Painted Skin: The Resurrection

Painted Skin: The Resurrection

Year: 2012

Runtime: 131 min

Language: Chinese

Director: Wu Ershan

MysteryFantasyRomance

An ancient fox spirit awakens, taking on the guise of Princess Jing to escape a perilous situation. She seeks the aid of a man while being pursued by Xiaowei. As she navigates a world of danger, seduction, deception, and heartbreak intertwine, and she must find a way to protect her eternal beauty and survive the deadly game unfolding around her.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Painted Skin: The Resurrection yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Painted Skin: The Resurrection (2012) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Painted Skin: The Resurrection (2012), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

As the centuries unfolded since Xiaowei’s transgression against the demon code, the fox demon found herself imprisoned in icy isolation, her powers frozen just like the very elements that confined her. However, a fateful encounter with Que’er, a playful bird demon, set Xiaowei on an extraordinary journey toward redemption. Together, they embarked on a quest to find a mortal willing to sacrifice their heart for Xiaowei, believing this act would restore her lost humanity. Their initial attempts brought them to a haughty prince who dismissed their plea, leading Xiaowei to effortlessly steal his heart.

Undeterred by this rejection, they shifted their focus to General Huo Xin, who concealed half his visage beneath a golden mask. Intrigued by the general’s mysterious aura, Xiaowei used her magical abilities to immobilize him, only to unveil that the masked figure was actually Princess Jing, the youngest member of the royal family. Jing bore the scars from a vicious bear attack that occurred while Huo Xin, her devoted bodyguard, was preoccupied with duty.

As night cloaked the White City, Xiaowei cast her enchantments on General Huo Xin, rendering him unaware of his enchantment. Feeling betrayed, Princess Jing plunged into a lake, but Xiaowei intervened and saved her. Revealing her magical talents to Jing, Xiaowei suggested that her disfigurement would forever prevent her from winning General Huo Xin’s heart. Convinced of her tragic future, Jing agreed to exchange appearances with Xiaowei, aiming to test Huo’s true feelings.

Meanwhile, Que’er strolled through the enchanting moonlit streets, only to be confronted by two unscrupulous individuals. Just when it seemed all was lost, Pang Lang, a local man claiming to be descended from a line of demon hunters, bravely intervened, curious about the demon pair. Despite his effort to alert General Huo Xin about the looming threat, he was thwarted by the general’s attentive guards.

As the evening deepened, Jing, disguised as Xiaowei, cast a seductive spell over Huo. The following day, utilizing Jing’s yearning for Huo’s seemingly unattainable love, Xiaowei suggested an audacious plan: a permanent exchange of appearances. Unbeknownst to Jing, Huo overheard as she revealed Xiaowei’s true demonic nature, commanding him to deliver a fatal blow. However, his enchantment prevented him from acting against her, inciting Jing’s wrath.

In the midst of these chaotic events, the army of the Tianlang kingdom, commanded by a malevolent sorceress, invaded White City to claim Princess Jing, who was betrothed to their prince. Refusing to acquiesce to this destiny, Jing found herself at Huo’s side as he bravely defended the city. In a moment of desperation, Jing threatened her own life, persuading the Tianlang forces to retreat in exchange for her surrender within three days. Unwilling to marry anyone but Huo, Jing proposed a remarkable solution: offering her heart to Xiaowei, which would allow them to switch bodies and reshape their fates.

As Xiaowei, disguised as Jing, infiltrated the Tianlang camp, she was shocked to discover that her betrothed was none other than the arrogant prince whose heart she had previously consumed. The plan involved using her heart, which was actually Jing’s, to rejuvenate him. Realizing her vulnerability without her demonic powers, Xiaowei found herself in a precarious position.

Meanwhile, Que’er confided in Pang Lang about the swapped identities of Xiaowei and Jing, prompting the demon hunter to quickly relay this crucial information to Huo. Just as Jing prepared to consume her first heart, sealing her transformation into a demon, Huo acted with unwavering love. He blinded himself with his sword, breaking the enchantment that held him captive and leading the way for Xiaowei’s downfall.

As the fight dwindled, Que’er’s life force began to wane, but Jing, Huo, and Pang Lang united to reclaim Jing’s heart from the formidable Tianlang forces. In a final, desperate gamble, Huo offered his own heart to Xiaowei in exchange for Jing’s, yet she chose to restore Jing’s heart instead. Under the enchanting light of an impending eclipse, Xiaowei’s essence merged with Jing’s body, restoring her beauty to its former glory.

As this captivating narrative drew to a close, Huo and Jing prepared for their new journey together, while Pang Lang noticed a bird resembling Que’er in her authentic form, holding a feather reminiscent of the one she had gifted him during their first encounter.

Last Updated: November 17, 2024 at 20:42

Unlock the Full Story of Painted Skin: The Resurrection

Don't stop at just watching — explore Painted Skin: The Resurrection 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 Painted Skin: The Resurrection is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Painted Skin: The Resurrection Timeline

Track the full timeline of Painted Skin: The Resurrection with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Painted Skin: The Resurrection Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Painted Skin: The Resurrection

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Painted Skin: The Resurrection. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Painted Skin: The Resurrection

Painted Skin: The Resurrection Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Painted Skin: The Resurrection 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.

Painted Skin: The Resurrection Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Painted Skin: The Resurrection

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Painted Skin: The Resurrection: 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 Painted Skin: The Resurrection