WITCH FROM NEPAL (1986)

3 stars

88 Films. Blu ray. 23rd June

Original title: Qi yuan

The opening narration informs us that there is a mysterious tribe in the Himalayan mountains that believes their leader is descended from God and has supernatural powers. Unfortunately for them “there is an evil force afoot”.

When the leader of said tribe is given a trouncing by a deadly interloper, he sends out one his female followers to try and find his replacement, so he can pass on his power.

Joe (Chow Yun-Fat) and his girlfriend Ida (Kit Ying Lam) are visiting Nepal on holiday – having fun, taking photos, doing a spot of drawing (as Joe is an artist). When one of his sketches is blown from the balcony of the hotel, it is picked up by the emissary from the tribe – she sends him back a picture of him fighting the evil one.

Following an accident whilst out riding elephants, and after going missing for a while, Joe ends up in hospital in Hong Kong with a broken leg. Recuperating, he draws the mysterious lady he has seen – meanwhile she has stowed away on a plane and ends up in the same hospital (shocker!).

It is not long before he discovers he has telekinetic powers and that she thinks he is the new leader…

With shonky visual effects, much of this is silly, with folks flying through the air, as they battle it out. I guess if you are a Chow Yun-Fat completist you might get something out of this nonsense, which is ultra cheesy at times. Near the end of the film it tips into horror territory in a graveyard with zombies. Directed by Siu-Tung Ching, who gave us CHINESE GHOST STORY (1987). This is one of his lower rung efforts

Steve Kirkham

EXTRAS

Audio commentary from East Asian film expert Frank Djeng

Interview with Tony Rayns (18 mins)

Trailer and Stills gallery

Initial pressings also get O Ring and slipcase featuring new artwork by Sean Longmore, collectible postcard and perfect bound book with writings by C.J. Lines and David West