88 Films is continuing its streak of bringing Yuen Biao’s films to North American audiences in lavishly packed (and reasonably priced) special editions. The latest to hit shelves is the magical fantasy martial arts film Picture of a Nymph (1987), directed by Wu Ma, who was also a highly prolific actor. This film sits wonderfully with the previous releases like On the Run (1988), Rosa (1986), and Saga of the Phoenix (1989), and hopefully this isn’t the last.
After accidentally burning down his own home while battling a demon, the hapless scholar Tsui Hung-Chuen (Lawrence Ng) finds refuge with Shih Erh (Yuen Biao), a devoted Taoist disciple, and his master Wu Men-Chu (Wu Ma). Taking the displaced scholar under their protection, the two priests attempt to shield him from the restless demons and wandering spirits that haunt the surrounding countryside.
Yet Tsui soon encounters Mo Chiu (Joey Wang), a gentle female ghost under the sinister King Ghost’s (Elizabeth Lee) control. As an unlikely romance blossoms between the living man and the lonely spirit, Tsui paints her portrait — creating a hidden sanctuary where Mo Chiu can evade the King Ghost’s grasp.
While I’m unsure which film came first, Picture of a Nymph shares many similarities with A Chinese Ghost Story, which was released the same year. Either way, the film is wonderfully shot with some fantastic action that’s mixed with a haunting precision. I absolutely love the wirework and practical effects; they work so much better than CGI.
The cast is terrific. If you’ve ever followed Hong Kong cinema, then you’ll love seeing Biao, Lawrence Ng, Wu Ma, and especially Joey Wang, who uses her ethereal beauty to great effect. The story tends to be a bit predictable, but that doesn’t matter when you get lost in the fantasy, horror, and action.
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This flawless set features a brand new 2K restoration from the original negative, an audio commentary by HK cinema expert Frank Djeng, a second commentary by HK cinema expert David West, an image gallery, the original trailer, a reversible sleeve featuring new art by Sean Longmore, and the original Hong Kong artwork.
There are also limited-edition features, including an o-ring and a rigid slipcase, a booklet with notes by Paul Bramhall and Fraser Elliott, and art cards. Picture of a Nymph is a wildly entertaining film that helps to cement Biao’s place in action cinema history.
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, starring Biao Yuen, Wu Ma, Joey Wang, and Lawrence Ng.){kind=link}