Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe (2015) User Reviews

Classic case of style over substance with modern eye candy

[quincytheodore · 6/10 · 13 November 2015]

This movie is a prime example on how a few good individual parts alone can't make a great movie. It has arguably one of the better animations from Chinese films, gorgeous cinematography and intriguing occult mystery premise, yet the plot is thin and superficial. If a comparison could be made, the movie resembles video game, it literally jumps through outlandishly eye-catching set pieces and while they might look attractive, the working narrative is extremely disjointed.

Story mainly follows Hu Bayi as a member of archaeology team sent to uncover ancient secrets. He then meets with Yang Ping, the love interest and soon enough become the reason he volunteers for more dangerous mission. Eventually, the team finds creatures, relics, disasters and all sorts of oddities that the movie barely explains. Characters are ridiculously plain. Hu Bayi himself mostly follows order and narrates the plot while the heroine Yang Ping is depicted as mysterious female.

These personalities are lacking depth, especially when the movie introduces a couple of comic reliefs that don't matter much for story. The plot has the same problems from Jackie Chan's The Myth from years ago, it's too flamboyant for the sake of fantasy appeal that it doesn't have much continuity or clarity. It merely throws around some over-the-top fantasy gibberish to usher in new shiny sequences.

Fortunately, it does have some flashy spectacles. There's a clear investment on the visual presentation. The scenes are gorgeous, be it may the blue horizon from snow mountain or the trek across the desert. It's set in the right era with good nods to ancient trinkets and modern vibe, almost looking like The Mummy franchise for costume and design. Cinematography takes full advantage of the exotic location, the lightning, buildings and even details like banners or furniture add to the atmosphere.

Special effect is top notch, there are a few moments when the cameras pan to the beasts and you can see the fur waving around in the wind or how the chains rattle on their neck. It's a definite improvement from stiff CG many Chinese movies used even in last year. There's a bit of imperfection with the editing and practical effect, but when the overall scene looks so inviting, it's entirely forgivable.

In the end Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe will leave audience with many aesthetically pleasing stages and also unsatisfied feeling on the story.

Action packed movie, but a confusing mess of a story...

[paul_haakonsen · 5/10 · 25 April 2017]

The synopsis for "Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe" (aka "Jiu ceng yao ta") does make this sort of feel like a mixture between the traditional Asian martial arts movie mixed up with a hefty doze of "Tomb Raider" or "Indiana Jones". And this is also what the movie turned out to be, to some extend...

Visually then "Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe" was indeed a nice treat for the eyes to behold on the screen. Lots of great things, details in the scenes, props, costumes, etc. to look at. But the story just failed to have all that shine and luster that the visuals had.

The story turned out to be a confusing scramble of an attempt of writing a coherent storyline, and it just lacked that all-important red thread that ties it all together. And on that account, the movie just became something of a visual presentation of various effects and Visuals, more than it was a story-based and story-driven movie. Which ended up being a hindrance for the movie.

Now, whether this was the fault of director Chuan Lu or the fault of writers Chuan Lu, Bobby Roth and Nick Roth, I can only guess of course. But I am prone to lean towards the writers.

The characters in the movie were well enough details and chiseled out on the screen, but they just were run over by the confusion of the entire movie, which overshadowed everything. And it should also be noted that they had indeed managed to get together a good ensemble of acting talents to star in the movie, just a shame that they had virtually no script or storyline to work with.

There are far better forays into the adventure genre, even in Asian cinema, and as such, then "Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe" is hardly the type of movie that you will watch more than a single time.

Much more style over substance

[chrisdem · 4/10 · 11 April 2016]

So...I watched 60 Minutes last night about the Chinese market for big budget movies. This movie popped up for a 10 second example of "monster" movies finally being made in and available to the Chinese public. While the visual aspect of this movie is up there with any big budget American film of this time, the story is unbelievably bad (really bad). It is obvious that millions were spent on this film but they could not seem to be able to spend $500 on a script. I do believe it is worth watching for the CGI eye candy and the acting isn't half bad, but WOW, they still have a way to go as far as story goes. This is like Transformers 4 on steroids with a worse story (if that is possible).

