One common element is a dark and often oppressive setting. This could be a decaying city, a haunted forest, or a war - torn land. It sets the mood for the entire story. Also, magic is usually present, but it's not always a positive force. It might be wild, uncontrollable, or have a high cost to use. The power dynamics between different groups, such as the ruling class and the common folk, are also important. The ruling class may use their power in cruel and unjust ways, leading to unrest and conflict.
In dark fantasy novels, the 'darkness that comes before' is like a slow - burning fuse. It gradually builds up the tension in the plot. This could be through the introduction of small, seemingly insignificant events that are actually the precursors to a much larger catastrophe. It can also establish the rules of the world. For instance, if there's a darkness that comes before a certain magical phenomenon, it shows how the magic in that world works. This then guides how the characters interact with the world and the plot unfolds. As the darkness grows, it forces the characters to adapt or perish, which drives the plot forward in various directions depending on their choices.
When it comes to Chinese movies, the first one that comes to mind is Journey to the West. This was a classic Chinese mythological movie about Sun Wukong and the others protecting Tang Sanzang, who was going to the West to obtain scriptures. This film not only had an important position in Chinese history, but also enjoyed a high reputation worldwide. In addition, there were many other classic Chinese films such as Dream of the Red Chamber, Water Margins, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, etc.
It's a tale of mystery and suspense where strange things start happening as night approaches. The story might involve hidden secrets, supernatural elements, or unexpected twists.
It depends on the context. In some cases, the readers' interpretations and reactions can have an influence on how the story is perceived and shared. But ultimately, the original storyteller usually holds the key decisions about the plot and characters.