Three Monks

Released in 1980, Three Monks is an animated feature that brings to life a classic Chinese proverb in a humorous yet insightful manner. The movie is brief, clocking in at around twenty minutes, yet manages to tell an impactful story that leaves a deep impression.

The movie proudly stands as an integral part of the rich canon of Chinese animation, admired particularly for its successful melding of age-old wisdom and thematic comedy. It's a timeless masterpiece by A Da, a reputed Chinese animator known for his unique style and imaginative storytelling capabilities.

Three Monks begins in an isolated mountain temple, where a young, mischievous monk lives under the supervision of an old master monk. Their lives are relatively serene and complacent until two more monks join the temple, escalating a series of comic yet meaningful interactions among them. The narrative explores the dynamics and chaos that befall the once-peaceful temple with the arrival of the novice monks.

The film’s setting is skilfully and artistically depicted with meticulous attention to the subtleties of the scenic landscapes. The isolated temple surrounded by mountains, streams, and towering trees invokes the tranquility of an ancient Eastern lifestyle. The abstracted and visually stylised artistic direction provides a unique aesthetic appeal with its artistically progressive use of watercolor creation. The vibrant palette selected pays homage to traditional Chinese artwork, subtly creating a visually enticing appeal that compels the viewers' attention throughout.

Narratively, Three Monks is incredibly minimalistic, with no dialogues and a very straightforward plotline. The story relies heavily on the visual storytelling, body language, facial expressions, and comical situations to convey its plot. As surprising as it might sound, the film's silence only contributes to its depth, highlighting every action and reaction, and making every moment and nuance all the more significant.

The story's simplicity doesn't hinder its ability to explore universal themes deeply. It delves into the importance of cooperation, the dynamics of shared living, and the trials and tribulations of adjusting one’s behaviors and expectations to benefit the group. The inherent humor that arises from the monks’ miscommunications and misunderstandings casually lightens these heavy themes, allowing viewers of all ages to enjoy while subtly teaching them valuable life lessons.

One of the key highlights of Three Monks is its music. The engaging soundtrack, which beautifully complements the visual storytelling, goes beyond mere background music. It elevates the story and enhances the atmosphere of every scene, making it a critical part of the narrative. With a unique mix of traditional Chinese and classical music, the composed pieces perfectly match the film's tone, rhythm and pace, and act as an auditory narrator to this dialogue-less film.

Despite its short run time and unadorned plotline, Three Monks serves as an immaculate display of Chinese animation skills at their finest. It becomes not only an engaging watch but also a glimpse into China's rich cultural and artistic heritage. The film's narrative carefully balances humor and wisdom, thereby managing to be both entertaining and enlightening for viewers across a broad range of ages.

In a nutshell, Three Monks is a profound yet comical tale that seemingly captures the essence of shared living set against the backdrop of ancient Chinese culture. Its universal themes, combined with its stunning visuals and captivating soundtrack, make it a must-watch for any animation lover, providing a rich and rewarding cinematic experience. Despite several decades since its release, the film remains poignant and relevant to this day, leaving a legacy in the timeless tapestry of Chinese animation.