THE BRIDE WITH WHITE HAIR is an unusual entry in the Hong Kong costume fantasy genre, emphasizing romance and mood over action and swordplay. Zhou Yihang (Leslie Cheung), a martial artist of the Wu Tang Clan, is charged with waging war against a rival cult led by Ji Wu Shang -- brother and
sister Siamese Twins joined at the back. Meanwhile, he's romancing Lian (Brigitte Lin), the "wolf girl," who is bound by a debt of honor to Ji Wu Shang.
This tale of precarious romance undone by suspicion has the dark quality of an ancient fable. The eerily atmospheric, studio-created forest scenery, as well as the erotic interplay staged therein, create an ambience appropriate to an adult fairy tale. While THE BRIDE WITH WHITE HAIR includes
some fight sequences, it fails to supply the non-stop action so highly valued by some American fans of Hong Kong costume fantasies. However, fans seeking a change of pace from the usual run of costumed swordplay films will not be disappointed.
Special mention should be made of the two attractive leads. Brigitte Lin (formerly billed as Lin Ching-Hsia), a popular and charismatic star of Hong Kong recent Hong Kong cinema -- notably PEKING OPERA BLUES and CHUNGKING EXPRESS -- is a truly stunning romantic lead, suggesting multiple layers of
glamour and mystery. Leslie Cheung (A BETTER TOMORROW, FAREWELL MY CONCUBINE) brings his usual youthful intensity and dark good looks to the role of a man torn between his clan and his love. leave a comment
