If your ideal fantasy genre contains unrelenting action and adventure, Painted Skin may not be the title for you. But, if you're looking for a beautiful dramatic romance, that is as poetic as it is entertaining, you will not be disappointed.
Written in an intelligently mature fashion, and performed with emotional poignancy, Painted Skin is quite unlike its American contrasts, with stories of battlers fought for love occasionally becoming lost in bloody violence and nudity. This Chinese feature delivers a tasteful approach, that sacrifices in your face thrills and excitement, for a gripping character driven tale of unrequited romance.
General Sheng returns home with his army after defeating barbarians infringing on his borders, bringing a beautiful young woman he rescued with him. His wife is immediately suspicious of the young woman, and becomes more so when her former paramour, Yong, a soldier turned nomad, returns to the city at the same time as gorgeous demon hunter, Xia, both firmly believing the woman is not who she claims.
There is, without a doubt, more to the mysterious woman, Xiao, than meets the eye, though any accusations are rendered preposterous in the eyes of those who appreciate her. With suspicion and paranoia mounting, Yong and Xia begin investigating, only to find themselves in the middle of a battle, plagued by conspiracy, jealously, betrayal and lust.
Although there are a number of astounding action sequences, Painted Skin is more of a cat and mouse thriller, with many of the fights taking place in conversations, where one character is always trying to outwit the other. At its heart, the film reveals that no sacrifice is too great when you love someone, both the script and the actors capturing the emotion perfectly, from the beauty of romance, to the grueling pain of loss.
Unlike in other films, where demons are purely villainous antagonists, Painted Skin makes demons and humans alike sympathetic characters, with breakable hearts, and many a vulnerability, the seductive storyline between man and demon being similar to the fourth Hellraiser. With this in mind, though a sex scene is apparent, nothing is ever seen, the tasteful directional style presenting the audience with all of the passion, but not at the expense of the actor's privacy.
With outstanding special effects that draw you further into the plot, alongside a soundtrack that mirrors the turmoil and romance exhibited in the film, Painted Skin is a perfect fantasy that you do not want to miss.
