"Ren xia ren" (1982), also known as "Human Lanterns," is a peculiar blend of martial arts, horror, and drama that showcases both the creativity and excess of Hong Kong cinema in the early 1980s. Directed by Wu Ma, this film offers a unique viewing experience that, while flawed, manages to leave a lasting impression.
Set in ancient China, the story revolves around a rivalry between two wealthy men, Tan Fu and Lung Shu Ai, who compete to create the most beautiful lantern for an upcoming festival. Their competition takes a dark turn when they enlist the help of Chao Chun-Fang, a skilled lantern maker with a sinister secret. Chao, seeking revenge for past humiliations, begins crafting lanterns from human skin, leading to a series of gruesome murders.
Wu Ma's direction is ambitious, if not always successful. He attempts to balance elements of traditional wuxia films with horror tropes, creating a unique atmosphere that sets "Ren xia ren" apart from more conventional martial arts movies of the era. The film's visual style is often striking, with vivid colors and imaginative set designs that enhance the otherworldly feel of the story.
Chen Kuan-tai delivers a standout performance as Chao Chun-Fang, the vengeful lantern maker. His portrayal of a man driven to madness by his desire for revenge is both chilling and oddly sympathetic, providing the emotional core of the film. Chen's ability to shift between calm craftsman and deranged killer is particularly impressive and contributes significantly to the film's unsettling tone.
One of the most memorable scenes in the film involves Chao's workshop, where he creates his macabre lanterns. The sequence is a masterclass in building tension, with Wu Ma using clever camera work and lighting to suggest the horrific nature of Chao's work without resorting to excessive gore. This scene encapsulates the film's ability to create horror through implication rather than explicit violence.
The martial arts sequences in "Ren xia ren" are competently choreographed, though they sometimes feel at odds with the horror elements of the film. When they do work, however, they add an extra layer of excitement to the proceedings, particularly in the film's climactic confrontation.
Despite its strengths, "Ren xia ren" is not without significant flaws. The pacing can be uneven, with long stretches of dialogue and character development interrupted by sudden bursts of action or horror. This inconsistency can make the film feel disjointed at times, potentially alienating viewers expecting a more traditional martial arts or horror experience.
The film's treatment of its female characters is problematic by modern standards, with women often relegated to roles as victims or objects of desire. While this was not uncommon in films of this era and genre, it does detract from the overall quality of the narrative.
The special effects, while ambitious for their time, have not aged particularly well. Some of the more fantastical elements of the story are undercut by unconvincing practical effects, which may take modern viewers out of the experience.
For fans of martial arts cinema looking for something off the beaten path, or horror enthusiasts interested in exploring the genre's manifestations in different cultures, "Ren xia ren" offers an intriguing, if flawed, viewing experience. Chen Kuan-tai's performance and Wu Ma's creative direction provide enough highlights to make the film worth seeking out for cinephiles interested in the more obscure corners of Hong Kong cinema. While it may not reach the heights of the best examples of either the martial arts or horror genres, "Ren xia ren" remains a fascinating cultural artifact that demonstrates the willingness of Hong Kong filmmakers to push boundaries and blend genres in unexpected ways.