It will be interesting to see how this Chinese/US cinema relationship takes us. Hopefully this us just the start of something a bit (much?) better.

I also have to admit that I liked the use of minimal blood and no bad language and still have an entertaining movie. This shows you don't have to have heads chopped off and the F bomb every 30 seconds to entertain people. This is one aspect of the new Chinese "blockbuster" style movies that I do like.

If it had only made sense....

[Wizard-8 · 3/10 · 13 May 2018]

It's interesting to watch foreign movies that attempt to compete with Hollywood blockbusters, because sometimes you can find some entertaining movies that do things differently while being entertaining. However, there are definitely times when these foreign films can be as bad as the worst to come from Hollywood, and "Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe" is one such movie. I didn't have a problem with the Chinese propaganda (every national cinema has films that trumpet their culture). And even though the special effects were kind of erratic, I didn't really have a problem with them as well.

However, I did have a big problem with the script. The first fifteen minutes are pretty coherent, but after that point, the movie becomes extremely muddled. There are a ton of unanswered questions and mysterious plot developments. Some of these head-scratching moments are eventually answered (kind of), but new murky touches come up to take their place. I don't know if the confusion was due to translation problems, a necessity to know Chinese culture well, or simply bad writing... though I suspect the third possible explanation is the answer.

The movie is well shot, fairly fast-paced despite its length, and it never gets to the point of being boring. But with such a muddled narrative, it's hard to care for the characters or what is happening. As a result, the movie is very unsatisfying. I would be willing to see these filmmakers do another movie, but only as long as they were working with a much better script.

Interesting but goofy

[Snootz · 5/10 · 25 December 2018]

The special effects and acting in this are pretty good as is the directing. The script is another matter. Stupid on toast. One can't even account the absurdity to modern re-telling of ancient Chinese lore, as this is totally modern fiction. It has a plot, sort of, it has a story line, sort of. I'm giving it 5 stars because it's a somewhat interesting watch and keeps ones attention all the way through, but the longer the movie goes the more ludicrous it gets and the ending is a total let-down. Plus, the werewolf like monsters have been seen before and seem to be right out of Daz 3D. I'm a fan of Chinese cinema. This was a disappointment.

Is a patchwork of many ideas, some from other movies...

[luzcka · 2/10 · 2 January 2016]

Well... I like adventure, fantasy... but this movie is bad! It's a patchwork!!!! I do not care about political or religious marketing... but at the first scene (like a Broadway musical) it's obviously and theatrical... and a I remember it from another movie (other context). Bad actors with exaggerated movement. Some scenes don't have logic or are filled with erroneous functionality, some people dead in seconds others delay minutes and survive (obviously most important characters), make reference to Alliens at a moment and in another call daemons, this movie take ideas from Indiana Jones, Godzilla, Mangas and others sources... But in a small moment the movie have a light of inspiration and present a beautiful photography, remember a good documentary. The movie use good visual effects and technological resources (possible a drone). If you don't have anything to make and need to spend time... It's a choice or possibility!

Good creature effects n good action but marred by confusing story n pg13 kills.

[Fella_shibby · 7/10 · 23 December 2018]

The film starts well but slows down during the middle act. Also it moves between flashbacks which may confuse some viewers. The effects of the creatures and action were good but most of the things were offscreen n the kills were mild. Mayb the makers were happy with pg13. I have been a lil generous with a 7 cos of the creature effects n Yao Chen's luscious lips.

I really don't know what the movie is trying to say

[yoggwork · 3/10 · 19 February 2019]

I really don't know what the movie is trying to say. By the time the whole movie got off the train, it was quite ordinary, barely able to see it, and it was really a dog-tailed mink that did more than one thing. After watching this movie, I am not interested in the original book, nor do I understand poison!

