Ancient legends captivate modern audiences

Mu, who also wrote the screenplay, reveals that one of the most compelling aspects that drew him to bring the legend of the Eight Immortals to life is that they are a rarely seen ensemble: none of them are born with supernatural powers, but instead earn immortality through perseverance and self-cultivation.

"Chinese deities are usually calm, restrained, and imbued with an ethereal, immortal air — even somewhat intangible. But the Eight Immortals are a group steeped in earthly warmth. This contradiction is what makes them so distinctive," Mu explains.

The legend evolved over centuries, from the Tang Dynasty (618-907) to the Ming Dynasty, with new members gradually added to the group. Each addition reflected the qualities people admired in heroes during different historical periods — a social significance that also captivated Mu and his fellow creators.

As one example, He Xiangu — the sole female figure among the Eight Immortals — was not part of the group during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), but gradually appeared in the legends during the Song (960-1279) and Yuan (1271-1368) dynasties. Some scholars believe her addition reflects Taoism's growing need for a more approachable and worldly figure, giving the legend a touch of human warmth.

One of the film's most stunning action sequences features the Eight Immortals battling Yang Jian, the three-eyed nephew of the Jade Emperor — the supreme ruler of heaven — and his fierce celestial hound, Xiaotian.

In a battle in which the balance of power is heavily tilted against them, the eight figures demonstrate their bravery, willing to risk their lives for the sake of ordinary people. The director cites a line from the film — "Because we bleed, we feel pain, fear and despair, and we also empathize" — to explain the inspiration behind his creation.

"When they stand up for justice, their noble spirit and the strength they summon in desperate circumstances are deeply moving," adds Mu.

Although Mu is a native of Dalian in Northeast China's Liaoning province, he has infused the film with the local characteristics of Southwest China's Sichuan province — where the production team is based — adding a distinctive regional flavor. One highlighted scene features the eight protagonists gathering around a hotpot, arguably the province's most famous dish and a symbol of social bonding. The scene also includes an ancient tree in the backdrop, which is inspired by a 1,900-year-old ginkgo tree on Mount Qingcheng in the province.

For many industry observers, the film's success reflects Chinese audiences' growing appetite for stories rooted in the country's rich cultural heritage and traditional mythology.

In an earlier interview with Chinese media, Ying Xujun, president of Pearl Studio and chief producer of the movie, said that traditional Chinese culture provides a vast trove of inspiration for filmmakers. She added that the legend of the Eight Immortals has been passed down for centuries and remains deeply embedded in China's cultural memory.

Contact the writer at xufan@chinadaily.com.cn