The Mermaid (2018)” – A Fantastical Dive into Love, Nature, and Myth
Released in 2018, The Mermaid is a fantastical romantic-comedy-drama that swept Asian box offices and captivated audiences worldwide with its quirky humor, heartfelt message, and imaginative storytelling. Directed by legendary Chinese filmmaker Stephen Chow (Shaolin Soccer, Kung Fu Hustle), the film delivers a powerful blend of environmental themes and fairytale romance set against the backdrop of modern-day greed and ecological destruction.
The story centers on Liu Xuan (Deng Chao), a ruthless real estate tycoon whose latest project — a high-tech development on a pristine coastline — unknowingly threatens the hidden habitat of a secret race of mermaids. Unknown to humans for centuries, these creatures now face extinction due to Liu’s sonar devices polluting their waters.
To save their kind, the merfolk send Shan (Lin Yun), a beautiful and naïve young mermaid, to assassinate Liu. However, as she infiltrates his life, pretending to be a mysterious young woman with a fascination for nature, an unexpected love begins to blossom between the two. What starts as a mission of vengeance becomes a story of redemption, compassion, and transformation.
Visually, The Mermaid is a treat. Stephen Chow’s signature over-the-top CGI, comedic set pieces, and slapstick gags keep the energy high, but the film never loses sight of its deeper message: the urgent need to protect the environment before it's too late. The underwater world is vibrantly imagined, filled with colorful sea creatures and playful designs that contrast sharply with the cold steel and glass of Liu’s corporate empire.
Lin Yun shines as Shan, delivering a charming performance that balances innocence, mischief, and emotional depth. Deng Chao brings unexpected humanity to Liu, transforming a villain into a relatable man facing the consequences of his ambition.
Despite its absurd humor and fantasy elements, The Mermaid strikes a powerful emotional chord, especially in its final act, which touches on sacrifice, love, and the fragile balance between man and nature.
The Mermaid (2018) is more than a love story — it’s a whimsical yet poignant fable about humanity’s relationship with the natural world. With heart, humor, and a splash of magic, Stephen Chow once again reminds us that behind every laugh lies a deeper truth.