Return to the underworld

[unbrokenmetal · 7/10 · 30 September 2016]

1979 in a distant area near Mongolia, huge monster skulls are discovered. The exploration team finds a way to the ghost temple, where dangerous beings can get through a portal. Not only the big "hell hounds", but also the tiny "fire bats", whose mere touch burns human beings to ashes. Hu Bayi (Mark Chao) survives and reads occult literature to understand better what has happened to the team. The movie continues with the second expedition probably in 1988, not "present day" as many reviewers wrote mistakenly, because we see a 1985 calendar and then get a subtitle '3 years later'. Also Hu Bayi is not an old man yet. Anyhow, he meets his lost love Ping, who now calls herself Shirley and pretends not to know him. The second expedition takes them to a destroyed desert town, and then the monsters reappear. What will happen when the portal gets opened again?

This fantasy movie is a bit complicated, not telling the events chronologically, but jumping between 1979, 1985 and 1988 (?). It's not too easy on the audience, but it's worth paying attention. The 3D effects work well, especially in the cave scenes when you really feel you can look down into the depths. I'm not entirely satisfied with the monsters, as the jumps don't look real. For the weight they must have, they jump much too high, looks a bit like rubber balls. Anyhow, the story satisfies, and the effects are still pretty good apart from minor grudges.

What is even happening?

[continuumx · 3/10 · 16 March 2023]

Is a question you will probably be asking yourself a lot while watching this movie. The description on Tubi TV made it sound like a monster movie. There are monsters but that's just the tip of the craziness iceberg. It's a lot more complicated that just a monster movie. One might even call it convoluted.

The movie looks good. Its well shot. It makes heavy use of CGI which mostly looks quite good. The action sequences are pretty well done if a bit over the top in spots. The main problem is the script. The movie jumps around in time erratically. It's often unclear when things are happening or how much time has passed. There's an attack on a small town that definitely takes place after the opening sequence. The characters go there later. It's clearly the same town. The town look like it has been abandoned for a long time. The characters look the same. How much time passed between these scenes? I have no idea. The result is a bit of a jumbled mess. There are also multiple dream sequences or visions to add to the confusion. They don't do a very good job differentiating these from the "real" scenes. The biggest problem with this movie is that it has no ending. It was obviously intended to be the start of some sort of franchise but they forgot that the first movie has to stand on its own as well. This is not a complete story. It's the start of a story. This is the main reason why I am giving it such a low score despite the things it does right.

Underrated, very good entry into sci-fi fantasy

[CelluloidDog · 8/10 · 18 October 2016]

OK...real rating is about 6.7-7.2. But the ratings here are notoriously and this film is better than that. So I am balancing the ratings. The critics reviews were actually fairly favorable compared to viewers. Some people trashed it (read other comments) saying this film is inferior to Transformers in depth and rips off Indiana Jones, Godzilla, etc.

First, I'm not sure what this film and Indiana Jones have much in comment. Not much except for an archaeological dig at the start. No Indy film dealt with monsters. Second, it has little to do with Godzilla other than old bones which suggest dinosaurs but there are no dinosaurs (or I though dragons at the start). And I have not seen another movie with red or blue bats. In fact, the scenes in the caves and mountains resembled more Lord of the Rings or the Hobbit. I'm expecting Smaug to appear somewhere.

So what does it really rip off? Not much but probably the general Hollywood investigative conspiracy-type film where a government bureaucracy, in this case Bureau 749 is much like Area 51, Roswell or Project Bluebook. But no one got that. The other film is remotely resembles is actually Tremors where you have a group of people out in the desert surrounded by creatures. A bit different. We see mysterious characters like Mr Wang, the Professor and Bureau 749. Not sure which Hollywood film produces those types. But most people naturally stereotype, if it's Chinese, it must be copying some western film since Chinese are unoriginal. So old prejudices can affect how a film is rated.

