Green Snake

Following the events of White Snake, Verta (the Green Snake) is defeated by the monk Fahai and separated from her sister, Blanca (the White Snake), who is imprisoned under the Leifeng Pagoda. Verta is then cast into Asuraville, a modern dystopian city that serves as a purgatory for beings from all eras who are trapped by their own obsessions. Stripped of her demonic powers, Verta must navigate this dangerous new world, which is plagued by warring factions like the Ox-Heads and Horse-Faces, and survive its treacherous landscape.

Her singular obsession is to escape Asuraville and rescue Blanca. Along the way, she encounters a mysterious masked man with amnesia who bears a striking resemblance to her sister and a cunning fox demon who runs a marketplace. Verta is forced to form uneasy alliances and confront her own beliefs about strength, love, and sacrifice. The film blends traditional Chinese mythology with a frenetic, cyberpunk aesthetic, creating a unique and visually spectacular action-adventure.

The core meaning of Green Snake revolves around the tenacious power of obsession and the redefinition of strength and sisterhood. The director, Amp Wong, explores the idea that an unwavering obsession, often seen as a flaw, can also be a source of immense power and motivation. Verta's journey is a testament to this, as her refusal to let go of her sister is what ultimately allows her to overcome impossible odds. The film also deconstructs traditional notions of heroism and love, suggesting that true strength lies not in physical power or romantic love, but in unwavering loyalty and self-reliance. It is a modern interpretation of a classic folktale that champions female agency and the enduring bond between sisters above all else.

While the film's ending suggests that the masked man is a reincarnation of Blanca, some viewers have offered alternative interpretations. One theory is that the masked man is actually Blanca's son, which would add a different layer to his connection with Verta. However, this is largely contradicted by the film's own visual cues, such as the masked man's face resembling Blanca's and the magical connection between the bone flute and her hairpin.

Another area of interpretation revolves around the relationship between Verta and Blanca. Some viewers have read a romantic subtext in their intense bond, suggesting that Verta's obsession with Blanca goes beyond sisterly love. This interpretation is supported by the fact that they are not biological sisters but rather 'martial sisters' who trained together. The film's choice to have Blanca reincarnate as a male figure that Verta develops feelings for can be seen as a way to explore this romantic connection while navigating censorship.

Green Snake represents a significant step forward for the Chinese animation industry, showcasing its ability to produce visually stunning and thematically complex films that can compete on a global scale. The film's release on Netflix has brought this modern take on a classic Chinese folktale to a wider international audience. By blending traditional mythology with contemporary genres like cyberpunk and post-apocalyptic fiction, the film breathes new life into a well-known story, making it relevant to a new generation of viewers. The film's focus on a strong, independent female protagonist has also been seen as a reflection of modern feminist ideals. Light Chaser Animation Studios is consciously building a cinematic universe based on Chinese myths, and Green Snake is a key part of this ambitious project, which aims to share Chinese culture with the world through a new and exciting medium.

Audience reception for Green Snake has been generally positive, with particular praise for its stunning visuals and high-quality animation, often compared to the likes of Disney and Pixar. Many viewers were captivated by the film's action sequences and the creative world-building of Asuraville. However, some critics and viewers found the plot to be convoluted and overstuffed, with too many characters and factions introduced in a short amount of time. A common point of criticism was that the story could be confusing for those who had not seen the first film, White Snake, as the sequel throws viewers directly into the action with little exposition. Despite this, many appreciated the film's focus on a strong female protagonist and the emotional core of the sisters' relationship.