China has been making movies for ages now and they’ve done
nothing but improve with each passing year. In addition to that there is a rich
history of storytelling there that has yet to be tapped in this country,
legends and fairy tales that rival those we’ve grown up with from the Brothers
Grimm. That they translate to the screen is not surprise.
One such story is that of the Monkey King. The legend is old
and different versions of the story have been made in the past. We’re now
presented with the third film in a series based on the tale. Go into this one
knowing that because it appears to pick up where the last one left off. Does
that make the film difficult to enjoy? Not at all. What’s happened in the past
and will happen in the future are easy to follow here.
Buddhist monk Tang Sanzang (William Feng Shaofeng) and his
disciples – Wukong the Monkey King (Aaron Kwok Fu-shing), pig demon Bajie (Xiao
Shenyang) and blue-skinned sand demon Wujing (Him Lo Chung-him) are traveling
down a river when they run afoul of the river god who tries to sink them.
Instead they survive and find themselves thrown into the mystical all female
land known as Womanland.
The queen of this land (Zhao Liying) is star struck when she
first sees Sanzang and he is smitten with her in return. But legend has it that
men will lead to the downfall of Womanland because all men are deceptive. The
royal preceptor (Gigi Leung Wing-kei) is determined to follow through with the
execution of the men but they are saved by the queen.
As the queen attempts to help them escape she and Sanzang
discuss what could be. Sanzang is open and honest with her letting her know
that while he would love to stay he must complete his quest to collect Buddha's
scriptures putting the needs of the world ahead of all else.
They head for the border of the land only to discover that
they’re still trapped since a magical net encompasses the border. The only
thing that can break the barrier is true love. Will the queen and Sanzang
discover that their love is true or will their quest end here?
The movie is a feast for the eyes with so many special
effects shots combined with gorgeous locations that will have viewers wanting
to visit the locales on display. While watching I kept thinking how great it
would be if China opened itself to the rest of the world but that’s something
we’ll have to wait to see happen. For now we can be glad they’re allowing their
films to make it our way.
The special effects here match what’s coming out of
Hollywood. Everything from the river gods to the galloping white elk that the
queen rides looks magnificent. The make-up department also does a tremendous
job especially when looking at the blue skinned Wujing. Wukong tends to look a
bit overdone but I got the impression that was on purpose. Suffice to say all
of the characters are well thought out here.
The only negative thing I can say about this film is that it
isn’t available in a dubbed version here. I say this not because adults can’t
enjoy the film or read but there is little chance that small children would be
able to read the subtitles or if they could keep up with what’s taking place on
screen at the same time. And this film is a movie that young children would
undoubtedly enjoy. For all others this is one worth taking the chance on and
watching, a gorgeous film with an involved story and amazing special effects
that make it a real treat.
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