Watch Painted Skin

Painted Skin is a visually stunning Chinese supernatural film that was released in 2008. Directed by Gordon Chan, the movie is based on a classical tale from Pu Songling's Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio. The film stars Donnie Yen, Xun Zhou, Kun Chen and other amazing actors. The story of this film takes place in ancient China, where humans and demons exist in the same world, and mythical creatures are commonplace. The film follows the story of a young warrior named Wang Sheng (played by Donnie Yen), who has been sent off to a remote fortress to protect the region from demon attacks. One day, while on a hunt, he comes face to face with a beautiful stranger named Xiaowei (played by Xun Zhou) who is revealed to be a fox demon. Xiaowei makes a deal with Wang Sheng, promising to help him gain the favor of his crush, the secretly evil General Wang (played by Xiaoming Huang), in exchange for his protection.

As the story unfolds, we discover that Xiaowei has a sinister plan of her own. She is seeking a human heart to become fully human, rather than remaining a demon in disguise. She sets her sights on Wang Sheng's crush, Peirong (played by Betty Sun), who unbeknownst to everyone else has contracted an incurable disease.

The film follows the characters’ inner conflicts and struggles as the story progresses. Wang Sheng starts to fall for Xiaowei and becomes protective of her, Peirong starts showing her true colors and General Wang's true nature is finally revealed. The tension between the characters grows with each passing moment as each one is pulled by their own motivations and desires.

One of the most fascinating and original aspects of Painted Skin is the way it portrays Chinese mythology. The vivid set pieces, stunning visual effects, and spectacular costumes bring the story's creatures to life in a very unique and unforgettable way. The demon fox Xiaowei, who can transform herself into a beautiful woman, is a particularly fascinating character. Her beauty is unsettling, and we never know what her true intentions are until the very end.

The film was also praised for its emotional depth and its ability to blend romance and action in a seamless way. Donnie Yen's character, Wang Sheng, is a complex figure and the themes of loyalty and betrayal in the story are explored with great depth. Similarly, the performance of Xun Zhou, who brings out the conflict of her character's demons, is remarkable.

Apart from the philosophical depth, the action sequences in the movie are also worth mentioning. The fights are beautifully choreographed, and the use of slow motion in some scenes adds an ethereal quality to the film. The action-packed finale of the movie is nothing short of epic, with each of the characters pushing themselves to their limits in a grand finale for good or evil.

In conclusion, Painted Skin (2008) is a captivating and magical film that explores human relationships in a mythical context. The film’s brilliant use of mythology and stunning visuals turn it into a must-see for movie lovers of all genres. The film is remarkable for its ability to blend action, romance, and philosophy in a seamless manner, and is one of the most memorable Chinese supernatural movies of all time.