Green Snake Review
Director Tsui Hark's lush treatment of the Lilian Lee novel that has been adapted for the screen more than a dozen times in Chinese cinema is a great introduction to Chinese romantic fantasy for those who may not be familiar with the genre. Fast-paced, humorous, and strikingly visual, Harks' interpretation of the tale of two serpentine sisters who long to assume human form is beautifully filmed, poetic, and fun, even if its budget at times betrays its ambitious scope. As snake sisters Green and White (Maggie Cheung and Joey Wang respectively), the two talented actresses have their reptilian mannerisms honed to near perfection. Though branded as inhuman predators who poison and corrupt mankind's virtue by an intimidating Buddhist monk (Wing Zhao) who has vowed to destroy the reptilian siblings, the audience's sympathies ultimately reside with Green and White, who for the most part appear vastly more human than the well-intentioned but self-righteously vicious monk. Hark's sensuous visuals (courtesy of cinematographer Ko_Chiu-lam) and innovative direction create an exciting and elegantly romantic fable that isn't afraid to shed its skin and lighten the mood when it starts to take itself too seriously. Jason Buchanan, Rovi
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