The Decades of Horror Grue Crews stick with the folk horror subgenre and bring in Scott Wells to help explain some of the details. This time, the film is A CHINESE GHOST STORY (1987), from Hong Kong producer Tsui Hark and director Siu-Tung Ching. The great Leslie Cheung and Joey Wang create the chemistry necessary to believe this "ghost meets innocent, naive tax collector" love story. Of course, they need the help of Wu Ma's Monk/Swordsman to overcome the hold the Old Dame has over the two lovebirds. Much wire-work, special makeup effects, stop-motion animation, and mystical shenanigans ensue, making for one heck of a fun film experience. Enjoy!

A CHINESE GHOST STORY (1987)
Episode 318 - Decades of Horror 1980s

Quote: "Be careful! Don't let her tongue enter your mouth!" - Sui Sin

Synopsis: A debt collector has no other choice than to spend the night in a haunted temple, where he encounters a female ghost, whom he falls in love with. To save her soul he must work with a monk to defeat the tree demon who owns her spirit.

Director: Siu-Tung Ching
Writers: Kai-Chi Yuen (as Kai-Chi Yun); Songling Pu (novel)
Cast:
Leslie Cheung as Ling Choi San
Joey Wang as Lip Siu Sin (credited as Wang Tsu Hsien)
Wu Ma as Swordsman Yin Chek Ha (credited as Wo Ma)
Siu-Ming Lau as Tree Devil
Wai Lam as Swordsman Hsia Hou
Zhilun Xue as Siu Ching

Gruesome Magazine's Decades of Horror 1980s is part of the Decades of Horror two-week rotation with The Classic Era and the 1970s. In two weeks, the next '80s episode, chosen by Doc is THE LAST SHARK (1981), also known as The Great White, featuring Vic Morrow and James Franciscus.

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