Synopsis

Two snake spirits become human and learn about love and suffering. A monk discovers his own weaknesses and finds that morality is not as simple as he had thought.

Curators’ note

Released in 1993, at the twilight of Hong Kong's New Wave cinema, Hark Tsui’s Green Snake stands as a tour de force that revitalises traditional Chinese mythology through the lens of an aesthetic revolution. Set against the ethereal landscapes of south-eastern China, the film narrates the intertwined fates of Green Snake and White Snake as they navigate a battle of romance and destiny. Between the fervent passion for love and the sterile belief in divine order lies a question fundamental to the Chinese Wu-Xia tradition: Can love and free will liberate us from the rigid confines of good and evil? With spellbinding colours, Tsui crafts a visual language that marries the dreamy tenderness of the water country with the austere divinity of a Buddhist temple. In this astonishing portrayal of East Asian aesthetics, Green Snake explores the profound tensions of desire, morality, and individual agency.（translated by Tina Xu）

Director’s bio

Tsui Hark is a renowned Chinese-language film director, screenwriter, and producer, celebrated as a key figure in the Hong Kong New Wave movement. Known for his innovative visual language and storytelling style, he masterfully blends traditional culture with modern technology, pioneering a distinctive aesthetic of Eastern magical realism. From The Butterfly Murders (1979) to Green Snake (1993) and the Detective Dee series, Tsui continually pushes the boundaries of genre filmmaking, elevating Chinese cinema to global prominence. His works achieve both commercial success and critical acclaim, resonating with scholars and audiences alike for their profound themes and unique perspectives.

Director‘s statement

During the production of Green Snake (1993), Tsui Hark aimed to reinterpret the widely known folktale The Legend of the White Snake, delving into modern women’s perspectives on love and emotional entanglements. He stated that making Green Snake (1993) had been a long-cherished wish, through which he sought to convey his understanding of the passionate complexities and profound loyalty inherent in modern women’s experiences of love.

Festival & Awards

1994

Nominee Hong Kong Film Award

• Best Art Direction

• Best Costume & Make Up Design

• Best Original Film Score

Casts

Joey Wang, Maggie Cheung, Wenzhuo Zhao

Credits

Scriptwriter: Pik-Wah Lee, Tsui Hark

Cinematography: Chiu-Lam Ko

Muisc: Tsung-Tak Lui, James Wong

Production Designer: Bill Lui

Editor: An-Chik