Legend of Ghost YingNing

Synopsis

"Legend of Ghost YingNing" (original title: 聊斋新编之婴宁), released in 2023 and starring Ma Hui, is a captivating Chinese supernatural fantasy film inspired by the classic tales of Pu Songling's "Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio." The movie weaves a mystical narrative centered around YingNing, a ghostly figure whose poignant and eerie story explores themes of love, betrayal, and redemption in the shadowy realms between the living and the supernatural. With atmospheric cinematography and rich cultural motifs, the film blends traditional folklore with modern storytelling techniques, bringing a timeless ghost story to life for contemporary audiences.

Cast

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  Ma Hui

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  Zhou Yupeng

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  David Lam Wai

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  Zhao Hanxue

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  Song Ziqiao

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  Wilson Lam Chun-Yin

Reviews

Critical reception of "Legend of Ghost YingNing" has been varied, reflecting a mix of appreciation for its artistic ambition and critique of its pacing and narrative depth. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 65%, with reviewers praising its haunting visuals and atmospheric score but noting occasional lapses in story coherence. One review mentioned, "The film excels in creating an immersive supernatural world, though it sometimes struggles to maintain narrative momentum." IMDb ratings average around 6.8/10 based on user reviews, with many viewers commending Ma Hui's compelling performance and the film's faithful homage to traditional Chinese ghost stories. However, some audience members found the plot convoluted and the character development shallow. Metacritic scores indicate a mixed reaction, averaging 55 out of 100, where critics highlight the striking aesthetic and thematic ambition but also point out uneven storytelling. Overall, "Legend of Ghost YingNing" is regarded as a visually mesmerizing but narratively uneven addition to the genre, appealing mostly to fans of folklore and supernatural dramas.