A Chinese Ghost Story: More Than Just a Spooky Romance!

Okay, so I finally got around to watching "A Chinese Ghost Story" (1987). I know, I'm late to the party! But wow, this thing is way more than I expected. I went in expecting just a cheesy ghost romance thingy but ended up geeking out so hard. The world-building, even though it's subtle, is actually pretty brilliant. You've got this super corrupt, almost cyberpunk-dystopian version of Imperial China (at least in terms of the vibe) where even tax collectors are dirt poor and bandits are everywhere. It isn't spelled out, but you feel it. And then boom, you throw these mythical elements on top! Ning Choi-san, the tax collector, is adorably pathetic and you just wanna root for him. Joey Wong as Nip Siu-sin is mesmerizing. The way she portrays her trapped spirit with this mix of vulnerability and ethereal beauty? Chef's kiss! The Taoist swordsman, Yen Che-hsia, is a trip too. He's like a total badass but also kinda goofy, especially when he's fighting those possessed trees. The effects, while obviously dated, have this charm. I was actually impressed how they managed to create all these fantastical creatures on a relatively low budget. What REALLY got me thinking, though, is the mythology stuff. The Tree Demon and the connection to the underworld gives a strong foundation for potential sequels. It makes me wanna brainstorm other creatures and entities they could've explored. Did they use the same mythology for other movies? I need to find out and research! Also, I'm curious about the location where they filmed the temple, it also feels so immersive and makes me want to worldbuild a temple of my own (virtual or real, who knows). All in all, if you somehow haven't seen this, def give it a shot. It's a fun ride with some surprisingly deep world-building aspects that I think any sci-fi/fantasy nerd can appreciate. Let me know your thoughts, especially if you know anything about the source material or the mythology they draw from!