The Mermaid River

The Buddha identified eight sufferings in life: birth, aging, illness, death, separation from loved ones, association with the unwanted, failure to obtain desires, and intense passion. In the deep sea, mermaids, both good and evil, sometimes lure people with songs or rescue those drowning, though these tales are unverified. Yu Ji, a young mermaid, learned of love’s agony after rescuing Yin Qing, who mistakenly thought Yue Zhenzhen saved him. On their wedding night, Yin Qing realised the bride was not the mermaid he loved. Will Yu Ji turn into foam for love, like in the fairy tale?

Directed by Chen Weiqin, The Mermaid River leans on a strong ensemble — Zhu Lilan, Leif Ye, Pan Zijian — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about action titles of 2019.