“Humans destroy everything they touch.”
synopsis
A ruthless real-estate tycoon launches a massive coastal development project that threatens a hidden underwater community of mermaids. To stop him, the merfolk send a young and inexperienced mermaid named Shan to seduce and assassinate the businessman. But as she spends time with him on land, the mission becomes complicated by unexpected emotions and a growing awareness that the human world—and the man she was meant to destroy—is not as simple as she imagined.
pairs well with ...
mini-review
Directed by Stephen Chow, The Mermaid mixes environmental satire, absurd comedy, and romantic fantasy. Chow’s trademark slapstick and over-the-top gags are everywhere, but beneath the silliness lies a surprisingly sincere message about greed, environmental destruction, and empathy. The tone swings wildly between goofy farce and romantic drama, but the film’s charm and visual inventiveness keep it engaging.
Seafood takeout and a movie night when you’re in the mood for something weird, playful, and unexpectedly romantic.
Absurdist's Corner
An entire secret civilization of mermaids exists beneath a modern Chinese coastal city, yet apparently no fisherman has noticed them for centuries.
fun facts
• At the time of its release, the film became the highest-grossing movie in Chinese box-office history.
• Directed by Stephen Chow, the same filmmaker behind Kung Fu Hustle and Shaolin Soccer.
• Much of the film’s comedy comes from intentionally exaggerated visual effects and slapstick humor.