One interesting thing about some recent Chinese films is the depiction of old-style communism. Films today are generally but loosely scrutinized by the government. It seems to depict the old communist lifestyle as "glorious" but that is a bit tongue-in-cheek since the main character Hu Bayi is overworked at the beginning. More the opening of the film is a social commentary on hard labor as a virtue of the 60s communism in China. One almost senses a labor camp where the government tries to cover up an accident.

Otherwise, it's really a interesting cross between a science fiction and a love story. The depth of the plot unwinds and is confusing halfway through. But that is because the main character Hu Bayi himself is confused. He doesn't know he's part of something greater until it's quite late. And we never really find out why the Professor and his daughter were on the archaeological dig until the end. It's a far more complex plot than Transformers. Really! For the person who thinks Transformers, a film made for kids (mostly young boys), is more sophisticated.

The opening scenes which are comparable to some as an Indiana Jones film, but I think any movie that deals with caves (a huge genre that started with Journey to the Center of the World) is fun and riveting. The library scenes are also mysterious and fascinating. One issue is that awkward introduction and explanation of the ghostly tribe. It didn't go down smoothly. And again, the complexity of the plot is hard for many to follow. Hence, some criticism is natural.

Regardless, the product really is a one-of-a-kind production that is entertaining but perhaps too deep in plot for many viewers who just want monsters or a simple action plot. So some say, it's great for action. But it gets bogged down with the plot (or the love story). But many Chinese action films do involve a love story somewhere. And gorgeous sets and cinematography. In that sense, this film does achieve all three. And it's well acted, all the leading roles were well done. And it does have great CGI (monsters were great!) which is rare outside Hollywood (and some French films).

Overall, this film far more complex than Godzilla or Transformers. I'm not sure how that comparison was made. Probably a bit too esoteric for an action-craving audience. Definitely worth renting.

Atmosphere, pace and special effects compensate for a predictable story and average acting performances

[kluseba · 7/10 · 30 May 2017]

Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe is a fantasy movie based upon Tianxia Bachang's novels about a nurse and a soldier that team up to raid tombs. It's interesting to note that another movie about the novels entitled Mojin: The Lost Legend was released less than three months after this movie. There are actually two different production companies. One owns the rights for the first few novels, the other for the more recent novels. That's why both movies aren't directly connected and even slightly contradictory at times. This movie here focuses on the first novel and shows us how the two main characters actually meet.

Many contemporary Chinese fantasy movies suffer from terrible special effects that look extremely artificial and wooden. This isn't the case for Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe. The action sequences are captivating, the costumes, landscapes and relics look stunning and even the monsters look rather scary.

The movie has a very strong introduction that develops a mysterious atmosphere that makes me think of Indiane Jones or Tomb Raider video games. Our two main characters discover the remnants of a mysterious and dangerous civilization in an ancient tunnel system in northern China. It's quite gripping to watch our main characters discover creepy skeletons, face aggressive butterflies and run away from a massive avalanche in a very fast-paced way.

The movie loses some significant momentum after these opening sequences. The story shifts several years forward multiple times which is slightly confusing. The story also gets quite predictable. Some terrifying monsters related to the mysterious civilization have escaped and attack an oil town in a desert. Our main character will go on the mission to find a mysterious professor, fight the monsters and prevent the evil ancient civilization to break its curse and enslave mankind.

The last third of the movie quickens up the pace a little bit. The fight scenes in the oil town are gripping and the clashes between the ancient civilization and those who accompany our protagonist are entertaining, intense and include a few minor twists. The conclusion itself is somewhat disappointing though because several questions are left unanswered. Since the movie is based upon a novel that had numerous sequels, it seems probable that there will be more movies about this story line in the future. If you want to watch a single movie with a coherent story line from the introduction to the conclusion, you shouldn't watch this film in the first place.

