Directed by
Siu-Tung Ching
Made by
Magnolia Pictures
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for The Sorcerer and the White Snake (2013). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
As Abbot Fahai and his loyal aide, Neng Ren, made their way to the summit of the mountain, their peaceful journey was suddenly interrupted by an astonishing encounter with a whimsical ice harpy. With a cheeky grin, this mischievous being turned Neng Ren into a stunning ice statue, compelling Fahai to seek the help of a demon trapper to undo the spell. After being freed from his crystalline prison, Neng Ren was assigned the daunting task of capturing the harpy and confining her within a magical circle at Lei Feng Pagoda, where she would join other wayward demons.
On the mountain’s opposite side, two spirited snake demons, Qingqing and Susu, were playing in the lush underbrush. Their carefree frolic was briefly interrupted when they caught sight of physician Xu Xian foraging for herbs below. The playful Qingqing couldn’t resist the opportunity to prank Xu Xian and teased him, resulting in a tumble that sent him rolling down the slope and splashing into the lake. Feeling sympathetic for the unfortunate human, Susu transformed into her human form and graced him with a gentle kiss, miraculously rejuvenating his essence. When Xu Xian regained his senses, he recounted the peculiar encounter to his friends, who found the story amusing.
Later, Fahai and Neng Ren ventured from the temple to confront a nefarious bat demon, whose last victim they had found earlier. Coincidentally, they crossed paths with Xu Xian, who offered them a boat ride to the city, blissfully unaware of the unfolding complexities in his life. As Susu pondered her fateful meeting with Xu Xian, she sought him out in the lively city environment. Meanwhile, Qingqing roamed the crowded streets, eventually discovering Neng Ren and choosing to help him by disclosing the whereabouts of the bat demon king. Despite Neng Ren’s triumph over the bat demon’s minions, he was not able to defeat their leader, which led to his brutal bite. Fortunately, Fahai intervened just in time, saving Neng Ren from becoming a bat demon himself, but he found himself succumbing to monstrous urgings the next day and fled in desperation.
As the nightlife in the city thrived, Xu Xian finally recognized the enchanting Susu, who had hidden her true serpentine identity. The pair shared an unforgettable evening together, blissfully unaware of the supernatural forces that had conspired to bring them closer. When Qingqing encountered Neng Ren once more, a surprising connection formed, highlighting that despite his transformation into a bat demon, he retained a fondness for human pleasures and many of his previous traits. In another twist, Xu Xian and Susu found joy as they wed, yet little did they know their bond was on the verge of being tested.
Fahai, ever alert to the influence of dark forces, presented Xu Xian with a mystical dagger designed to destroy even the most powerful demons. His motives were twofold; convinced that Susu might actually be a demon due to her unique capacity to heal poisons, Fahai felt compelled to protect Xu Xian from any catastrophe their union may entail. Susu’s previous efforts to save people, however, had earned her Fahai’s hesitant respect, and he advised her to part ways from Xu Xian to avoid disaster, threatening dire consequences should she refuse.
When Susu disregarded Fahai’s caution, he and his followers launched a sudden attack on Xu Xian’s home. During the chaos, Susu morphed back into her serpent form to fight back but caught Xu Xian off guard, and he struck her down, believing she was a threat. Though seriously injured, Susu managed to escape, leaving behind a trail of chaos and sorrow.
In the aftermath of their devastating confrontation, Xu Xian was engulfed with guilt and sadness, realizing the severity of his premature actions. Heartsick, he embarked on a treacherous journey to locate the mythical spirit root, hoping it would suffice to heal Susu’s injuries and mend their fractured relationship. As Xu Xian’s desperate pursuit for this sacred root came to fruition, his fleeting success was overshadowed by a demonic force that ensnared him. The monks, led by Fahai, stepped in to perform an exorcism to reclaim Xu Xian from the clutches of darkness. At the same moment, Susu awakened to find her sister Qingqing by her side. Together they ventured to save Xu Xian, but were halted by Fahai, who warned them against interrupting the critical exorcism rituals. Unfazed, Susu accused Fahai of seeking to separate her from Xu Xian, igniting a fierce conflict between the two sisters and the staunch monk.
