This is a contemporary Chinese fairytale from filmmaker Stephen Chow. The movie achieved numerous records, including becoming the highest-grossing Chinese film ever made, which naturally sparks curiosity. It draws inspiration from the Western fairytale 'The Little Mermaid,' but presents it within a distinctly Chinese context. A significant theme revolves around marine life and pollution—a topic that’s not typically explored in Mandarin films on an international platform. While the graphics are decent, the overall experience is marred by numerous shortcomings. The narrative itself is simple and brief, with the remainder of the film filled with comedy and stunt sequences. The story begins with the introduction of Xuan, a billionaire who unveils his sonar project along the Green Gulf coast, which marine creatures consider their paradise. Simultaneously, the dwindling population of merpeople plot to eliminate him. They dispatch Shan, their most skilled young mermaid, to seduce him; however, she falls in love with him instead, creating chaos. The final confrontation between Xuan and the merfolk determines who will emerge victorious and seals the fate of Green Gulf. If you’re a devoted fan of Stephen Chow, prepare for disappointment. He seems to be outside his usual area of expertise. Fortunately, he didn't appear in the film himself. His strengths lie in comedy and martial arts—neither of which are present here. Though categorized as a comedy, the humor falls flat; disturbing events involving violence prevent genuine laughter. Parents who expect a charming mermaid love story similar to CJ7 might later regret allowing children to watch it. > "Love has no law. It is beyond any rules and boundaries." I’m unsure of its rating in China, but this film warrants an R rating and won't appeal to everyone. It appears to be tailored for a local audience despite the influence of Western fairytale conventions. While it may have performed well at the Chinese box office, it isn't considered one of Stephen Chow’s best works internationally. He should avoid projects like this in the future and instead consider sequels for CJ7 or ‘Kung Fu Hustle,’ which his fans eagerly await. Those familiar with his filmography, particularly those he has directed, might recognize some of his trademark jokes. The romance felt underdeveloped, and the subsequent events leading to the grand finale were excessively violent—transforming this fantasy-comedy into an action-thriller without warning. I was surprised by this shift in tone. I wanted to enjoy it, but couldn't because I anticipated something akin to a Disney film; instead, it resembled a semi-Tarantino production. The inclusion of a cecaelian character provided some comedic relief. However, his status as the sole survivor diminishes his potential for humor and leans toward sympathy. The story and main characters were never fully realized. I’m disappointed with the writing; the director is known for strong screenplays but failed to satisfy international audiences. Ultimately, I hope there won't be a sequel because fans want the original Stephen Chow back—he’s capable of better things, and I expect he will return stronger than this. It isn't suitable for children or families; perhaps younger viewers with less sensitivity would appreciate it more. 4/10

Source on TMDB