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The Great Hypnotist

Original title: Cui mian da shi
  • 2014
  • Not Rated
  • 1h 44m
IMDb RATING
6.9/10
3.2K
YOUR RATING
The Great Hypnotist (2014)
DramaMysteryThriller

The famous psychologist Xu Ruining has a raising career, when he met the troublesome patient Ren Xiaoyan. The meeting is not easy as feeble-looking Ren is point by point against him.The famous psychologist Xu Ruining has a raising career, when he met the troublesome patient Ren Xiaoyan. The meeting is not easy as feeble-looking Ren is point by point against him.The famous psychologist Xu Ruining has a raising career, when he met the troublesome patient Ren Xiaoyan. The meeting is not easy as feeble-looking Ren is point by point against him.

  • Director
    • Leste Chen
  • Writers
    • Leste Chen
    • Peng Ren
  • Stars
    • Zheng Xu
    • Karen Mok
    • Zhong Lü
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.9/10
    3.2K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Leste Chen
    • Writers
      • Leste Chen
      • Peng Ren
    • Stars
      • Zheng Xu
      • Karen Mok
      • Zhong Lü
    • 12User reviews
    • 13Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 2 wins & 8 nominations total

    Photos20

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    Top cast13

    Edit
    Zheng Xu
    Zheng Xu
    • Xu Ruining
    Karen Mok
    Karen Mok
    • Ren Xiaoyan…
    Zhong Lü
    Zhong Lü
    • Pro Fang
    David Yaoqing Wang
    David Yaoqing Wang
    • Luo Yusong
    Jing Hu
    Jing Hu
    • Chen Ting
    Kaidi Yang
    • Amy
    • (as Cady Yang)
    Yue Guan
    Yue Guan
    • Shen Li
    Shuai Han
    Yutong Jianjia
    • Baby Ren Xiaoyan (Juvenile)
    Fangcong Li
    • Young Ren Xiaoyan (Juvenile)
    Dai Ming
    • Mr. Xu
    Hang Yin
    Hang Yin
    • Ruirui's mother (young)
    Leyi Zhao
    • Car accident girl
    • Director
      • Leste Chen
    • Writers
      • Leste Chen
      • Peng Ren
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews12

    6.93.2K
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    Featured reviews

    8kamalbeeee

    Great story plot...

    Its really amazing movie which was hear by filmroll Youtube channel...a hypnoist decide to take a difficult case who is feel ghost presense..not only climax acrewnplay also stunning...really worth to watch..
    8Foutainoflife

    Still Thinking About This One

    While this is a well made, well acted and well scripted film, I am still on the fence about a few things. I really had much higher expectations about this film leaning towards a ghost experience and while that is a theme in the movie, I was a bit disappointed about that specific aspect. It has a moody feel to it from the start. The sets are nice and some of the camera work and special effects were well done. I particularly enjoyed the last awakening scene. It was also a little slow for my taste but I still liked the overall story. It was worth the watch, for sure. Check it out.
    9sildarmillion

    Really good psychological thriller

    I watched this on a recommendation from a friend; would otherwise have never heard about it. But boy, did it really draw me in and keep the engaged the whole way through. It was a small movie with few characters and mostly taking place in one room, but there is a lot going on beneath the surface and each revelation is masterfully crafted. Would definitely recommend to others as well.
    8palma_rodrigo

    A captivating thriller, filled with unpredictable twists and beautiful cinematography

    This is a psychological thriller that not only entertains but also transports the audience into a narrative trance. With engaging direction and a multi-layered script, the film masterfully plays with the perception of reality and illusion, making the viewer question every detail of the story.

    From the very beginning, we are introduced to Dr. Ruining Xu (Xu Zheng), a meticulous and skeptical psychiatrist specializing in clinical hypnosis. His confidence is challenged by Ren Xiaoyan (Karen Mok), a mysterious patient who claims to see ghosts. Their confrontation turns into a fascinating mental game, where each hypnosis session becomes a piece of a complex puzzle.

    The film's greatest strength lies in the way its narrative unfolds, hypnotizing the audience with unpredictable twists and cinematography that reinforces the feeling of immersion. The dark color palette and the use of mirrors and reflections contribute to the dreamlike atmosphere, making each scene feel like a subconscious reverie. The subtle yet precise soundtrack intensifies this effect, guiding the viewer through a psychological labyrinth from which it is hard to escape.

    The performances of Xu Zheng and Karen Mok are another highlight. Their on-screen duel is filled with tension and emotion, and their chemistry elevates the story to an even more engaging level. As Dr. Xu tries to maintain control of the situation, Ren Xiaoyan's enigmatic presence leads him (and us) into a spiral of doubts and surprising revelations.

    Throughout the film, we are compelled to ask: what is real, and what is a construct of the mind? The Great Hypnotist not only answers this question but also makes the viewer feel hypnotized, lost in its layers of mystery. A stylish and intelligent psychological thriller that proves cinema can be a truly immersive experience.
    7lathe-of-heaven

    Stylish and intriguing Mystery. Starts off one way... and then becomes... something else... Rewatchability: High Blu-ray: Excellent A:10 V:9

    I really liked the start of this one. You truly couldn't ask for a more striking beginning; the first 10 minutes of the film are amongst the best that I've seen. I'm really quite surprised that more people have not seen this and that as I write this, there are only two other reviews. Perhaps it is not easily available for people to find, I don't know...

    This is a VERY Psychological Mystery / Thriller. I also REALLY liked some of the sets, like the foyer outside of his office. There is one shot straight down for a moment immediately after the doctor walks out of his office to meet his patient and she is standing in front of a large clock. The composition of the shot is beautiful. Anyway, the visuals employed throughout the film give it a nice look and use imagination. It is not over-stylized though where it would detract from the movie, but since the film deals with the mind and hypnotism, it uses it's visuals well.

    The direction, writing, and acting are very good. There is DEFINITELY a palpable tension and expectation running through the film as the doctor is trying to use his expertise to help the seemingly reluctant woman. I don't want to say too much more so as not to spoil anything, but I will say that I did enjoy the movie very much and found both the ultimate idea of it and the way they did it quite entertaining.

    So, as I state in my Summary... You might have one impression in mind when the film starts, but by the end I don't think you will quite be expecting what it becomes.

    A nice change of pace, and to me anyway, a rather unique story. I would think that if a Chinese film with this premise catches your interest in the first place, I don't see why you wouldn't like it. So, if you do not happen to be Chinese and you don't mind reading sub-titles, and particularly if you really like Psychological Mystery / Thrillers, I think that there is a good chance that you should enjoy this film.

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    Related interests

    Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)
    Drama
    Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway in Chinatown (1974)
    Mystery
    Cho Yeo-jeong in Parasite (2019)
    Thriller

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      At one point, Dr. Ruining Xu reveals that Ren Xiaoyan's birthday is on March 3rd. This is not just a random date--it is actually the real-life birthday of the film's director, Leste Chen. This subtle Easter egg adds a personal touch to the story, showing how filmmakers sometimes leave hidden connections between their work and their own lives.
    • Connections
      References The Sixth Sense (1999)
    • Soundtracks
      You Must Love Me
      Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber

      Lyrics by Tim Rice

      Performed by Karen Mok

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    FAQ17

    • How long is The Great Hypnotist?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • April 29, 2014 (China)
    • Country of origin
      • China
    • Language
      • Mandarin
    • Also known as
      • 催眠大師
    • Production company
      • Wanda Media Co.
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • CN¥10,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross worldwide
      • $44,077,818
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 44m(104 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Atmos
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.35 : 1

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