As the battle escalated, Fahai skillfully deflected their sword strikes and unleashed a counterstrike that shattered Jinshan, averting further catastrophic harm. However, this moment of peace was fleeting, as Susu’s true form emerged, liberating Xu Xian from the demonic grasp, only for her to realize he had no memory of her. Angered by this revelation, Susu placed blame on Fahai, leading to an intense confrontation. Despite his valiant attempts to defend against Susu’s serpentine fury and keeping Qingqing at bay, Fahai ultimately found himself bested, left wondering if his unwavering resolve in the name of demon-hunting and protecting Buddhism had ultimately caused more harm than good.
As Susu continued her onslaught, Fahai summoned his faith in Buddha, manifesting numerous divine arms that deftly parried her attacks. Taking advantage of the moment, he confined Susu within Lei Feng Pagoda. Guilt-ridden, Susu pleaded to see Xu Xian one last time, and Fahai, bolstered by divine compassion, complied, lifting the pagoda to fulfill her wish. Their emotional reunion allowed Susu to share a heartbreaking farewell kiss, restoring Xu Xian’s memories just as she was drawn back into the temple’s confines. As Fahai relinquished his grip on the pagoda, this sealed Susu’s fate, leaving Xu Xian in despair. Observing this tragic ending from a distance, Qingqing confided in Neng Ren her reluctance to ever feel the depth of love her sister had for Xu Xian, leaving with a solemn warning: he will never truly be a bat demon anyway.
As the tale draws to a close, Xu Xian’s peaceful thoughts contrast sharply with the hushed silence of Susu, now trapped forever in the temple’s ancient stones in her serpentine form. Meanwhile, Fahai roams the serene mountain landscape, his footsteps breaking the stillness when suddenly, Neng Ren appears beside him, reborn as a grotesque bat demon. With a knowing smile, Fahai offers Neng Ren an apple, indicating his acceptance of their new, unsettling transformation. Together, they embark on a new journey, seamlessly weaving through a realm where the lines between human and demon are beautifully distorted, much like the fog-laden peaks surrounding them.
Follow the complete movie timeline of The Sorcerer and the White Snake (2013) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
A Journey Begins
Abbot Fahai and his aide, Neng Ren, set off on a peaceful journey to the summit of a mountain. Their camaraderie is interrupted by a whimsical ice harpy that transforms Neng Ren into a beautiful ice statue, prompting Fahai to seek help to reverse the spell.
The Encounter with the Ice Harpy
The ice harpy, with her cheeky demeanor, captures Neng Ren's essence in ice, leaving Fahai in a dilemma. To restore his companion, Fahai embarks on a quest to find a demon trapper who can lift the curse.
Rejuvenation
On the opposite side of the mountain, playful snake demons Qingqing and Susu spot physician Xu Xian foraging for herbs. A playful prank leads to Xu Xian falling into a lake, after which Susu uses her powers to kiss him back to health.
Fateful Boat Ride
Fahai and Neng Ren venture from their temple, deciding to confront a bat demon, unaware they would meet Xu Xian offering them a boat ride. The casual journey begins to ensnare them in a web of complications stemming from Xu Xian's unexplored relationship with the demons.
Hints of Love
Susu, captivated by Xu Xian, seeks him out in the lively city while Qingqing aids Neng Ren by revealing the location of the bat demon king. Neng Ren faces off against the bat demon's minions but suffers a grievous bite during the encounter.
Nightlife and Revelations
As the city awakens to nightlife, Xu Xian finally recognizes Susu, who has hidden her true serpent identity. They share an enchanting evening together, oblivious to the challenges that await their bond.
A Mystic Dagger
Fahai, sensing dark forces at play, presents Xu Xian with a mystical dagger, secretly wary that Susu might be a demon. His warning urges Susu to separate from Xu Xian to avert disaster, conflicted over her intentions.
Chaos Unleashed
Ignoring Fahai's warning, Susu transforms into her serpent form during an attack on Xu Xian's home. Their fateful clash results in Susu getting injured when Xu Xian mistakes her for a threat and strikes her down.
A Desperate Search
Filled with guilt over having harmed Susu, Xu Xian embarks on a desperate quest to find the mythical spirit root, hoping it can heal her injuries. His journey, however, is complicated by demonic forces that capture him.
