Painted Skin: The Resurrection

Painted Skin: The Resurrection is an epic and enchanting fantasy romance film directed by Wuershan. It was released in 2012 as a sequel to the 2008 film Painted Skin, although it possesses an entirely new storyline, distinct from its predecessor. The film has an all-star cast featuring Xun Zhou, Wei Zhao, and Kun Chen.

The movie is rooted in Chinese Mythology, deriving its narrative from the ancient Chinese ghost story, “Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio” or “Liaozhai Zhiyi”, a collection of supernatural tales written during the early Qing Dynasty period. In this sequel, we anchor on a vivacious and intriguing journey into a world where fantasy and romance intertwine in a vividly colorful and gloomy way, leaving the audience mesmerized by its peculiar charm.

Xun Zhou reprises her role as Xiaowei, a beautifully wicked fox spirit who has been encased in ice for 500 years. The movie starts with Xiaowei breaking free from her icy cell. According to the legend, to become human, a fox spirit must consume a human's heart. However, in this poignant tale, Xiaowei seeks more than the human form; she longs for the experience of human emotions: love, pain, joy, and sorrow.

The movie intricately interweaves the paths of Princess Jing, played by Wei Zhao, and the ferocious General Huo, portrayed by Kun Chen. Wei Zhao’s compelling performance as a scarred yet resilient princess daring to fall in love is poignant and imbued with just the right amount of pathos. Kun Chen as General Huo brings out an equally touching performance, playing a valiant yet emotionally torn character to perfection.

Stricken with love for the valiant General Huo, yet embarrassed by her disfigurement, Princess Jing finds herself in a predicament. This is where the paths of the heartbroken Princess and the cunning Xiaowei dangerously intersect. Xiaowei, always on the lookout for an opportunity to become human, views the Princess's plight as an opportune bargain.

Seductively shot, the cinematography of Painted Skin: The Resurrection is a visual tour de force, capturing the multiplicity of colors, distinguishing between chilling darkness and vivid brightness, and making each frame feel like a beautifully rendered painting. The costume design and makeup artistry are equally marvelous, creating a transcendent and eerie immersion into ancient China where specters, mythical creatures, and humans co-exist.

Furthermore, the film is not just an aesthetic delight but also a psychological one. It presents a philosophical exploration of identity, love, vanity, and sacrifice while accentuating Chinese cultural folklores and symbolisms. The movie keeps the audience engaged, asking questions about human nature and humans' eternal struggle with the vanity of beauty, the consequences of self-sacrifice and the transformational power of love.

The soundtrack of Painted Skin: The Resurrection provides a powerful undertone, escalating the movie’s thrilling encounters and heart-wrenching scenes, effectively setting the eerie and grim mood of the story. It's a melodious blend of orchestral pieces that harmonize with the film's plot and characters' internal journeys, becoming an indispensable part of the film.

Painted Skin: The Resurrection successfully astonishes the audience with unexpected plot twists that are both satisfying and heartbreaking. It effectively employs CGI and practical effects that contribute to the storytelling and the general mise en scène, creating a remarkable cinematic experience.

In conclusion, Painted Skin: The Resurrection is a movie that goes beyond the fantasy genre, offering a profound exploration of love, deceit and transformation. Despite its roots in supernatural mythology, it is a film that strongly resonates with universal human emotions. It pushes the boundaries of Chinese cinema by not only focusing on action, but also on fine storytelling and strong character development. The fascinating performances by Xun Zhou, Wei Zhao and Kun Chen strike a chord with audiences, making the film a journey into the hearts of the characters.

Whether you are a fan of Chinese mythology, supernatural movies, romantic flicks or simply love an immersive cinematic experience, Painted Skin: The Resurrection is certainly worth watching. The movie promises ample action, endearing romance, plenty of intrigue and a unique backdrop that transcends time and space.