Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
The animated fantasy anthology “Curious Tales of a Temple” premiered in Beijing on July 8, drawing on classic supernatural stories from “Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio,” a 17th-century collection by Pu Songling.
Animators, producers and voice cast pose for a photo at the premiere of “Curious Tales of a Temple” in Beijing, July 8, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Table Film]
The film, co-directed by six animators — Cui Yuemei, Liu Yuan, Xie Junwei, Zou Jing, Huang Heyu and Liu Yilin — follows author Pu as he encounters toad and turtle spirits in the well of the abandoned Lanruo Temple. The spirits challenge him to judge their storytelling contest, with each spirit narrating two supernatural tales. As the contest unfolds, Pu finds himself drawn deeper into their world of ghosts and legends.
All the stories offer new interpretations of “Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio,” blending folklore, fantasy and moral lessons. The anthology features scholars, ghosts, spirits and shape-shifting creatures confronting questions of virtue, retribution and the mystical.
As the 10th feature-length production from Light Chaser Animation, the film is being billed as the studio’s most ambitious project to date. The company is also known for the blockbusters “White Snake” and “Chang An.”
The film is noted for its vivid color palette and use of Chinese cultural elements. The chapter “Taoist from Laoshan Mountain” is co-directed by Light Chaser veterans Cui and Liu Yuan, marking their directorial debuts. For the film, the pair pioneered a felt-textured animation style, making the visuals appear as if crafted from felt fabric — a first in Chinese animation history.
“We wanted to use a captivating approach to instantly immerse audiences in the world of ‘Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio,’ one filled with Chinese romanticism and mysterious supernatural elements,” Cui said at the premiere.
Xie, director of the Tang dynasty epic “Chang An,” created “Princess Lotus” for this anthology, which follows a boy who meets a bee princess in his dreams. He said he aimed to highlight the innocence found in children that remains in adults, offering audiences both delight and motivation to persevere against all odds.
Zou, who also directed “Chang An,” leads the adaptation of “Nie Xiaoqian,” reimagining the ancient ghost story in a modern historical context. Set in the chaotic, war-torn Republic of China era, Zou said the new backdrop brings greater challenges and drama for the protagonists while preserving the story’s unique ambiguity and romance.
Liu Yilin and Huang co-directed the horror ghost story “The Painted Skin,” marking the first time the tale has been told from a woman’s perspective. They present it as both a cautionary tale about marriage and an empowering message for women.
“The story doesn’t just examine marriage issues — it offers solutions,” Liu said. “We hope people facing difficulties will confront them positively rather than retreat.”
Zou and Liu Yuan co-directed “Miss Lu,” a poignant adaptation of Pu’s “The Daughter of Magistrate Lu,” which serves as the film’s climactic finale. Liu described the protagonists’ connection as “a profound bond transcending life, death and temporal boundaries.” He added, “We want audiences to leave with complete fulfillment, with that rare satisfaction when every emotional thread finds resolution.”
A poster for “Curious Tales of a Temple.” [Image courtesy of Light Chaser Animation]
Pu’s encounter with toad and turtle spirits beneath the well also forms a story on its own, directed by Huang, Liu Yilin and Zou, serving as a tribute to the original author.
Screenwriter Shen Junle said elements of the supernatural in Chinese culture are deeply rooted in 5,000 years of tradition. “In these strange tales, we see reflections of human nature, emotions, worldly affairs and hopes for the future. I believe this is the core of our supernatural storytelling tradition,” Shen said.
Producer Song Yiyi said “Curious Tales of a Temple” felt like the longest project she has worked on. “It contains so many different lives and emotions,” she said. “I hope that after watching it, everyone can feel the ups and downs in ‘Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio,’ and believe that tomorrow will always be better than today.”
“Curious Tales of a Temple,” released on July 12, is the second installment in Light Chaser Animation’s “New Culture” series after “Chang An.” The next film in the series will be an animated adaptation of the Chinese classic “Romance of the Three Kingdoms,” scheduled for release next summer.
MIL OSI China News –