Year: 1987
Runtime: 96 mins
Language: Cantonese
Director: Tony Ching Siu-Tung
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.
Get a spoiler-free look at A Chinese Ghost Story (1987) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In the mist‑shrouded backwoods of imperial China, a timid government tax collector is dispatched to a remote town to collect the owed tribute. Short on coins and confidence, he seeks refuge for the night in an isolated temple that locals whisper is cursed. The stone walls, heavy with incense and forgotten prayers, pulse with an uneasy stillness that hints at forces long concealed beneath the forest.
Within the dim lantern light he encounters a strikingly beautiful young maiden whose presence feels both tender and other‑worldly. Ning Choi‑san finds himself drawn to her ethereal charm, while the temple’s ancient malignancy seems to take a special interest in the fate of the woman he intends to marry. The air is thick with the scent of pine and decay, and every shadow seems to shimmer with the restless energy of unseen spirits.
When the hidden danger becomes undeniable, Yin Chik‑ha, a stoic Daoist swordsman, steps forward as an unlikely guide through the realm of the supernatural. Together they navigate a world where the veil between the living and the dead thins, where undead silhouettes stir in the darkness and a sinister Tree Demoness watches from the roots of the forest. Their uneasy partnership hints at ancient rites, hidden curses, and a perilous journey that may lead far beneath the earth itself.
The film unfolds as a haunting blend of period drama and gothic fantasy, its tone lingering between melancholy romance and stark, other‑worldly dread. It invites the audience to wonder what lies beyond the temple’s crumbling stones, and whether love can transcend the boundaries that bind spirit to shadow.
Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 15:38
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape A Chinese Ghost Story. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
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.
Discover movies like A Chinese Ghost Story that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
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