Is A Fairy Tale Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2020)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Fantasy cinema, the 2020 release of A Fairy Tale stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Ning Caichen, a believer in harmony between humans and demons, challenges popular opinion by advocating for peaceful coexistence. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Fantasy are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Ning Caichen, a believer in harmony between humans and demons, challenges popular opinion by advocating for peaceful coexistence. When rumors of dark forces stirring emerge and an ancient evil spirit threatens to awaken, Cai Chen embarks on a perilous journey to prevent global destruction. Accompanied by Nie Xiaoqian, a fox demon he previously rescued, they venture into dangerous territories bordering human and spirit realms. As they confront overwhelming odds, Caichen and Xiaoqian must find a way to stop the impending wave of darkness that could annihilate humanity."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Peng Yusi does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.

The direction by Wang Cong is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 82 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is A Fairy Tale truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Fantasy, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 1/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, A Fairy Tale explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2020 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Wang Cong respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, A Fairy Tale is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Peng Yusi or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, A Fairy Tale is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.