Film Adaptation Based on “Hua Bi”
The film Snake Skin Beauty (Chinese: 蛇皮美人) was released on several streaming platforms in China at the beginning of April. This film features performances by Liu Dichen, Shung Na, and Liu Aitan, and it presents a storyline that has some changes compared to Hua Bi (2008), which starred Zhao Wei, Qiao Zhen, and Tran Khon in leading roles, although the fundamental premise remains similar.
The film delves into the theme of love amidst reality and illusion, exploring the relationship between humanity and desire. Li Nian (played by Liu Dichen) is a well-known fortune teller in a chaotic world. One night, he accidentally enters a desolate village and encounters a mysterious woman whose existence is shrouded in secrecy. This encounter helps awaken the love for the young woman, Tieu Mai (played by Shung Na), who lives in a world where the line between human and snake is blurred.
Snake Skin Beauty is based on the story from Hua Bi (2008). Image: Weibo.
As the story unfolds, the violence and bloodshed during the tumultuous times lead to a struggle for survival, with the protagonist caught in a web of fate and desire. Li Nian, unaware of his feelings, ultimately sacrifices everything when faced with the truth about Tieu Mai, finding himself in a dangerous situation where he must protect her at all costs.
The cast features rising star Shung Na, who makes her debut in a leading role in this cinematic adaptation. Born in 1997, she graduated from the Beijing Film Academy and has previously played supporting roles in works such as Setting Sun and Lotus Lantern.
Liu Dichen is also a familiar face in many films, known for his roles in Heat of the Sun and Goodbye, My Love.
Numerous Haunting Images
Filming for Snake Skin Beauty was completed in 2022, but it took two years before its release to audiences. During its debut, the film quickly climbed the list of new releases on streaming platforms.
According to QQ, the film had a low budget and lacked creativity in its execution, although the content was quite engaging. The visuals were striking, with many detailed and haunting scenes that outshine those in the original Hua Bi adaptation. For example, there are scenes where Tieu Mai is depicted in a surreal transformation, leaving viewers with a sense of unease and even inducing trypophobia (fear of holes).
“The film is quite unsettling to watch during the Qingming Festival in China, given its many themes that may not be suitable for children,” remarked one viewer.
Unlike QQ, Sohu did not rate the film highly: “Snake Skin Beauty seems to have emerged from the depths of a literary classic, hoping audiences will only watch it for its novelty.” Many people feel that while the film lacks quality and deviates from the original storyline, it still manages to attract viewers, prompting production companies to rush its release. “It’s better to focus on marketing than quality; no matter how poor the content is, if the marketing is strong, then it’s worth it,” Sohu commented.
Some scenes in Snake Skin Beauty focus solely on Li Nian’s emotional turmoil, which can be quite confusing. The stunning visuals and the portrayal of the lead female character are particularly captivating, making a strong impression on viewers.
