[Fantasia Film Festival] Unveiling the Hidden Truth: A Chinese Ghost Story 3’s Secret Reincarnation Links

Spoiler Alert

The original “A Chinese Ghost Story” trilogy (1987–1991) is a cult classic that stands the test of time. And at Fantasia Film Fest, the programming team decided to play A Chinese Ghost Story 3 on the big screen instead of the other two, which are narratively better than this chapter. The reason may well be because the third film was originally designed to be standalone. But for a long-time fan like me, these movies are connected because of what Daoism tries to achieve–cultivation. It’s like connecting to The Force in Star Wars.

But because reincarnation is a major theme that connects all three movies, there’s an implication that Fong (Tony Leung Chiu-waii) may well be an incarnation of Ning Choi-san. That’s how I read the introduction, which explains why this film jumped 100 years into this world’s future. When Yin Chik-ha, a Taoist priest, and Ning Choi-san, the scholar, are fighting the tree-demon again in order to banish it for a century, the setup feels obvious.

Although the official stance is that this film is not a sequel, what I’m hearing from the dialogue suggests there’s more of a connection than meets the eye. There are nuances in the performance which show how Fong and Ning are one and the same! Both carry a similar air of innocence, especially when the scenes between them and the spirit have to play out. Both are virgins!

I firmly believe the acolyte (scholar in the original), monk (priest) and rogue are reincarnations, sometimes just how they still live carries over! Although A Chinese Ghost Story 3 divided the role of Chik-ha into two entities, the added character has similar mannerisms. As travelling missionaries out to deliver Buddha to a temple, they have given up many of their worldly possessions.

When Joey Wong is back playing as Nie Xiaoqian (Lotus in the subtitles) and the legend says their love is eternal, she is not likely to fall in love with anyone else. Although she does not recognize Fong as a reincarnation of Nie, that’s because she is not a spirit that has reached cultivation. Through enlightenment, some individuals can see into the future, but here, this entity cannot. While she can patiently wait for an eternity for his soul to return in another body, he will not remember a thing! According to the research of Dr. Ian Stevenson (University of Virginia) theory, a child younger than four may remember things about their past life, but after that, those memories fade in favour of constructing a new one. As for her lack of recall being a plot hole, it’s an issue that isn’t explained.

In contrast to other versions, not all adaptations include the original ending where the ghost’s future rebirth is revealed. In the animated movie released years later, this ghost revealed her rebirth would happen. Here, Fong is not searching for unrequited love; while I have to smile at seeing it rekindled (if my theory is true), the circumstances of their being separated are very different this time!

Although A Chinese Ghost Story 3 gives what seems like a definitive ending where the disciple and ghost can finally live out their life, it’s vastly different from the works released afterwards. These takes are more faithful to the original narrative, whereas this one moves away. In the original text, the protagonist is told where to find her reincarnated form; however, when he finds he has to wait since she’s too young, it seems these two star-crossed lovers are never meant to be!

4 Stars out of 5

A Chinese Ghost Story 3 Trailer