Legend of the Sacred Stone


The Legend of the Sacred Stone is a 2000 Taiwanese glove puppetry feature film written and directed by Huang Chiang-hua (黃強華). A spin-off from the Pili television series, it reflects the traditional Taiwanese style of glove puppetry known as budaixi, supplemented with computer-generated imagery.
With a budget of NT$300 million and three years of production time, it was a major innovation for the glove puppetry genre and marked a milestone in its cinematic development. The film pioneered cross-industry promotional strategies and became the first Taiwanese film to premiere simultaneously in all five major cinema chains across the island. Its opening week box office of NT$28 million surpassed Toy Story 2. However, despite eventually becoming the first local film to gross over NT$100 million, it was considered a box-office bomb, earning only NT$150 million against its NT$300 million budget. It was soon surpassed by Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

Synopsis

The story is set 400 years in the past, when the martial world is threatened by Mo Kuei, who seeks to destroy it. The sage Su Huan-jen responds by summoning three martial warriors to aid him. As Lord Jian lusts after the Sacred Stone to restore his lost power, conflicts erupt between the forces of good and evil. The central conflict revolves around the "Heavenly Question Stone", a meteorite capable of granting any wish, sparking battles across the martial world.
In addition to sets at the Pili studios in Huwei, Yunlin County, filming also took place at the Huwei River, Kenting, and Lugu Township. The puppets were redesigned for cinematic needs, resulting in more realistic and expressive performances.

Characters

Su Huan-jen : Protagonist, known as "White Lotus" for his purity of mind. A one-armed martial sage and swordsman, calm, wise, and tactically clever. Secretly in love with Jian Ru-bing. Vows to defeat Lord Jian after witnessing his brother’s death. Ao Hsiao-hong-chen : Once Lord Jian’s friend, later devoted to justice and spiritual power. Stronger swordsman than Su Huan-jen, as shown in their duel. Often impulsive, but fights with a strong moral compass. Ching Yang-tzu : Sworn brother of Su Huan-jen, gentlemanly and brave, skilled with a harp weapon channeling spiritual power. Mortally wounded while protecting Jian Ru-bing, he ensures her escape before dying in battle. Jian Ru-bing : Daughter of Lord Jian, torn between filial duty and her love for Su Huan-jen. Attempts to restore her father using the Sacred Stone, but ultimately sacrifices herself, as the stone requires an equal sacrifice for power. Lord Jian: Antagonist, once known as the "Great Protector." After demons destroyed his family and scarred his face, he was consumed by hatred. Obsessed with reclaiming his face and unlimited power via the Sacred Stone, even at the cost of his daughter’s life. Jian Wei: Lord Jian’s loyal protector since youth, wishing for Jian’s return to his former self. Ultimately killed by his master despite his loyalty when he tries to save Ru-bing. Other characters: Mo Kuei, Jian Wu-yan, Jian Jun, Kwuang Dao, Hsiao-chai, and various demons.

Production

  • Producers: Huang Chiang-hua, Huang Wen-tse
  • Executive producers: Liu Li-hui, Tsai Jung-chuan
  • Visual director: Chen Jung-shu
  • VFX: Taichi Audio & Video Technology Co.
  • Music: Shanghai Symphony Orchestra
  • Cinematography: Tsai Meng-yu
  • Editing: Hsiao Ju-kuan
  • Puppet styling and costumes by Ting Chen-ching, Pan Yu-hsiang, Yu Mei-chuan, and others

Technique

The film combines traditional glove puppetry, CG animation, and wire-assisted action sequences. Unlike other hand puppets, budaixi puppets have legs, enabling more lifelike choreography.

DVD versions

  • Taiwan: 120-minute uncut version, no English subtitles.
  • Japan: 99-minute truncated version with English subtitles.