5 films about Chinese superstitions, from hopping vampires to ghosts to curses
- From Mr Vampire to A Chinese Ghost Story to The Eye, we recall 5 films that explore supernatural elements of Chinese literature and folklore
Learn the ins and outs of feng shui, villain hitting, and fortunetelling as well as the dos and don’ts for cultivating good luck in our series on Chinese superstitions.
For decades, film directors have drawn on Chinese folk and religious beliefs and literary works, and taken inspiration from traditional Chinese festivals.
We recall five classic films that show Chinese superstitions in captivating – and spine-chilling – ways.
1. The Eye (2002), directed by Danny Pang Phat and Oxide Pang Chun
Popular among fans of classic Hong Kong horror films, The Eye is based on a Chinese folk belief called “yin yang eyes”.
Taoists believe our lives are governed by yin and yang, opposite yet complementary energies. People with “yin yang eyes” are said to be able to see and interact with beings beyond the earthly realm; some can get a glimpse of their past selves or previous incarnations.
