Madam White Snake (1960): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1960, Madam White Snake is a fantasy, drama, horror and romance film directed by Shin Sang-ok, running about 100 minutes.

What it’s about. A thousand-year-old snake that has transformed itself into a human, Madame White Snake (Choe Eun-hui), falls in love with a young pharmacist named Heo-Seon. Although they encounter difficulties, they are wed, and their love for each other does not change. However, Beophaeseonsa (a Zen priest) and Gwaneumbosal (the Buddhist goddess of mercy) order Madame White Snake, who had transformed into human without being granted permission to do so, to return back to the world of the gods before July 7. Grieving, she prepares to say goodbye to her beloved husband. But before she can return to the world of the gods in time, she falls into a trap set by Dae-yun (Choe Sam), who is attracted to her. Because of the trap, she is not able to keep the promised deadline, and ends up risking her life to save her husband.

Who’s in it. Madam White Snake stars Choi Eun-hee as Madam White Snake, Shin Seong-il as Seon Heo, Han Eun-jin as Cheong-ah / Blue Snake and Choi Sam as Daeyoon Wang, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 7.0/10, Madam White Snake has been warmly received by audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Madam White Snake page.

If you liked it. Fans of Madam White Snake tend to enjoy The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, The Green Mile, Spirited Away and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.