While the movie has a mysterious atmosphere, a solid pace and great special effects, it's lacking in the acting department. Mark Chao's acting performance as the protagonist is average at best as it doesn't leave a deeper impression. Chen Yao as female lead isn't quite convincing even though her character has more depth. The romantic relationship between the two characters happens so quickly and unexpectedly that it's not credible. The supporting actors and actresses are doing a solid job but there isn't one performance that really stands out.

Despite the movie's flaws concerning the acting performances and a story that is too closely inspired by numerous other archaeological fantasy stories, Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe is still an overall entertaining and convincing film thanks to its atmosphere, pace and special effects. The film should get more praise than it gets. It might not be the most innovative genre movie but it's clearly more interesting than Hollywood's fantasy reboots in the key of Kong: Skull Island and other shallow flicks.

The Long and Boring Movie

[claudio_carvalho · 3/10 · 12 December 2021]

"Jiu ceng yao ta" is a film with wonderful cinematography and attractive DVD cover. Yesterday I decided to watch this movie but unfortunately the plot is too long and boring. The beginning is promising and I really expected a great Chinese adventure. But unfortunately the story turns into a boredom soap opera. This film deserved a better edition, reducing the running time of many scenes. Last but not the least, there are long narratives in Chinese that the viewer needs to read very fast that becomes the tiresome movie unbearable. My vote is three.

Title (Brazil): "Crônicas da Tribo Fantasma" ("Chronicles of the Phantom Tribe")

This movie has no sense whatsoever

[blooddrakan · 1/10 · 30 March 2022]

I've tried to understand the story, but the truth is that it was made up on the spot. There is no other explanation. The acting is very poor and sometimes exaggerated. I agree with everyone that reviewed this title: the creatures were very nice created, but the story does not exist. My advice is: no matter how curious you are about those special effects and creatures in this movie, it's not worth losing your precious time. Watch or do something else. Life is short and this film is sooooo bad!!!

Does this story link to a common Chinese myth?

[mjblazin-68616 · 5/10 · 24 May 2023]

Other than monsters and fire bats bad, most humans good, I could not grasp what was happening. Did this story start from a Chinese myth that everyone in China knows, maybe like Peter Pan or Beauty and the Beast? People appear, disappear, and reappear. The tie in to the protagonist childhood friend. The restaurant steak dinner,, falling down a really, really deep hole and escaping out a waterfall, to a place lower than the deep hole? It almost seems to follow the Star Trek method: the Big 3 characters keep surviving wave after wave of monsters, while the guys in the red shirts get killed, again and again. The studios must have spent a lot of money making it because the CGI seems pretty good. I wondered if maybe the Chinese have the same issues following Marvel movies. But then, Marvel movies make a Fast and Furious movie look like something written by James Joyce.

A confusing story destroys this movie

[mgvegaman · 5/10 · 24 August 2021]

The movie starts very nicely, and then the story become messy with a lot of non explained events. If the story would have been more simple or better written, this movie would have be way much better.

A lot of fun, especially if you like creature features.

[Hellmant · 7/10 · 14 July 2016]

'CHRONICLES OF THE GHOSTLY TRIBE': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

A Chinese fantasy action flick; about researchers, that discover ancient creatures, in the mountains near the Mongolian Border (in 1979). The story also takes place in modern day New York City (when the monsters reappear). The movie was directed by Chuan Lu, who also co-wrote the script (with Bobby and Nick Roth). It stars Mark Chao, Yao Chen, Rhydian Vaughan and Wang Qingxiang. The film is cheesy, and sometimes hard to follow, but it's still a lot of fun (especially if you like creature features).

The story begins at the 1979 Mongolian Border; where the fossils of monstrous creatures have been found. A research team has been assigned to head into the mountains, to investigate the findings. They're lead by a professor (Qingxiang), his daughter (Chen) and an adventurer, named Hu Bayi (Chao). After the team is attacked, by various different beasts, Bayi is the only survivor. The film then flashes forward, to present day New York City, where Bayi now works as a librarian (studying demonology). He's called back into action, when he hears about more monster attacks (in Northern China).

