Common Sense Media Review
By Brian Costello
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Beautiful martial arts fantasy with scary imagery, violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Sorcerer and the White Snake
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Xu Xian (Raymond Lam) is an aspiring herbalist who wants to one day make medicines that cure illnesses. While picking herbs and flowers on a mountain, he is spotted by a thousand-year-old snake-demon (Shengyi Huang) who assumes human form as a beautiful woman. She falls in love with Xu Xian, follows him to his village, and wins his heart. This catches the attention of Abbot Fahai (Jet Li), who must prove to Xu Xian that the woman he loves is actually a snake-demon and must be cast out of the human realm to right the balance of the universe. But Xu Xian does not give up easily and will stop at nothing until he can find a way to try to rescue the woman he loves from her fate.
Is It Any Good?
THE SORCERER AND THE WHITE SNAKE is a beautifully shot martial arts fantasy movie with vibrant colors and nonstop action. The special effects are breathtaking, and so are the fight sequences. Although some aspects of the story might be lost on American audiences, the final result is a wholly unique and imaginative tale that is as unforgettable as it is dazzling.
Although it's thoroughly entertaining, the nightmarish images of evil demons and hellish landscapes make this one to avoid for younger or sensitive kids. However, for teens and older -- especially those who are fans of fantasy and martial arts movies -- The Sorcerer and the White Snake should emerge as one of the better movies of the genres due to its lavish production, romantic story line, and innovative action sequences.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about martial arts movies. How is this movie similar to and different from other martial arts movies?
How are fantasy elements employed in this movie?
Was the violence necessary to the story, or could the movie have been just as engaging without it?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : April 9, 2013
- Cast : Jet Li , Shengyi Huang , Raymond Lam
- Director : Siu-Tung Ching
- Studio : Magnolia Pictures
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures
- Run time : 93 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : Sequences of fantasy action violence, some frightening images and sensuality.
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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