Watch Phantom of the Theatre

Phantom of the Theatre is a 2016 Chinese suspenseful horror film directed by Raymond Yip. It stars Ruby Lin, Tony Yo-ning Yang, and Simon Yam. The story takes place in Shanghai in the late 1930s, during which time there were a number of underground theatres operating where live performances were held, including singing, dancing, and acrobatics. The film is set against this richly atmospheric and evocative backdrop and weaves together elements of romance, horror, and suspense.

Lin plays Gu Weibang, a young woman who inherits the Jinling Theatre after her father passes away. A staunch believer in the creative power of the theatre, Gu is determined to restore the dilapidated space to its former glory. This is easier said than done, however, as rumors circulate that the Jinling Theatre is haunted by a vengeful ghost. This ghost is none other than the former lead actress of the venue, Qin Tong, whose promising career was cut short when she died under mysterious circumstances during a performance.

As Gu struggles to rebuild the Jinling Theatre, strange occurrences begin to take place. Doors slam shut on their own, objects move and disappear for no apparent reason, and the temperature drops inexplicably. Meanwhile, Gu finds herself falling for the charismatic playboy filmmaker Feng Wanyu, played by Yang. Theirs is a passionate and fraught relationship, as Wanyu is haunted by memories of his former flame, the beautiful and tragic Qin Tong.

The film is punctuated by striking and stylized musical numbers, which serve to heighten both the romance and the horror. These scenes are exquisitely choreographed, with beautifully intricate costumes and makeup that add to the film's lavish aesthetic. Meanwhile, the horror elements are heightened by slow pans of eerie, shadowy corridors and hauntingly lit backstage areas, where the ghost of Qin Tong lurks.

The suspense really ramps up in the second half of the film, as Gu, Wanyu, and a troupe of performers try to revive the Jinling Theatre with a spectacular new show. As rehearsals get underway, tensions mount and strange accidents occur, leading everyone to wonder whether they're dealing with the influence of a supernatural force or a more human, earthly threat. The final act is a gripping collision of horror, romance, and drama, as the film pulls out all the stops to deliver a satisfying and chilling conclusion.

Overall, Phantom of the Theatre is a lush and eerie film that uses its period setting to great effect. The sumptuous theatrical performances, the stunning costumes, and the atmospheric cinematography all work together to create a haunting and unforgettable viewing experience. Ruby Lin gives a strong performance as the determined heroine, while Tony Yo-ning Yang and Simon Yam add depth and nuance to their respective roles. Whether you're a fan of horror or romance, this film has something to offer – just be prepared for some spine-tingling scares along the way.

Phantom of the Theatre is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2 and a MetaScore of 47.