Painted Skin

6.0
20081h 43m

Production

Logo for Shanghai Film Group

Painted Skin is based on one of Pu Songling's classic short stories in Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio. Zhou Xun stars as Xiao Wei, a fox spirit that feasts on human hearts in order to maintain her lovely, youthful appearance. When General Wang Sheng (Chen Kun) 'rescues' her from a band of bandits and brings her home, trouble brews as the demon falls in love with the general.

Trailers & Videos

Thumbnail for video: Painted Skin 《畫皮》(2008) Trailer

Painted Skin 《畫皮》(2008) Trailer

Cast

Photo of Donnie Yen

Donnie Yen

Pang Yong

Photo of Zhou Xun

Zhou Xun

Xiao Wei

Photo of Chen Kun

Chen Kun

Wang Sheng

Photo of Zhao Wei

Zhao Wei

Pei Rong

Photo of Sun Li

Sun Li

Xia Bing

Photo of Qi Yuwu

Qi Yuwu

Xiao Yi / Lizard Demon

Photo of Jin Song

Jin Song

Gao Xiang

Photo of David Liang Kai-Di

David Liang Kai-Di

Xia Huo Xiang

Photo of Xiao Cong

Xiao Cong

Jing Ping

Photo of Liu Yan

Liu Yan

Patroness

Photo of Qi Yunpeng

Qi Yunpeng

Mo Zhui

Photo of Wen Yang

Wen Yang

Tong Tou

Photo of Li Qilong

Li Qilong

Wu Zhao

Photo of Qu Dalei

Qu Dalei

Ding Yi

Photo of Han Zhenhua

Han Zhenhua

Fortune teller

Photo of Jin Liang

Jin Liang

Waiter

Photo of Dai Xiaoyi

Dai Xiaoyi

Young lady

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Reviews

T

TheTenth

10/10

General Wang Sheng (Kun Shen) atacks a bandit camp and saves Xiaowei (Xun Zhou) who is a demon fox spirit that needs to feed on human hearts to keep her nice appearance. Wang Sheng brings her home and presents her to his wife Pei Rong (Vicky Zhao) that welcomes her and offers to keep her in her service. But Xiaowei falls in love with Wang.

Strange events then happen, including people disappearing or dying, so Pei Rong turns to a demon hunter, Pang Yong (Donnie Yen), who is tired of things and not of much help. He meets an inexperienced demon hunter, Xia Bing (Li Sun) who is very interested in the events, and thinks a chameleon demon is the cause of problems. It is indeed such a demon, Xiaoyi (Yuwu Qi) that is in love with Xiaowei and kills people to bring her hearts.

Pei Rong won't quit finding the source of problems and confronts Xiaowei that reveals her demon form and forms a pact with her : the killings stop, but Pei Rong takes the blame for the murders.

This is a mix of faery tale, Wuxia and love story. The main cast does a breathtaking job, creating powerful characters with strengths and weaknesses, and led by their emotions and honor, including the demons. This makes a very moving story, as noone is really guilty and tries to hurt as few people as possible, or at least believes they're doing the right thing.
I've been a fan of Vicky Zhao for years, and Donnie Yen is always great, but it's Xun Zhou that really shines here. Her mysterious charm creates a complex and charming character that we try to hope will either become good or be forgiven for her actions.

Very recommended.

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