Nostalgia Kinky

A dreamy and lovely fantasy film from Chinese actor and filmmaker Wu Ma, Picture of a Nymph is an elegant and sumptuous ghost story that I found quite captivating. Inspired by the success of A Chinese Ghost Story, this Wu Ma film operates as both a loose prequel and a stand-alone production. Recently released on Blu-ray via a striking 2K restoration from 88 Films, Picture of a Nymph is a charming and poetic picture packed with captivating practical effects and a beautiful cast.

Ma was in his mid-forties when he directed popular Yuen Biao in Picture of a Nymph. He’d been directing since the early seventies, averaging more than a film a year. His work behind the camera here is both exciting and thoughtful. Ma creates a marvelous little spooky romance with Picture of a Nymph driven by the warm chemistry between Biao and Joey Wang as the ghost Mo Chiu.

Along with the cast and Ma’s fine direction, it is Tom Lau Moon-Tong’s colorful cinematography that really steals the show. Picture of a Nymph is such an incredibly striking-looking film, with Moon-Tong utilizing the color red spectacularly well.

Sadly, Ma’s script (co-written with Chan Ka-Cheong) isn’t as strong as either his direction or supporting performance. Picture of a Nymph isn’t an overly complicated film, and yet its narrative feels muddled and even confusing. Because of this, ultimately, Picture of a Nymph feels like a particularly pleasing and vivid dream that is somehow completely impenetrable upon waking. Had the screenplay been stronger, this might have been a major classic. As it stands, it is still a minor one (to my eyes at least) and despite some missteps, Picture of a Nymph is utterly bewitching.

88 Films Limited Hardbox edition of Picture of a Nymph is GORGEOUS. Featuring new artwork by Sean Longmoore and a beautiful 40-page bound book packed with quality writing and gorgeous artwork, 88 Films has delivered a release for their USA division that is as beguiling as the film. Extras are a bit slimmer on this one; however, two audio commentaries are included. One with my man Frank Djeng, who really highlights the film’s many positive strengths while giving his usual extensive historical background. An additional valuable second track with David West is also included. Despite the lack of interviews or video essays, the substantial book and commentary tracks provide much context and information about this special little film.

-Jeremy Richey, March 2026-

Order Picture of a Nymph from 88 Films and MVD.