The Mermaid
“The Mermaid” is a Chinese cinematic production from 2016. Stephen Chow took on the role of director for this film which navigates through the genres of fantasy and romantic comedy. The key actors in the film are Deng Chao, Lin Yun, and Show Lo.
Plot Summary
“The Mermaid” introduces us to Liu Xuan, a wealthy businessman who acquires a marine reserve called the Green Gulf. His intent is to use sonar technology for sea reclamation and make a substantial profit, but he fails to consider the devastating impact his project will have on the Gulf’s ecosystem. He is unaware that the Gulf is home to a community of merpeople whose lives depend on the sanctity of their aquatic home.
Their habitat is not the only thing at risk. The sonar technology has started to make them sick, with many succumbing to the painful effects. In desperation, the merpeople hatch a plan to stop Liu and protect their home. The mermaid Shan, portrayed by Lin Yun, is chosen to carry out this perilous task.
Under the guise of a human, Shan attempts to assassinate Liu but finds herself unexpectedly drawn towards him. His kindness towards her and genuine sense of humour make her question their mission. Shan finds herself torn between her loyalty to her clan and her growing affection for Liu. She begins to hope that she can convince him to abandon the project without resorting to drastic measures.
When Liu discovers the existence of merpeople and realizes the harm his project is causing, it leads to a serious moral dilemma. He’s forced to decide between his business interests and the welfare of these innocent creatures. This complexity adds layers to his character and drives the narrative forward.
In an unexpected twist, it is revealed that Liu’s business partner, Ruolan, is aware of the merpeople and wants them eliminated to continue the project unimpeded. This revelation adds another dimension to the plot, escalating the conflict and giving the narrative a dark turn. The struggle for survival, a blooming love story, and the greed of human beings culminate in an engaging and thought-provoking storyline that “The Mermaid” presents to its viewers.
Production
“The Mermaid” is a work of Sony Pictures and Star Overseas, with Stephen Chow serving as the director. Stephen Chow, known for his past works, brought together a talented crew to realize this ambitious film. The screenplay was crafted by eight writers, showcasing a significant collaborative effort. In terms of casting, Deng Chao was chosen for the role of Liu Xuan, and Lin Yun portrayed Shan, the mermaid.
The production also heavily invested in visual effects to create a realistic and captivating underwater world. Teams of artists and technicians worked diligently to ensure that the depiction of the merpeople and their habitat was both creative and believable. They used a mix of CGI and practical effects to achieve the desired outcome.
Filming occurred in various locations, including Shenzhen, where a massive set was built for the Green Gulf scenes.
Conclusion
“The Mermaid” stands as a film that intertwines an engaging storyline with a salient message about environmental preservation. It strikes a balance between humor, romance, and fantasy. The movie does not glorify any specific aspect or individual, yet it provides a balanced cinematic experience. The environmental themes explored in “The Mermaid” leave food for thought for the viewers.
For more such content, Visit the official page of Deepan Boopathy.