The Exorcism
Fahai and his monks perform an exorcism to rescue Xu Xian from the grasp of darkness just as Susu awakens. In a desperate attempt to save her beloved, she and Qingqing confront Fahai, leading to a dramatic clash.
A Heartbreaking Finale
In the midst of battle, Susu's true form emerges, freeing Xu Xian from demonic control but inadvertently revealing that he no longer remembers her. Angered and heartbroken, Susu blames Fahai for their tragic circumstances.
Final Farewell
Susu pleads to see Xu Xian before her confinement in Lei Feng Pagoda. They share a tearful goodbye that restores Xu Xian's memories just as she is drawn back into the pagoda, leaving him heartbroken.
The Bittersweet Truth
With Susu trapped forever in her serpentine form, Xu Xian, filled with sorrow, reflects on the consequences of their forbidden love. Abbot Fahai, while wandering the peaceful mountains, confronts new realities with Neng Ren's transformation.
New Beginnings
As Fahai accepts Neng Ren's transformation into a bat demon, he offers him an apple, signaling a new chapter for both. Together, they step into a blurred world of humans and demons, leaving behind their sorrows.
The Cycle Continues
The tale ends on a somber note, contrasting Xu Xian’s peaceful thoughts with the silence of Susu’s confinement within the ancient temple stones. A reminder of love's complexities in a world where the lines between good and evil are eternally blurred.
Explore all characters from The Sorcerer and the White Snake (2013). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Abbot Fahai
Abbot Fahai is a dedicated monk committed to maintaining balance and order between the human and demon realms. His stern demeanor and unwavering sense of duty often put him at odds with the more carefree spirits, leading to intense conflicts. Throughout the story, his protective instincts are tested as he navigates the complexities of love, sacrifice, and the consequences of his actions.
Neng Ren
Neng Ren serves as Abbot Fahai's loyal aide, demonstrating unwavering support and dedication. His transformation into a bat demon reveals the unpredictable nature of their world, as he struggles with retaining his identity amid the chaos. Despite his new guise, he often finds joy in human experiences, bringing relatability to his character.
Susu
Susu is a compassionate snake demon whose love for Xu Xian drives much of the story's emotional depth. Her ability to heal and transform encapsulates the duality of her existence as both a demon and a gentle soul. Her struggles with identity and love highlight her desire to bridge the gap between her world and that of humans.
Qingqing
Qingqing, Susu's spirited sister, injects a playful energy into the narrative. Her mischievous nature often leads to unintended consequences, yet her loyalty to her sister remains unwavering. As her character develops, she reflects on the complexities of love and the burdens it can bring.
Xu Xian
Xu Xian is an unsuspecting physician who becomes entangled in the supernatural world due to his chance encounters with Susu and the demon realm. His journey of discovery and realization is central to the story, as he navigates his evolving relationship with Susu and the challenges posed by Fahai. His character portrays the essence of vulnerability amidst chaos.
Learn where and when The Sorcerer and the White Snake (2013) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
The narrative is set in a fantastical realm that blends elements of ancient Chinese mythology with timeless themes of love and conflict. While it does not specify a particular historical timeframe, the characters' struggles resonate with universal human emotions, transcending any specific era.
Location
Lei Feng Pagoda, mountain, city
The movie unfolds across various stunning locales, including the mythical Lei Feng Pagoda, known for its rich folklore and spiritual significance. The serene mountain landscape, where Abbot Fahai roams, serves as a reminder of the tranquil yet tumultuous journey of the characters. Additionally, the vibrant city represents the intersection of human and supernatural worlds, bustling with life and intrigue.
Discover the main themes in The Sorcerer and the White Snake (2013). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Love and Sacrifice
At the heart of the story is the theme of love intertwined with sacrifice, as seen through the bond between Xu Xian and Susu. Their relationship is tested against societal norms, supernatural forces, and personal sacrifices. The emotional weight of their love story reveals the lengths one would go to protect those they cherish.
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Conflict and Redemption
The film encapsulates the ongoing conflict between humans and demons, represented by the characters' battles both internal and external. The quest for redemption is evident as Fahai grapples with his role as a protector and the consequences of his actions. This struggle highlights the notion that both good and evil can exist within one's choices.
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