The film has some fantastic visual effects (the creatures look amazing)! I had trouble keeping up with the subtitles sometimes, and also the story, but I still really enjoyed the movie. I love monster flicks, and this one is definitely a fun one. I couldn't have cared less about the human characters, or any of their drama, but I loved watching the creatures; and the amazing special effects!

Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: https://youtu.be/lcZBQp0HBZg

Disappointed

[Traveler74852 · 2/10 · 14 January 2020]

Maybe if I hadn't watch the Mojin movies first I would have liked this one. However, the Mojin movies are SO much better.

Indiana Jones' journey to the centre of the Earth.

[paulclaassen · 6/10 · 17 June 2018]

Well now, this was rather interesting - almost like a cross between Indiana Jones and Journey to the center of the Earth (not that I enjoyed the latter). Although the visual effects are not award-winning, they were rather well done and added significantly to a thoroughly enjoyable action adventure. Some effects - like the attack of the demon beasts in the desolate town - were incredibly good. I enjoyed the fact that they did not add cheesy humor as most Hollywood films of this genre do, and the love interest was subtle and not overbearing. The music was great, too. This is just plain good old-fashioned fun with great modern effects.

Initially gave it a 5, but then gave it a 4

[jim12hpotterfan · 4/10 · 18 December 2018]

At the start of the movie it feels a bit blurry, but as you go along the movie it gets even more blurry and senseless. It's a movie to showcase graphics capabilities nothing more. That being I'm a big fan of asian movies.

Destiny is a force that affects us all

[nogodnomasters · 8/10 · 11 November 2017]

This is a Chinese fantasy film based on a book. It has English subtitles. It takes place in the 1980's. It centers on the professor, his daughter and Hu Bayi, a soldier/worker in love with Ping, the daughter. A group of volunteers investigate a newly discovered passage in an archaeological dig, only to discover the Demon Pagoda, which they partially activate.

They end up battling ridged back Wargs. There is also an Elvis impersonator who sings praises to Genghis Khan. There are also songs which praise the worker and the party as if to mock 1950's Russian film. The cinematography was excellent. The love story didn't cross cultural lines that well. Movie includes doses of philosophy. The production is a combination of "The Sirius Conspiracy" and LOTR.

Guide: No sex or nudity. Swearing consists of a couple uses of SOB.

A six of encouragement

[dircpitt · 6/10 · 1 December 2019]

Many interesting ideas but the many elements used end up making the script more chaotic than anything else. Beautiful photography even if the special effects interfere heavily. A six of encouragement.

I wanted to like it

[captain_astronaut · 4/10 · 28 August 2020]

We need more monster movies (I mean, good monster movies). The first 20 minutes showed promise, and then became an incomprehensible mess. It didn't help that the English subtitle translation was terrible.. from reading the description of the book the movie is supposed to be based on, I'm thinking the filmmaker never read it.

Good fun for a por corn night

[fernandocosmedeoliveira · 7/10 · 20 April 2019]

The film is a good entertainment, good special effects, nice story, good interpretation of the actors. But like all Chinese films, or almost all of them, it doesn't involve much. If you're looking for good entertainment, you'll get some good minutes of fun and scares. But like all, almost all, Chinese fantasy is kind of sweet... but if you're looking for something fun with entertainment, this is your movie.

Surprisingly Fun

[Norman_French · 7/10 · 3 February 2024]

This film is different and more complex than a typical Western action film. It was well-conceived and executed. There was definitely some propaganda, but it wasn't out-of-place, so it was tolerable. I enjoyed the story, though at no time did the film venture out of the "light entertainment" category. It's a refreshing change from a Marvel film; not better mind you, just ... different. There are some interesting meta-physical components.

The oddly vague ending was a bit of a head-scratcher; this might have been intended to facilitate a sequel. I rate this at seven (7) stars for being a fun watch.