SINGAPORE : Another ghost story! Almost resigned to being the resident spooky movie-goer, that was my first impression of "Painted Skin". After all, it is the latest adaption of popular Chinese classic literature "Ghost Stories", popularly known as Liao Zhai. But just like the title, a painted object often holds more than meets the eye.

The story revolves around Man's infatuation with beauty and how it tends to be their downfall. When Commander Wang Sheng (Chen Kun) rescued Xiao Wei – a fox spirit in human form (Zhou Xun) from the bandits, he succumbs to her beauty. The infatuation threatens the Commander’s relationship with his wife Pei Rong (Vicki Zhao) who discovers Xiao Wei's true identity and gets the help of martial arts expert Pang Yong (Donnie Yen) to salvage the situation.

Unlike most Liao Zhai stories that has a strong spooky element, Director Gordon Chan focus the story on three elements Truth, Beauty and Kindness. As the story unfolds, it delves into intricate emotions and relationships between man, demon and the moral dilemmas in life. This meant the spooky element was significantly reduced. No complaints though.

Painted Skin boasts a formidable Asian cast with names of Donnie Yen and Zhou Xun who don’t disappoint. Renowned Kung-fu star Donnie Yen was able to prove that he has an acting range, with a charming portrayal of the laidback martial arts expert.

Credit also goes to Zhou Xun for her role as the fox spirit which suited the diminutive actress and also proved why she is one of the best in her business. While audiences will despise her scheming fox spirit role, they will at the same time feel sympathy for the character in her longing for love.

The rest of the cast which included Chen Kun, Vicki Zhao, Sun Li and Qi Yu Wu were passable. Qi however, could have made more effort to add more dimension to his character which had to struggle with his unrequited love towards Xiao Wei.

Except for a draggy love relationship in the middle of the film, which seems to be unavoidable in Asian love stories, the film was paced comfortably.

The film gets a good lift from the twist in the end that will probably leave the audience with a tinge of mixed emotions and reflecting on the nature of love and relationships.

- CNA