The Praying Mantis (1988): cast, story & where to watch

1988 · Film · ★ 8

The Praying Mantis poster

Released in 1988, The Praying Mantis is a history and animation film directed by Hu Jinqing, running about 7 minutes.

What it’s about. A cicada is resting high on a tree. It is chirping for all it’s worth and drinking in the dew, oblivious of a mantis behind. The mantis, bending over and arching up its front leg, is going to catch the cicada but does not know that there is an oriole beside it. The bird has stretched out its neck, ready to peck at the mantis. Again the oriole is unaware that a weasel is sneaking up to it. The three creatures all covet gains ahead without being aware of an imminent danger behind.

How it landed. With an audience score of 8.0/10, The Praying Mantis sits among the best-reviewed titles in the catalogue.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Praying Mantis page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Praying Mantis tend to enjoy Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan, Hacksaw Ridge and Green Book.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch The Praying Mantis (1988)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Praying Mantis change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is The Praying Mantis worth watching?
The Praying Mantis holds an audience score of 8.0 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy history and animation. Most viewers rate it highly.
When was The Praying Mantis released?
The Praying Mantis was released in 1988, with a runtime of about 7 minutes.