Green Snake (1993)

GS 3

Green Snake was written by Lilian Lee whose literary works include Farewell My Concubine and Dumplings. The book was adapted for the screen by Liilan Lee herself and directed by the very talented Tsui Hark (Seven Swords, Zu Warriors, Detective Dee: Mystery of the Phantom Flame).  The story revolves around a Buddhist Monk that is struggling with temptation and two Snake Demons who have cultivated enough to transform into human form.  The movie is awash with eroticism, but besides that it is a really enjoyable film with some fantastic performances.  We watch as Green and White Snake learn about the human world while others deal with their fears and prejudice.  As usual I don’t want to give away the plot.  This is a must see classic!

Maggie Cheung as Green Snake

Maggie Cheung as Green Snake

Vincent Zhao (Once Upon a Time in China 5 & 6, Wind and Cloud TV series, Seven Swordsmen TV series, True Legend, Wu Dang) is  Monk Fat-hoi, a devout buddhist who is struggling with the temptations of flesh and his prejudice against the spirit world.

Maggie Cheung (Hero, Moon Warriors, The Heroic Trio, Ashes of Time) plays Green Snake the younger of the two snake demons.  She is impulsive and likes to give in to temptation.

Joey Wong (Painted Skin, God of Gamblers, A Chinese Ghost Story) is White Snake the older of the sisters and more mature.

Wu Hsing-kuo (Master Swordsman Lu Xiaofeng, The Accidental Spy) is the scholar Hsui Xien who falls in love with White Snake.

Lau Kong portrays the Blind Monk who is trying to trap the two snakes to increase his own power.

Jet Li is in a newer version of this story in The Sorcerer and the White Snake 2011.  There is a digitally remastered edition of Green Snake (1993) done back in 2007 and I would recommend viewing that version.

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