MOVIE REVIEW – Green Snake – aka White Snake 2: The Trials of the Green Snake – the sequel to 2019’s Chinese blockbuster White Snake – is now available on Netflix. The second part of an over-the-top action-packed animated fantasy saga, it’s a stunning visual treat that will keep you glued to the screen, but not sure if “laypeople” will be able to follow the often highly chaotic events.

The films are basically Disney adaptations of a popular Chinese folk tale into action-packed animated movies with princesses, monsters, and fabulous characters. The films tell the story of two demonic snake sisters who are able to take human form – they happen to take on the appearance of two beautiful girls who are totally devoted to each other. The sequel this time focuses on the Green Snake’s solo adventure, separate from the White Snake, who is only seen in the opening scene at the beginning of the film.

The Chinese monk shows no mercy

Blanca the White Snake (voice of Zhang Zhe) and her sister Verta the Green Snake (Tang Xiaoxi) attempt to level an island temple by controlling the powerful ocean waves in ancient China. But their arch-enemy Fahai (Song Xuchen), a golden monk, summons a golden dome to protect it and then manifests a golden dragon, supposedly made of light, which separates the sisters in a ferocious battle. White Snake is a little confused about what is happening, and Verta “falls” into a strange world that looks a lot like the set of a post-apocalyptic movie, with burnt-out carriages and abandoned skyscrapers. Still, instead of zombies, there are demons and monsters. At first glance, the place has a Resident Evil or The Walking Dead feel, but that familiar feeling quickly dissipates.

This hellish place is called Asuraville. Verta finds herself here thanks to another “survivalist warrior” woman who has been here for some time, as they have to fight and flee almost non-stop through the apocalyptic city, often facing fists and horses from various gangs. The oxheads and horsefaces ride furry motorbikes and dress like they’re in a 1983 heavy metal video.

The city’s inhabitants are also anyone who is too obsessed with something to be properly reincarnated in their next life. Vera must now find a way to escape Asuraville and save Blanca.

The story “moves” like a fast train, no time for characters

The first thing to be aware of when jumping into Green Snake is a sequel to an earlier film, White Snake, which is currently unavailable on Netflix. From the film’s opening, which plunges the viewer straight into the fan confrontation described above, the film expects that anyone who watches it will already be familiar with the characters, as no specific events or moments from the previous film are brought up alluded to in this post.

After the opening confrontation between Fahai and our protagonists, the film follows Verta through her many ordeals to escape the city of Shura in the remaining two hours of running time. The sequence of events that make up Verta’s journey is highly entertaining and spectacular, but at the same time, the story is a little empty. Events are spun at maximum speed. The creators spend little time allowing viewers to understand the various characters or motivations as the story plunges from one crisis and epic confrontation. The few scenes where the characters finally get some breathing room to allow the film to explore their motivations and emotions are well done but not punchy enough to give the story’s most significant moments the desired impact.

The film’s story is also characterised by the eternal nature of the central theme it seeks to unravel. As we follow Verta’s journey, we get the sense that Green Snake is trying to make a statement about concepts such as obsession, trust and letting go. However, the story fails to really commit to any of them, it gets into everything but doesn’t really express any of them.

An amazing sight

The visuals in Green Snake are genuinely eye-catching and beautifully depict the mystical setting and characters. The appearance of the many monsters, demons and ghosts that inhabit the city is also first-rate: reminiscent of the most professional Japanese animation. With their incredible sense of style, the action sequences are equally impressive. The fights are fast-paced and exciting, and the film’s final confrontation is so unique, with a vividly painted style, that it takes your breath away.

Since it is a bit “niche” content, there is no Hungarian dubbing (but subtitles), and in addition to Chinese (Mandarin), you can hear the characters in English or French.

Overall, Green Snake is a fantastic adventure, full of amazing scenes and thrills, with dazzling visuals. Even if the characters don’t get enough time to unfold fully, the visuals make it well worth the plunge into this unique sci-fi and fantasy adventure told through Chinese animation.

-BadSector-