spectacles of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon or the global phenomenon of Squid Game , there was Leslie Cheung, Joey Wong, and a Taoist swordsman named Yin Chek-ha. This is the story of how a simple ghost story became a cultural monument.
The story follows Ning Choi-san (Leslie Cheung), a timid, debt-collecting scholar who is forced to take shelter in a dilapidated temple during a rainstorm. Unbeknownst to him, the temple is a hunting ground for a millennia-old Tree Demon (Lau Siu-ming), who uses beautiful female ghosts to lure men to their deaths to feed on their spirits. Ning falls in love with one such ghost, Lit Siu-sin (Joey Wong), a tragic spirit enslaved by the Tree Demon. With the help of a Taoist swordsman, Yin Chek-hsia (Wu Ma), Ning attempts to free her spirit and grant her reincarnation.
trilogy—a fever dream of gravity-defying swordplay, tragic romance, and giant, soul-sucking tongues.