The Monkey King

2014
The Monkey King
4.9| 1h59m| PG-13| en| More Info
Released: 09 January 2014 Released
Producted By: Mandarin Films
Country: Hong Kong
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
Official Website: http://themonkeyking.com/
Synopsis

Sun Wukong is a monkey born from a heavenly stone who acquires supernatural powers. After rebelling against heaven and being imprisoned under a mountain for 500 years, he later accompanies the monk Xuanzang on a journey to India. Thus, according to legend, Buddhism is brought to ancient China.

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Reviews

dcarsonhagy "The Monkey King" is like nothing I had ever seen. The movie is based on the Asian legend of Sun Wukong, born from stone. He studied under a Taoist master and learned 72 transformation spells. He had enormous strength and it was told he could travel 102,000 miles in one jump! The hairs on his body possessed magical properties capable of being transformed into clones of the Monkey King himself. He was a trickster, and had an ongoing war with the deities in the Heavens. The makeup, use of green screens, "wire-fu," and a cast of thousands paints one of the most magical stories ever brought to the screen. Donnie Chen is utterly magical in his portrayal of one of the most enduring and beloved Chinese characters. The art direction and cinematography are exceptional. Now, here is a little "warning" for would-be viewers. If you are thinking you will be getting a non-stop over-the-top battle laden blood-soaked movie, you had better think again. The version I watched was PG and I felt directed more toward a young audience than an adult one. Although there is some violence, there is no blood. Also, I was fortunate enough to be able to watch the original version, which is in Mandarin (with English subtitles). I will tell you one thing, you'd better brush up on your Evelyn Woods' speed reading courses, because the subtitles do not stay on the screen for very long! Also, the movie starts a little slow but if you will give it a chance, I think you'll find yourself thoroughly entertained.One of the best movies of 2016 and highly recommended. This would be great entertainment for a children's sleep-over or family viewing.
chino08260826 I liked the movie, would have been great if there was an English dub. Also, I hope they make several sequels, there needs to be more told from the book. Mind you, I have never read the book, but I like the story line of the movie and would like to see more. Of course with some Western movie company collaboration would polish off the book & animation I believe. Again, don't get me wrong though, very nice movie... I'm hoping the next release will be better though this one had me at the edge of my seat at times. Also, it would be interesting to extend the movie a bit more, to explore his character in more detail possibly love/affection etc etc.
dewi-taylor I really enjoyed this movie despite its obvious shortcomings. It it a good live-action remake of the 1965 animated feature of the same name (well worth checking out if you're a fan of art films). Donnie Yen does OK as the lead but western fans of his previous films may be left confused and/or disappointed a long time before the 120 mins of 'Fantasy Action' ends - It really helped that I was already familiar with the story as a lot happens in that time. I wonder how the second part will compare with the excellent Journey To The West: Conquering the Demons (2013) as the story from that follows this one - that's not a spoiler is it?
Steve Johnson When reviewing The Monkey King, most reviewers forget the purpose of the movie: G RATED entertainment meant for ALL AGES. Teeners will abuse the CGi lame bits, film enthusiasts will lament to the point of misguided critique as to the lack of depth building and plot complexities as portrayed by the original books and film purists will pick every personal gripe until the bones appear.... However at the end of the day as a family movie for all ages old and young it is a definite winner.As a absolute devoted fan since the 70's of the NipponTV incarnation of this tale, it was absolutely fun to watch with my kids and parents as the Director intended, to introduce and showcase a very popular traditional Chinese story to a larger demographic western audience with a modern feel and fun easy to digest storyline. (Thus the use of some headline artists in the main roles)The obvious details of the screenplay to book adaption aside, Donny Yen really brings SUN WUKONG to animated life much as he re-birthed IP MAN for modern audiences.A truly memorable performance by Chow Yun Fat and supporting casts makes it a benchmark movie amongst the last few recent "MONKEY" re-envisaged movies of recent years.Maybe not a movie for the full on Chinese mythology traditionalist but certainly one NOT TO MISS for the dedicated devotee of the MONKEY story sub genre.