Journey To The West

Journey to the West is a 2013 Chinese fantasy adventure film directed by Stephen Chow, who also stars as one of the main characters. The film is based on the classic Chinese novel of the same name, written by Wu Cheng'en. The movie follows the story of Xuanzang, a Buddhist monk, as he embarks on a dangerous journey to the west, facing many obstacles and encountering a diverse cast of characters along the way.

The film begins with a prologue that sets the stage for the story. A demon named Bull Demon King (Played by Huang Bo) is wreaking havoc in Heaven, causing chaos and destruction. The Jade Emperor (Played by Miao Yi) calls on Buddha (Played by Luo Zheng) to intervene, and Buddha sends a young monk named Xuanzang (Played by Zhang Wen) to journey to the west, retrieve the sacred Buddhist sutras, and bring them back to China.

Xuanzang is initially hesitant to accept the task, but eventually agrees to undertake the journey, which he believes will help him achieve enlightenment. However, he soon realizes that the journey will be anything but easy, as he faces numerous obstacles and dangers along the way. He is joined on his journey by three protectors, who are actually demons in disguise: Sha Wujing (Played by Chen Bingqiang), Zhu Bajie (Played by Bo Huang), and Sun Wukong (Played by Show Luo).

Each of the three protectors adds something unique to the movie. Sha Wujing is a quiet and reserved character who is skilled with a spear. Zhu Bajie, on the other hand, is a gluttonous and lazy pig demon who is always looking for his next meal. Lastly, Sun Wukong is a mischievous and powerful monkey king, with a weapon that is able to extend and shrink at his whim.

Together, the four characters journey through treacherous terrain, face difficult challenges, and battle powerful demons. Each encounter is engaging and well-choreographed, with action scenes that are both entertaining and exciting. The film also manages to balance its humor and drama, with plenty of comedic moments that keep the movie from ever feeling too heavy.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the film is the way it blends traditional Chinese mythology and religion. The characters often use Buddhist mantras to defeat their enemies, and there is an overarching message of hope and faith throughout the movie. However, there is also a sense of rebellion and subversion, as Xuanzang and his companions challenge the power structures of both Heaven and the demon world.

The performances in the film are all top-notch, with each actor bringing their own unique style to their character. Zhang Wen is particularly skilled at playing the humble and heroic Xuanzang, while Shu Qi is a standout as Miss Duan, a demon who has her own reasons for helping the group on their journey.

In terms of visuals, the movie is a treat for the eyes. The special effects are impressive and imaginative, with a variety of fantastical creatures and landscapes that are both beautiful and terrifying. The film's cinematography is also noteworthy, with plenty of sweeping shots and creative angles that add to the epic feel of the story.

Overall, Journey to the West is an entertaining and engaging adventure that is sure to please fans of fantasy and action alike. The film is filled with memorable characters, exciting set pieces, and a message of hope and perseverance that is sure to resonate with viewers. Despite its length (the movie clocks in at just over two hours), it never feels dull or overly drawn-out, instead managing to maintain a lively pace throughout. Highly recommended.