Sunday, August 11, 2013

The Sorcerer and the White Snake

I am fascinated by Asian storytelling. The background mythology is so different than western mythology that it forces me think about purpose and history. In this offering, Jet Li is a buddhist monk and master who travels around looking for demons to capture and imprison. At the same time, a local herbalist is saved from drowning by a 1000 year old White Snake demon and promptly falls in love. The tension in this film comes from the mentality of the demon, who does not see herself (or all demons for that matter) as evil. Is there such a think as a benevolent demon? Or only selfish demons? As we explore these questions, Jet Li gains enlightenment and we are reminded of the endless grace of god. So while presenting these potentially deep and interesting metaphysical questions, they are folded into a goofy (by western standards) slap-stick package. Strange, and enjoyable.
3 stars (out of 5)

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