Xuan Zang

Xuan Zang is a dramatic historical film that was released in 2016. The movie is directed by Jianqi Huo and the lead roles are played by Xiaoming Huang, who portrays the titular character Xuan Zang, Zheng Xu who plays King Li Yan, and Purba Rgyal who stars as King Harsha.

The film takes you back in time to the 7th century when Xuan Zang, a Buddhist monk, is on a perilous journey from China to India. He embarks on this adventure in search of authentic Buddhist scriptures. The journey is dangerous and is fraught with uncertainty. Xuan Zang's aim is to bring the scriptures back to China to help spread Buddhism further.

The story begins with Xuan Zang being tasked with this mission by his master who warns him of the dangers along the way. On his journey, he meets two of his trusted companions, Zhu Bajie and Sha Wujing. The three of them embark on an arduous journey through treacherous lands, fierce adversities, and many obstacles.

The film takes you on a stunning and beautiful journey through the stunning landscapes of Central Asia and some of the most breathtaking views of the Indian subcontinent. The journey is one of the most challenging of Xuan Zang's life; he has to face persecution by tribes, treacherous river crossings, and ambushes.

However, his journey to India is not just about obtaining scriptures. It is also an internal spiritual journey that challenges his beliefs and forces him to question his own beliefs on Buddhism. Throughout the journey, he encountered people who tested his beliefs, converted him to a new way of thinking, and others that reaffirmed his faith in Buddhism.

One of the most intriguing parts of the film is the presence of the two primary antagonists. King Li Yan and King Harsha represent the two terrains that Xuan Zang has to cross, and they reflect on the inevitable and foreseeable natural forces that the disciple would have to wither. While King Li Yan tries to take advantage of the vulnerable traveler, King Harsha is much more supportive, but both show insight as potential dangers that he could face.

The movie is richly detailed, and viewers get to experience the journey and action-packed ride of the journey. The cinematography and locations beautifully capture the cultures and people of the time, making the film feel authentic and genuine.

Xuan Zang is an epic adventure story, but at the same time, it is also a spiritual journey that reflects on the values, ethics, and philosophical aspects of Buddhism. The film is not just about the physical, and mental struggles the character faces on his journey, but it is also the growth and the strength Xuan Zang develops along the way.

Overall, Xuan Zang is a beautifully crafted movie that features stunning direction, cinematography, and acting. It's a captivating piece of cinema that manages to take the viewer on a journey that is both spiritual and physical. If you're interested in Buddhism, historical dramas, or just want to watch an epic adventure movie, then Xuan Zang is definitely worth checking out.