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There’s something strangely satisfying about watching an evil vixen spirit compete for the affection of a happily married husband – and completely feeling for the former. Adapting a short story from the classic Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio, a collection of supernatural tales that constantly exposes the moral discrepancy of human beings against their otherworldly counterparts, director Gordon Chan deserves all the credit he’ll get for Painted Skin – not just for resisting the temptation of serving a horror freak show that the original’s bizarre premise can easily lead to, but for actually coming up with an exotically captivating, yet sincerely heartfelt, story of love and devotion.

After commander Wang (Chen Kun) rescues a mysterious young lady (Xiaowei, wonderfully portrayed by Zhou Xun) from a bandits’ camp, the harmony of Wang’s household is quickly tested as the new member secretly plots to take over as the new Mrs Wang. In a battle for affection, Wang’s dutiful wife Peirong (Vicky Zhao) strives to disclose the temptress’ real identity: she is a fox spirit disguised under the skin of a petite lady, which can only maintain its form by regularly devouring human hearts.

As Chan leaves no doubt as to Xiaowei’s true self from the film’s start, it’s a testament to his effective storytelling that the film ends up not as a straightforward good versus evil action fiesta, but a heartbreaking story of unrequited desire and unconditional love. Carried all the way through by the main leads’ authentic performances, and combining cheesy romance with fantastical allure and occasional lighthearted moments, Painted Skin is Chinese commercial cinema at its best.

Edmund Lee

In cinemas now: Broadway, GH, MCL, UA