The seasoned veteran Ching Siu-Tung, who has directed a number of films and done the action choreography on many more – including Hero and House of Flying Daggers – delivers a martial arts extravaganza with an abundance of colourful costumes, special effects and choreographed fights. The film is based on an old Chinese legend, wherein a philanthropical doctor out to gather herbs falls into a lake and is rescued by a white snake demon in female guise. The white snake falls deeply in love with the doctor, following him into the world of men with marriage in mind. But their true love is threatened when an experienced wizard (superstar Jet Li from Hero) gets wind of the demon and does everything in his power to drive her off.