A Chinese Ghost Story I Ii Iii 198719901991 Full Extra Quality May 2026
A Chinese Ghost Story trilogy (1987–1991), produced by and directed by Ching Siu-tung
, is a landmark of Hong Kong cinema that blends romance, "wuxia" action, and supernatural horror. Based on the classic short story "Nie Xiaoqian" by Pu Songling, it redefined the "FantAsia" genre with its signature wirework and poetic visuals. Film I: A Chinese Ghost Story (1987) : Penniless tax collector Ning Caichen
(Leslie Cheung) seeks shelter in the abandoned Lan Ruo Temple. He falls for Nie Xiaoqian (Joey Wong), a beautiful ghost enslaved by a terrifying Tree Demon that feeds on human life force. Key Highlights
The iconic "bathtub scene" where Ning hides Xiaoqian from her master. The introduction of Yan Chixia
(Wu Ma), a Taoist swordsman famous for his award-winning "Taoist Rap". Availability : Included in the A Chinese Ghost Story Trilogy Boxset Film II: A Chinese Ghost Story II (1990)
The A Chinese Ghost Story trilogy (1987–1991) is a definitive cornerstone of Hong Kong's "Golden Age" cinema, blending supernatural horror, high-flying martial arts, and tragic romance into a unique genre-bending experience. Produced by the visionary Tsui Hark and directed by action choreographer Ching Siu-tung, the series revitalized the ghost film genre and launched stars like Leslie Cheung and Joey Wang into international stardom. The Trilogy Overview (1987–1991) Go to product viewer dialog for this item. A Chinese Ghost Story Trilogy (BLU)
A Chinese Ghost Story (1987)
Directed by Ching-Po Wong and starring Leslie Cheung, Joey Wong, and Wu Ma, the film tells the story of Ning (played by Leslie Cheung), a young scholar who falls in love with a ghost named Yin (played by Joey Wong). The movie blends elements of horror, comedy, and romance, and its unique blend of genres helped make it a huge success.
A Chinese Ghost Story II (1990)
The sequel, also known as A Chinese Ghost Story: The Sequel, was directed by Ching-Po Wong and stars Leslie Cheung, Joey Wong, and Eric Tsang. The story takes place a year after the events of the first film and follows Ning and Yin as they face new challenges. The movie features more of the same blend of horror, comedy, and romance that made the first film so popular.
A Chinese Ghost Story III (1991)
The third installment, directed by Ching-Po Wong, stars Leslie Cheung, Joey Wong, and Donald Yeung. The story follows Ning and Yin as they try to live a peaceful life together, but they are once again threatened by supernatural forces.
Full Cast and Crew
Here's a brief list of the main cast and crew for each film:
- A Chinese Ghost Story (1987)
- Director: Ching-Po Wong
- Cast: Leslie Cheung, Joey Wong, Wu Ma
- A Chinese Ghost Story II (1990)
- Director: Ching-Po Wong
- Cast: Leslie Cheung, Joey Wong, Eric Tsang
- A Chinese Ghost Story III (1991)
- Director: Ching-Po Wong
- Cast: Leslie Cheung, Joey Wong, Donald Yeung
Impact and Legacy
The A Chinese Ghost Story series has had a significant impact on Hong Kong cinema and beyond. The films' unique blend of horror, comedy, and romance has influenced many other movies and TV shows. The series has also helped to establish Leslie Cheung and Joey Wong as two of the most popular stars in Hong Kong cinema.
If you're interested in watching these classic films, I recommend checking out online streaming platforms or purchasing DVD/Blu-ray copies. Enjoy!
A Chinese Ghost Story trilogy (1987, 1990, 1991) is a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s "Golden Age" of cinema, blending high-octane action with gothic romance and Taoist folklore. Produced by the visionary Tsui Hark and directed by Ching Siu-tung, the series redefined the xianxia (fantasy martial arts) genre through its "panache-over-comprehensibility" style and groundbreaking practical effects. I. The Gothic Romance: A Chinese Ghost Story (1987)
The first film remains the most critically acclaimed, centering on the star-crossed love between Ning Caichen (Leslie Cheung), a timid debt collector, and Nie Xiaoqian (Joey Wong), a beautiful ghost enslaved by a terrifying Tree Demoness. a chinese ghost story i ii iii 198719901991 full
Visual Poetry: The film is famous for its atmospheric use of blue lighting, swirling mist, and "flying cloth" choreography that gives the ghosts an ethereal presence.
Cinematic Hybridity: It successfully mixed Hollywood-style special effects (like the 300-foot demon tongue) with traditional Chinese ghost legends from Pu Songling’s Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio.
Legacy: The chemistry between Cheung and Wong became iconic, establishing a blueprint for supernatural romances in Asian cinema. Culture Shock: A Chinese Ghost Story | Showroom Cinema
Plot Summary
Set years after Part I. Ling Choi-san is wrongly imprisoned for anti-government activities during a rebellion led by a demonic false monk, Lord Fu (Ku Feng). He escapes and meets a doppelgänger of Xiaoqian – a human rebel fighter named Ching Fung (also played by Joey Wong). A powerful demon named the Centipede King (Waise Lee) possesses the royal court. Ling, together with a new wise-cracking Daoist swordsman Chi Chau (Jacky Cheung), his swordmaster sister Yuet Chi (Michelle Reis), and the ghost of Yen Chek-hsia (returning as a spirit), must defeat the demon and restore order.
Plot Summary
A prequel/reboot (same setting, no direct continuity with Part I & II). A bumbling young monk, Fong (Tony Leung Chiu-wai), and his swaggering, greedy master Yin (Jacky Cheung) arrive at Lan Ro Temple. They encounter the beautiful ghost Lotus (Joey Wong), who is under the control of the revived Tree Demon (now played by Lau Shun) and a giant, brutal reaper demon called the Flesh Devil (Sheung Tin). Fong falls for Lotus, but she is torn between love and her demonic servitude. They must defeat both monsters with the help of an old blind swordsman (Wu Ma, playing a different character, Yin’s former master).
Why the Trilogy Matters Today
Watching the A Chinese Ghost Story trilogy in full offers a fascinating look at the evolution of Hong Kong fantasy cinema. A Chinese Ghost Story trilogy (1987–1991), produced by
- The Aesthetics: Before CGI dominated the industry, these films relied on practical effects, matte paintings, and incredible stunt work. The sight of characters battling giant tongues or riding on swords feels tangible and charmingly retro.
- The Music: The scores, particularly the themes by James Wong and Joseph Koo, are legendary. The melodies evoke a sense of melancholy and longing that defines the "Yin Yang" boundary (the world of the living and the dead).
- The Stars: The trilogy serves as a time capsule for the golden generation of HK stars. It captures the boyish charm of Leslie Cheung at the height of his fame and showcases the versatility of Tony Leung Ka-fai.