THE MERMAID

The Mermaid

The Mermaid (2016), directed, co-written, and produced by Stephen Chow, is a whimsical romantic fantasy comedy that mixes slapstick humor, environmental commentary, and fairytale romance. The film stars Lin Yun as Shan, a kind-hearted mermaid; Deng Chao as Liu Xuan, a wealthy and arrogant developer; Show Luo as the eccentric Octopus; and Zhang Yuqi as the cunning Ruolan. This surreal tale reinvents the mermaid myth with Stephen Chow’s signature absurdist style.

The story is set in modern-day China, where Liu Xuan has acquired rights to develop the Green Gulf—a coastal area that secretly houses a community of mermaids. To clear the waters, Liu installs powerful sonar devices that harm sea life. In retaliation, the merpeople send Shan to assassinate Liu. But once she enters the human world, Shan's innocence and Liu’s unexpected charm result in an unexpected twist: instead of carrying out the mission, Shan falls in love with the very man she's supposed to kill. Their growing connection sets off a chain of comedic events, misunderstandings, and shifting loyalties.

At its core, The Mermaid is a story about love and redemption. Liu, originally driven by profit, begins to question his values as he spends time with Shan. Meanwhile, Shan faces her own dilemma: choosing between duty to her endangered species or the human she’s grown to care for. The contrast between the fantastical underwater world and the harsh realities of urban greed serves as a metaphor for the destruction of nature by unchecked development.

Stephen Chow brings his trademark blend of comedy and heart. Physical humor abounds—there are slapstick assassination attempts, ridiculous disguises, and chaotic scenes involving an octopus pretending to be human. The visual effects, while intentionally cartoonish at times, match the film’s tone perfectly. The colorful mermaid hideout, quirky makeup, and over-the-top action sequences keep the film light-hearted even as it delivers a serious environmental message.

The film also touches on deeper themes: conservation, corporate corruption, and the ethical consequences of human expansion. These themes are embedded within the comedy, allowing The Mermaid to entertain and provoke thought simultaneously. While the tone shifts sharply near the climax—moving from comedy to moments of intense drama and violence—it feels like a deliberate narrative choice to highlight the real stakes involved in the battle between exploitation and preservation.

The Mermaid was a massive commercial success. In China, it broke box office records and became the highest-grossing film of all time there at the time of its release. Globally, it earned over $550 million, making it the top-grossing non-English-language film for several years. Despite its limited international release, it received strong critical acclaim for its creativity, performances, and message.

Lin Yun, in her film debut, delivers a standout performance as Shan, perfectly capturing her naiveté and sincerity. Deng Chao balances charm and arrogance, making Liu's transformation believable. Zhang Yuqi and Show Luo bring comic flair to their supporting roles, enhancing the film’s eccentric atmosphere.

In conclusion, The Mermaid is more than just a romantic comedy—it’s a bold, imaginative film that uses fantasy and humor to explore environmental issues and the power of compassion. With its vibrant visuals, heartfelt performances, and sharp satire, it remains a unique gem in modern Chinese cinema.