A Chinese Ghost Story III

This is the second sequel of the iconic and fantastic Hong Kong ghost fantasy, A Chinese Ghost Story. This time, Buddhist Bai Yun (Shun Lau) and his disciple Fong (Tony Chiu Wai Leung) try to transport a golden Buddha idol across town, getting themselves hounded by thieves and then taking shelter at the haunted Orchid Temple. There, Fong encounters Lotus (Joey Wang), a female ghost at the evil bidding of the Tree Devil (Siu-Ming Lau), awakened 100 years after the events of the first film.

This sequel's story is more in line with the original film, having a traveling leading male character meet a beautiful female ghost at the Orchid Temple, who's spirit is binded by the evil Tree Devil. But, this movie is still fresh nonetheless, with it having a fast-paced plot, chock full of crazy magic spells and action sequences, seductive and spellbinding female ghosts, hair-raising demons and non-stop adventures. There is also a touch of humor, drama and romance, following the tradition of the previous two films. The female lead is once again played by Joey Wang. Although a different character, the ghost she plays in this sequel is a touching throwback to the first film; Wang portrayed all three different characters from each of the three movies with ease, charm and uniqueness.

This film has another beautiful music score composed by James Wong and Romeo Diaz and crazy special/visual effects galore! The acting by another memorable cast was great, albeit a tad goofy sometimes. And, the breath-taking scenery and period costumes were a treat - very colorful and vibrant. Hats off to Producer Hark Tsui and Director Siu-Tung Ching for putting together such an awesome and timeless trilogy in all three films! Overall, this sequel holds up well on its own. Like the first sequel, this film does not surpass the original Chinese Ghost Story (some scenes are rushed, some drag on too long a bit), but is still very entertaining and fun - one of the greatest sequels I've seen.

Grade A

Following the great HK tradition of sequels, this is the third (and last) in line. Made four years after the original, it's not a bad film, with some big shoes to fill, but the storyline by now is predictable as. Also, only one person from the original cast! However Tony Leung is very charming as the monk who is finding himself falling in love, and Joey Wong is again ethereal as the ghost. Well, it's a fair attempt but the magic's gone.

If the movies are to be believed, Chinese ghosts are much prettier and more mischievous than their Western counterparts. The storylines of the three 'Chinese Ghost' films are largely identical, but the direction is excellent and the detail and colour is such that it's not a huge problem. As always, humour is an integral part of the film, accompanied, of course, by a great deal of mugging. For those who haven't encountered the 'Chinese GhostStory' trilogy yet, this film offers an interesting departure from the Western horror/ghost genre; for those who have, another enjoyable romp in the Chinese ghost world.

It's this sort of movie that you try and imitate. By attempting to realise something... then flying through the air almost immediately. I'd like to do that and I know you would too!

Great stuff!

As a lover of slapstick action, this movie was not as action packed as it's prequels. There are some very good scenes though.