The Mermaid (1965)
A Shaw Brothers Huangmei opera classic in which a carp spirit transforms herself to pursue the heart of a lonely scholar.
The Mermaid - Movie Information
- Original Title: 魚美人
- Release Year: 1965
- Directed by: Kao Li
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Drama, Music
- Runtime: 1h 35m
- Original Language: Chinese
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 29, 1965 (Hong Kong)
- Alternative Titles: 鱼美人 (CN), The Mermaid (HK)
- Production Companies: Shaw Brothers
- Production Countries: Hong Kong
The Mermaid - Plot
A Huangmei opera produced by Shaw Brothers about a carp spirit who transforms into an identical copy of a beautiful woman to win the heart of a lonely male scholar.
The Mermaid - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a glimpse of this enchanting Huangmei opera:
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The Mermaid - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Kao Li
Main Cast
- Ivy Ling Po
- Li Ching
- Yang Chi-Ching
- Ou-Yang Sha-Fei
- Yip Ching
- Lily Li
- Chiang Kuang-Chao
- Tang Ti
- Han Ying-Chieh
- Shirley Wong Sa-Lee
Writers
- Chang Cheh
Producers
- Runme Shaw
The Mermaid - FAQs
What is The Mermaid (1965) about?
The Mermaid is a Shaw Brothers Huangmei opera film in which a carp spirit transforms herself into the likeness of a beautiful woman to capture the affections of a solitary male scholar. The film blends fantasy, romance, and musical storytelling rooted in classical Chinese operatic tradition.
Who are the main actors in The Mermaid?
The film stars Ivy Ling Po as Scholar Zheng Zhan and Li Ching as Peony, the mermaid. The supporting cast includes Yang Chi-Ching, Ou-Yang Sha-Fei, Yip Ching, Lily Li, Chiang Kuang-Chao, Tang Ti, Han Ying-Chieh, and Shirley Wong Sa-Lee.
Who directed The Mermaid (1965)?
The Mermaid was directed by Kao Li, a filmmaker associated with Shaw Brothers Studio in Hong Kong. The screenplay was written by Chang Cheh, who would later become one of Hong Kong cinema's most celebrated directors in his own right.
What genre is The Mermaid (1965)?
The Mermaid belongs to the Fantasy, Romance, Drama, and Music genres. More specifically, it is a Huangmei opera film — a popular Chinese musical film genre that flourished at Shaw Brothers Studio during the 1950s and 1960s, combining operatic singing with lavish costume production.
When was The Mermaid (1965) released?
The Mermaid was released on January 29, 1965, in Hong Kong. It was produced by Shaw Brothers, the legendary Hong Kong studio responsible for some of the most iconic Chinese-language films of the mid-twentieth century.
Is The Mermaid (1965) based on a true story?
No, The Mermaid is not based on a true story. It draws from Chinese folklore and mythological tradition, featuring supernatural beings such as carp spirits, tortoise spirits, and prawn spirits — themes deeply embedded in classical Chinese literary and operatic storytelling.
How long is The Mermaid (1965)?
The Mermaid has a runtime of 95 minutes, or 1 hour and 35 minutes. The film was produced by Shaw Brothers and released in Hong Kong in January 1965, offering a compact yet visually rich Huangmei opera experience.
Where can you watch The Mermaid (1965)?
Streaming availability for The Mermaid (1965) varies by region. You can check current viewing options, including any available rental, purchase, or subscription streaming platforms, on JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date availability information across multiple services in your area.
More About The Mermaid
Explore further details about this 1965 Shaw Brothers classic through these authoritative resources.