“Painted Skin: The Resurrection” (a 2012 3-D film from China) is the sequel to “Painted Skin (2008)”, but it stands on its own as the self-contained story of an ancient fox spirit, Xiaowei (Zhou Xun), who embarks on a quest to become human. Confined to a frozen cell for centuries for breaking demonic law, Xiaowei regains her freedom when a bird spirit (Yang Mi) frees her. In order to preserve her beauty, Xiaowei must consume human hearts taken by force. However, if a human offers his/her heart willingly to her, Xiaowei will become mortal, breaking free of the underworld to experience life among the living.

 

Xiowei meets a disfigured princess, Jing (Zhao Wei), who hides deep facial scars under a golden mask. Jing seeks the love of a noble warrior (Chen Kun) who used to be a member of her personal guard. Jing flees her kingdom’s capital city and journeys to a border fortress commanded by her former protector, who is now a general. He is haunted by his failure to save her from the bear spirit attack that caused her disfigurement. However, he has fallen under the spell of Xiaowei’s sorcery, so he desires only her.

 

Since Xiaowei wants to be human and Princess Jing is desperate to capture the general’s affections, they make a pact to trade places. Under the influence of a solar eclipse, Jing offers Xiaowei her heart, allowing Xiaowei takes her human form, while she becomes the fox spirit whose human form the general loves. However, when the forces of an evil neighboring kingdom, Tian Lang, cross the border to claim Princess Jing (whose form and humanity Xiaowei has assumed) as the bride of their crown prince, the battle for the princess' heart truly begins. Tian Lang’s high priest plans to use Jing’s heart to resurrect the crown prince, whose own heart has been eaten by a demon. Can anyone stop him?

 

This film is a lavish supernatural epic that displays the best tropes of the traditional Chinese mythology of the underworld. It is made more impressive by the 3D format. It stars the currently red-hot Chinese “power trio” of Zhou Xun, Zhao Wei, and Chen Kun. It also held the record for the biggest opening-day box office gross in China until it was overtaken by “Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons.” Unfortunately, hugely successful Asian films do not often make it to the big screen in the U.S. Fortunately, there’s VOD. The movie is currently available (with English subtitles) on Netflix, iTunes, and Amazon Instant Video.

 

Texas Frisco Kid