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The Great Hypnotist

Original title: Cui mian da shi
  • 2014
  • Not Rated
  • 1h 44m
IMDb RATING
6.9/10
3.3K
YOUR RATING
The Great Hypnotist (2014)
MandarinDramaMysteryThriller

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
    3.3K
    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

    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.
    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?
    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.
    8kluseba

    Gloomy atmosphere and challenging story make for an immersive experience

    The Great Hypnotist offers an intriguing mixture of a psychological thriller and a mysterious drama. The movie convinces with a gloomy atmosphere from start to finish. With a length around one hour and a half without the credits, the film has solid pace and is coherent and consistent. The story is also very interesting and comes around with a few minor surprises and one twist that might be predictable for genre experts but that is still greatly executed because the movie offers many clues and details to the viewers. This immersive film is quite intellectual and offers some food for thought and debates long after you have watched it.

    The story revolves around a famous psychologist who uses hypnosis to make his patients fight their inner demons. One day, the case of a troublesome woman who believes to see ghosts around her but doesn't understand their purpose is referred to the psychologist. It turns out that this isn't only going to be his most complex but also his most personal case.

    There aren't too many negative elements to mention in this very good film. What bothers me a little bit is the fact that the two main characters are hard to symapthise with at first contact. The psychologist is full of himself while the patient acts in a hostile way. Some of these behaviors are explained towards the end and the last third of the film changes the initial perceptions completely. Still, the slightly antipathic characters make an initial approach to the film somewhat difficult. However, your patience will be rewarded by the end of the movie.

    In the end, you should watch The Great Hypnotist if you like psychological thrillers or mysterious dramas. This movie stands out with its challenging story that requests the viewers to immerse themselves fully into a highly atmospheric film. Thanks to a gloomy atmosphere, this film is best enjoyed on a lonely night at home.

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    Related interests

    Jonathan Chang in Yi Yi (2000)
    Mandarin
    Naomie Harris, Mahershala Ali, Janelle Monáe, André Holland, Herman Caheej McGloun, Edson Jean, Alex R. Hibbert, and Tanisha Cidel 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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