白蛇2：青蛇劫起
"Dependence arises from the previous life."
Green Snake - Symbolism & Philosophy
Symbols & Motifs
The Bone Flute
The bone flute symbolizes the masked man's lost memories and his deep, unconscious connection to Verta. It is the physical manifestation of his obsession, which he cannot remember. Ultimately, it becomes a key to revealing his true identity as a reincarnation of Blanca, linking him to her past and her bond with Verta.
The masked man carries the bone flute with him throughout the film, believing it to be a clue to his past. In the film's climax, Verta combines the flute with the broken pieces of Blanca's hairpin, making it whole again and confirming the masked man's identity.
Blanca's Hairpin
Blanca's hairpin represents her power and her connection to Verta. When it is broken at the beginning of the film, it symbolizes the sisters' separation and Verta's loss. The quest to restore the hairpin is synonymous with Verta's quest to reunite with Blanca.
The hairpin is shattered in the initial battle with Fahai. At the end of the film, Verta finds the broken pieces in a museum in the modern world. By combining it with the bone flute, she restores the hairpin, symbolizing the eventual reunion of the two sisters.
Asuraville
Asuraville is a representation of purgatory, a state of being trapped by one's earthly attachments and obsessions. It is a chaotic and lawless place where beings from different times and mythologies are forced to coexist, reflecting the internal turmoil of its inhabitants. It serves as a crucible for Verta, forcing her to confront her own obsession and grow stronger.
Verta is sent to Asuraville by Fahai and spends the majority of the film trying to escape. The city is a visually distinct, dystopian metropolis that combines modern and ancient aesthetics, reflecting its nature as a melting pot of lost souls.
Philosophical Questions
What is the nature of obsession, and can it be a virtue?
The film challenges the conventional view of obsession as a destructive force. In Asuraville, obsession is the reason for damnation, yet for Verta, it is the source of her strength and her will to survive. The film asks whether an unwavering dedication to a person or a cause, even to the point of obsession, can be a noble and powerful motivator for good. It suggests that what society might label as a flaw can, in certain contexts, be a person's greatest asset.
Can love and identity transcend physical form and reincarnation?
Through the character of the masked man, who is a reincarnation of Blanca, the film explores the idea that the essence of a person and the bonds they form can persist across lifetimes. Despite having no memory of his past life, the masked man is instinctively drawn to Verta and ultimately sacrifices himself for her. This raises questions about whether our identity is tied to our memories and physical form, or if there is a deeper, spiritual connection that endures through the cycle of reincarnation.
What is the true meaning of strength?
Verta initially believes that strength is about power and the ability to protect others. However, through her experiences in Asuraville, particularly her betrayal by the physically strong Simon and her bond with the amnesiac masked man, she comes to realize that true strength lies in perseverance, loyalty, and self-reliance. The film posits that emotional fortitude and a strong heart are more valuable than mere physical prowess.
Core Meaning
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.