The Monkey King
Plot
In ancient China, a mischievous monkey named Sun Wukong, also known as the Monkey King, is born from a stone after drinking magical tea. He possesses incredible strength, agility, and magical powers, which he uses to wreak havoc on the heavenly kingdom of Heaven. The Jade Emperor, ruler of Heaven, becomes frustrated with the Monkey King's antics and imprisons him under a mountain for 500 years. However, during this time, Sun Wukong learns about Buddhism and the concept of eternal life through his interactions with a Bodhisattva named Guan Yin. When released from prison, the Monkey King sets out on a quest to seek immortality, driven by a desire to live forever and become the most powerful being in the world. Along the way, he meets a young girl named Tang Sanzang, a devout Buddhist priest's daughter who is traveling to India to bring back sacred scriptures. The Monkey King and Tang Sanzang form an unlikely alliance as they face numerous challenges, including battling demons, dragons, and gods. The Monkey King uses his powers to aid them in their journey, but his own ego and mischievous nature often put them in perilous situations. As they navigate the treacherous path, the Monkey King and Tang Sanzang encounter various allies and enemies, including the cunning White Bone Demon, the seductive Lady Iron Fan, and the powerful Buddha of Wisdom. Through their adventures, Sun Wukong learns valuable lessons about humility, compassion, and the importance of putting others before oneself. Throughout his journey, the Monkey King must confront his own flaws and weaknesses in order to achieve his goal of immortality. Along the way, he discovers that true power comes not from magical powers or physical strength, but from wisdom, empathy, and self-awareness. In the end, the Monkey King's quest for immortality becomes a metaphor for the human quest for self-discovery and enlightenment. As he grows wiser and more compassionate, he begins to realize that eternal life is not just about living forever, but also about making a positive impact on the world and leaving a lasting legacy.
Reviews
Catherine
A timeless classic.
Mabel
For the ultimate experience, seek out the fan-restored version – it's the superior cut. Even better than the official 40th-anniversary edition, hands down. And I'm not just making things up – you can clearly see a mole on the Jade Emperor's chin!
Gabriel
Fifty years on, Chinese animation has regressed instead of progressed. Is there anything more pathetic? Stagnation in technology, and creative exhaustion. The story of a group of sheep and two wolves has been repeatedly churned out into countless sequels, a lamentable state! Back then, "Lotus Lantern," touted as a decade-long monumental work, became a laughing stock. Today's children have material conditions that are N times better than ours, but I still feel that we were happier back then, because we had so many excellent animated films accompanying our growth.
Joanna
Almost like our "Two Bombs, One Satellite" moment in the industry, this Monkey King is the pride of our domestic animation. Yet, even now, we still rely on it to make a statement.
Diego
A tribute to the early animators of China!
