A Chinese Ghost Story

A Chinese Ghost Story

Year: 1987

Runtime: 96 mins

Language: Cantonese

Director: Tony Ching Siu-Tung

FantasyActionHorror

An inexperienced imperial tax collector, sent by the government, spends a night in a cursed temple where the ancient evil seeks his intended bride. He falls for a beautiful ghostly woman, then, aided by a powerful Daoist swordsman, battles undead hordes, confronts a sinister Tree Demoness, and descends into hellish pits to rescue the spirit he loves.

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Timeline & Setting – A Chinese Ghost Story (1987)

Explore the full timeline and setting of A Chinese Ghost Story (1987). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Deserted forest temple, Outskirts of rural town, Underworld

The deserted forest temple sits on the outskirts of a rural town, its weathered stone and lingering incense hinting at a long history. It serves as the secluded stage for Nip's story and the Tree Demoness' power, drawing Ning into a world where the living and the dead intersect. The location's desolation and misty atmosphere heighten the supernatural tension throughout the film.

🏮 Temple 🌳 Forest 🏙 Town outskirts 👻 Ghosts

Last Updated: November 29, 2025 at 00:43

Main Characters – A Chinese Ghost Story (1987)

Meet the key characters of A Chinese Ghost Story (1987), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Ling Choi-san

A timid debt collector whose encounter with Nip marks a turning point in his life. He travels to a rural town, seeks shelter in the temple, and is driven by a mix of fear, curiosity, and compassion as he falls for Nip. He becomes determined to protect Nip's life and, ultimately, her soul, even as danger looms if the truth is revealed.

💼 Debtor ❤️ Lover 🧭 Determined 🕯️ Fearful

Nip Siu-sin

A beautiful young woman whose story is entwined with a Tree Demoness' curse. She explains how her remains must be buried properly to keep her spirit from being enslaved. Her love for Ning drives her to cling to life and hope, even as she faces the risk of annihilation if the curse is not broken.

💘 Love 👻 Spirit 🕊️ Tragic 🧭 Hope

Yin Chik-ha

A Taoist priest who attempts to aid Ning and Nip. He confronts the Tree Demoness in battle and ultimately guides Ning to access the Underworld. His practical skepticism contrasts with his reluctant willingness to help, and his actions illuminate the complexities of mercy and power.

🗝️ Priest 🌀 Mentor 🧭 Cautious 🧼 Ritualist

Tree Demoness

A sinister force binding Nip to a cursed fate, with her power rooted in a living tree. She is formidable and ruthless, punishing anyone who betrays her master. Her banishment to the Underworld marks a climactic shift in Nip's struggle for freedom.

🌳 Demon ⚡ Power 🗡️ Oppressor 🧭 Calculating

Last Updated: November 29, 2025 at 00:43

Major Themes – A Chinese Ghost Story (1987)

Explore the central themes of A Chinese Ghost Story (1987), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

❤️ Love Beyond Death

Ning's devotion to Nip drives the central romance, pushing him to challenge fear and the unknown. Their connection persists despite warnings that Nip's soul is bound to a curse and may never fully belong to the living. The story frames love as a force capable of bridging mortal limits and urging acts of courage.

🕊️ Redemption

Ning's persistent effort to free Nip reveals a redemptive arc where selflessness and daring confront despair. Yin's guidance underscores the possibility of atonement through choice and sacrifice. The tale treats redemption as a process that requires sacrifices in life and beyond death.

⚔️ Conflict with the Supernatural

The battle with the Tree Demoness and the peril of the Underworld frame the film's action. The characters contend with otherworldly powers that threaten both souls and futures. Courage, strategy, and ritual clash define the struggle between mortal desire and immortal forces.

Last Updated: November 29, 2025 at 00:43

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Supernatural Rescue Romances like A Chinese Ghost Story

Desperate quests to save a beloved spirit from otherworldly forces.If you enjoyed the mix of ghostly love and underworld rescue in A Chinese Ghost Story, you'll find similar thrills here. This list features movies where a human protagonist embarks on a dangerous mission into supernatural domains to save their otherworldly beloved, blending fantasy action with passionate romance.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a clear arc: a human protagonist falls for a supernatural being (often a ghost) who is trapped or threatened by a greater evil. This sparks a perilous quest, requiring the hero to confront powerful foes and journey into dangerous realms like the underworld, culminating in a desperate rescue mission that tests their courage and love.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped by their central premise—a mortal's love for a spirit compelling a high-stakes adventure. They share a specific emotional mix of sincere romance, thrilling action, supernatural horror, and a bittersweet undercurrent due to the inherent challenges of a love that transcends life and death.

Funny Fantasy Horror Movies like A Chinese Ghost Story

Lighthearted adventures where spooky chills meet slapstick laughs.For viewers who liked the comic relief mixed with supernatural horror in A Chinese Ghost Story, this collection highlights similar films. Discover fantasy adventures that blend spooky settings, intense martial arts action, and a significant dose of humor, creating a uniquely thrilling and amusing vibe.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread unfold in a world where real supernatural dangers exist, but the narrative is frequently interrupted by witty dialogue, eccentric sidekicks, or slapstick moments that diffuse tension. The plot is straightforward and fast-paced, focusing on a clear heroic goal while ensuring the journey is as fun as it is frightening.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their unique tonal blend. They don't purely aim to scare or to be comedies; instead, they weave horror, fantasy action, and humor together seamlessly. The shared experience is one of exhilarating adventure that feels accessible and entertaining due to its consistent comic beats.

Unlock the Full Story of A Chinese Ghost Story

Don't stop at just watching — explore A Chinese Ghost Story in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what A Chinese Ghost Story is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

A Chinese Ghost Story Summary

Read a complete plot summary of A Chinese Ghost Story, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

A Chinese Ghost Story Summary

A Chinese Ghost Story Timeline

Track the full timeline of A Chinese Ghost Story with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

A Chinese Ghost Story Timeline

A Chinese Ghost Story Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of A Chinese Ghost Story that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

A Chinese Ghost Story Spoiler-Free Summary

More About A Chinese Ghost Story

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about A Chinese Ghost Story: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About A Chinese Ghost Story

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