Release calendarTop 250 moviesMost popular moviesBrowse movies by genreTop box officeShowtimes & ticketsMovie newsIndia movie spotlight
    What's on TV & streamingTop 250 TV showsMost popular TV showsBrowse TV shows by genreTV news
    What to watchLatest trailersIMDb OriginalsIMDb PicksIMDb SpotlightFamily entertainment guideIMDb Podcasts
    OscarsEmmysToronto Int'l Film FestivalHispanic Heritage MonthIMDb Stars to WatchSTARmeter AwardsAwards CentralFestival CentralAll events
    Born todayMost popular celebsCelebrity news
    Help centerContributor zonePolls
For industry professionals
  • Language
  • Fully supported
  • English (United States)
    Partially supported
  • Français (Canada)
  • Français (France)
  • Deutsch (Deutschland)
  • हिंदी (भारत)
  • Italiano (Italia)
  • Português (Brasil)
  • Español (España)
  • Español (México)
Watchlist
Sign in
  • Fully supported
  • English (United States)
    Partially supported
  • Français (Canada)
  • Français (France)
  • Deutsch (Deutschland)
  • हिंदी (भारत)
  • Italiano (Italia)
  • Português (Brasil)
  • Español (España)
  • Español (México)
Use app
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • Trivia
  • FAQ
IMDbPro

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

    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    + 16
    View Poster

    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
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7
    8
    9
    10

    Featured reviews

    7Misss25

    Still messing with my head

    I really loved from starting till end. It is engaging enough to hold anyone's attention and persuade one to watch till end. It is full of mystery and twisted story.

    This evolves with a story of great therapist /hypnotist who usually handles most complex cases and a troubled woman who failed all attempts taken by several of therapist. The movie starts with hypnotist, digging past of woman. But, as soon as he commence his therapy, he started feeling something isn't right. Besides,she begins confusing him with his past and find his weak point. The hypnotism turns in wrong way in stead of curing her, he is falling in her traps.

    So,what's happend to the woman? Who she really is?
    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.
    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..
    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.
    10aishakajmer

    I can say that was excellent movie!

    Characters, dialogs and acts was wonderful. I impressed. Songs were so soft and so nice. You should watch this movie. I guarantee you won't regret. I started to watch and I couldn't stop myself from movie. I want to say a lot of things but nothing can tell you this movie is how much awesome. So I am suggest you. I will watch again and again because I want to see this scenario how great. China's cinemas and movies really can be good. I can admit it to you. When you watch this movie you will thank to actresses, to actors and to all staff. Now I started to interesting China movies. That people can made some good things and we will not know until watch their movies. My vote is 10 and thank you!

    More like this

    The Soul
    6.6
    The Soul
    The Message
    7.4
    The Message
    Blind Detective
    6.4
    Blind Detective
    The Twins Effect
    5.5
    The Twins Effect
    The Twins Effect II
    4.8
    The Twins Effect II
    Silent Witness
    6.9
    Silent Witness
    B for Busy
    7.4
    B for Busy
    Beast Stalker
    6.8
    Beast Stalker
    Secret
    7.5
    Secret
    Paradox
    6.5
    Paradox
    Back to 1942
    6.9
    Back to 1942
    Battle of Memories
    6.4
    Battle of Memories

    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

    Top picks

    Sign in to rate and Watchlist for personalized recommendations
    Sign in

    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

    Contribute to this page

    Suggest an edit or add missing content
    • Learn more about contributing
    Edit page

    More to explore

    Recently viewed

    Please enable browser cookies to use this feature. Learn more.
    Get the IMDb App
    Sign in for more accessSign in for more access
    Follow IMDb on social
    Get the IMDb App
    For Android and iOS
    Get the IMDb App
    • Help
    • Site Index
    • IMDbPro
    • Box Office Mojo
    • License IMDb Data
    • Press Room
    • Advertising
    • Jobs
    • Conditions of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • Your Ads Privacy Choices
    IMDb, an Amazon company

    © 1990-2025 by IMDb.com, Inc.