When The Mysterious Nie Xiaoqian: A Chinese Ghost Story (小倩) Gets A New Date!

Ed Sum

1 year ago

Nie Xiaoqian: A Chinese Ghost Story has a new release date, and according to AsianFilmFans YouTube information, that’s Dec 6, 2024! Whether this is for its debut in China or an international date, the latter is unlikely. This animated movie was supposed to come out in April of this year, but with no media coverage and reviews to be found, perhaps the film wasn’t ready. When considering the credits lists first-time director Qichao Mao in charge, perhaps he realised there’s some flaws that needed fixing.

Between the older trailer and newest, there’s a lot more story revealed. Siu-sin is tied up, and shows no love for her captor. It’s some greater force who have kept others from ascending. In Bhuddism, there’s sometimes the hope for reincarnation or even a new life in a new realm, but here, there are unearthly forces who want to control spirits!

This piece stays true to the original core concepts, and what looks different is that there’s a longer journey ahead of Ning and Siu-sin, as they try to escape the overlord that’s keeping the ghost’s soul from moving on. I’m using the names as they are known from the original film that started it all.

Also, the presentation differs from Tsui Hark’s A Chinese Ghost Story (1997; Amazon Link); there’s no musical moments and it’s less Disney. Instead, what’s offered here looks like it’s adhering to the original tale a lot more than other takes. That is, there’s a lot more “scary” moments to enjoy!