The role-playing game Black Myth: Wukong is a critical and commercial success. And one of the main features of the game is its inspiration from the classic Chinese novel “Journey to the West”.
You may not be familiar with the name, but chances are you’ve already come across an adaptation of this story. A famous example is the manga and anime “Dragon Ball.” In addition to “Black Myth: Wukong,” many games have been influenced by “Journey to the West.” One of the most popular is “Enslaved: Odyssey to the West.”
For those who don’t know, “Journey to the West” is one of the Four Great Classical Chinese Novels. Written in the 16th century by Wu Cheng’en during the Ming Dynasty, the novel chronicles the journey of the monk Tang Sanzang to India in search of Buddhist scriptures. The work features mythological characters such as the Monkey King (Sun Wukong), Zhu Bajie (a pig in human form), and Sha Wujing (a river monster).
The influence of “Journey to the West” has extended beyond literature, appearing in various media, as we have seen in the games. And cinema has not been left out. Below we list 8 films based on the work.
8 Movies Based on Journey to the West
The Monkey King (2023)
The Netflix animation “The Monkey King” is based on the first 7 chapters of “Journey to the West”.
The plot follows the adventures of a monkey with a magic staff and a village girl named Lin. Together they set out on a quest for immortality and face gods and demons along the way.
The Legend of the Monkey King: The Hero’s Return (2015)
The Chinese animation “The Legend of the Monkey King: The Hero’s Return” has been a huge box office success in its home country. In the story, the mighty Monkey King is imprisoned by Buddha in an ice cage deep in the mountains for rebelling against the heavens.
Five hundred years later, a boy accidentally frees him. However, the boy’s village is attacked by monsters and the Monkey King ends up helping.
New Gods: Nezha Reborn (2021)
The Chinese animation “New Gods: Nezha Reborn” has a steampunk/cyberpunk setting. The film features elements from the Chinese novels “Fengshen Yanyi” – featuring the character Nezha – and “Journey to the West”.
In the plot, Li Yunxiang, a young man delivery boy racing enthusiast, discovers he is the reincarnation of Nezha.
The Forbidden Kingdom (2008)
Starring Jackie Chan and Jet Li, “The Forbidden Kingdom” is a wuxia film (a Chinese genre centered on martial arts warriors with fantasy elements).
In the plot, an American boy, passionate about martial arts, discovers in a pawn shop a stick that transports him to ancient China. There he joins a group of warriors to defeat a tyrant and free the Monkey King.
A Chinese Odyssey (1995)
Starring Chinese movie star Stephen Chow (“Kung Fu”), “A Chinese Odyssey” mixes comedy, fantasy and action. Directed by Jeffrey Lau, the work is divided into two parts: “Pandora’s Box” and “Cinderella.”
Chow plays the Monkey King (Sun Wukong) and his reincarnation, Joker, a gang leader. The cast also includes Karen Mok, Man-Wai Ng, Man-tat Ng, Yammie Lam, Law Kar-Ying and Athena Chu. A third part was released in 2016.
Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons (2013)
Stephen Chow (of Kung-Fu-São) co-directs, along with Derek Kwok, this comedy/fantasy/action film.
The plot follows Tang Sanzang, a young demon hunter who, armed with a book of children’s songs taught by his Buddhist master, sets out on a journey to confront various creatures. Ambitious but inexperienced,
Tang fails in his attempts to defeat the monsters and ends up enlisting the help of Duan, a skilled hunter who becomes his unexpected ally.
Journey to the West: Demonic Chapter (2017)
Sequel to “Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons”, “Journey to the West: Demonic Chapter” is directed by the famous Tsui Hark. Stephen Chow is one of the writers and producers.
The plot follows Tang Sanzang (Kris Wu) and his disciples: Monkey King/Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie and Sha Wujing.
Revolt in the Heavenly Kingdom (2014)
Directed by cult favorite Soi Cheang, “Trouble in the Celestial Kingdom” is an action fantasy film. Donnie Yen stars in the film as Sun Wukong/Monkey King.
The cast also includes Donald Chow, Aaron Kwok, Joe Chen and Peter Ho. The work is part of a trilogy of films.
The post Discover 8 Movies Based on Journey to the West appeared first on Olhar Digital.
Source: Olhar Digital
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
