"The Mermaid" is a 2016 Chinese-Hong Kong fantasy romantic comedy film directed and co-written by Stephen Chow. Known for his unique style that combines humor, fantasy, and social commentary, Chow is both a director and actor in the film. "The Mermaid" became a major box office success and one of the highest-grossing films in China at the time of its release.
The story revolves around a quirky billionaire businessman, Liu Xuan (played by Deng Chao), whose real estate project threatens the habitat of a community of mermaids. Shan (Lin Yun), a beautiful mermaid, is sent by her people to assassinate Liu Xuan to save their home. However, as the story unfolds, complications arise, and the film explores themes of environmentalism, love, and the consequences of human actions on the natural world.
"The Mermaid" received praise for its inventive and imaginative storytelling, as well as its combination of humor and social commentary. The film's success contributed to Stephen Chow's reputation as one of China's most prominent filmmakers and comedians.