This film actually has a lot going for it. The story is very good and apart from the references to 'A Chinese Ghost Story' it also reminds me of 'Green Snake' (and Hebridean Selkie tales). The photography is stunning (if a little over filtered at times) and makes use of some lovely locations. And all the actors are good except unfortunately for the lead male Anthony Wong Yiu Ming who looks amateurish next to Eric Tsang and Richard Ng. Norman Chu could have been used more and the wonderful Ivy Ling Po is hamming it up, but to great effect. To my mind Cherie Chung works well in this as the 'demon' who develops a heart. The ending seems just right to me. Like Green Snake it scores a few good points on gender politics (not quite as strong as Bride with White Hair 2, but along the same lines). If only ... well Anthony Wong is still making films. The music is 80's electronic pop and not to my taste. Worth watching but don't expect a classic.
Review of Golden Swallow
