The Monkey King 3: A Review of the Chinese Fantasy Film
If you are a fan of Chinese mythology, fantasy, and adventure, you might have heard of The Monkey King franchise, a series of films based on the classic novel Journey to the West by Wu Cheng'en. The latest installment, The Monkey King 3, was released in 2018 and directed by Cheang Pou-soi. In this article, we will review the film and discuss its plot, characters, themes, strengths, weaknesses, and reception.
Introduction
What is The Monkey King 3 about?
The Monkey King 3 is a Chinese fantasy film that follows the adventures of Sun Wukong (Aaron Kwok), the Monkey King, Tang Sanzang (Feng Shaofeng), the Buddhist monk, Zhu Bajie (Xiaoshenyang), the pig demon, and Sha Wujing (Him Law), the water-buffalo, as they travel to the West to obtain the sacred scriptures. Along the way, they encounter various challenges and dangers, including a land populated by only women, where love is forbidden and men are considered enemies.
monkey king 3
Who are the main characters and actors?
The film features a star-studded cast of famous Chinese actors and actresses. Aaron Kwok plays Sun Wukong, the mischievous and powerful monkey who was once imprisoned by Buddha for rebelling against heaven. Feng Shaofeng plays Tang Sanzang, the compassionate and courageous monk who leads the journey to the West. Xiaoshenyang plays Zhu Bajie, the greedy and lustful pig who was once a heavenly marshal. Him Law plays Sha Wujing, the loyal and humble water-buffalo who was once a heavenly general. Zhao Liying plays the Ruler of Women's Country, a young and beautiful queen who falls in love with Tang Sanzang. Lin Chi-ling plays Hebo, the river goddess who helps the travelers. Gigi Leung plays the Advisor, a cunning and ruthless woman who plots to kill the men. Liu Tao plays Guanyin, the goddess of mercy who guides and protects the travelers.
What are the main themes and messages?
The film explores various themes and messages related to love, friendship, faith, destiny, gender, culture, and morality. Some of the questions that the film raises are: What is true love and how does it affect one's choices? How can one balance one's personal desires and social obligations? How can one overcome one's fears and doubts and follow one's heart? How can one respect and appreciate different cultures and perspectives? How can one be a good person and a good leader?
Plot Summary
The journey to the West
The film begins with a narration by Guanyin (Liu Tao), who explains that Tang Sanzang (Feng Shaofeng) is on a mission to retrieve the sacred scriptures from India. He is accompanied by three disciples: Sun Wukong (Aaron Kwok), Zhu Bajie (Xiaoshenyang), and Sha Wujing (Him Law), who were once heavenly beings but were punished for their sins. Guanyin says that she will help them along their journey, but they will also face many trials and temptations.
The encounter with the Womanland
her soldiers to capture him and his disciples. She also decides to destroy the magical net, believing that it is the source of her unhappiness.
Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing manage to escape from their prison and rescue Tang Sanzang. They also find out that the Advisor is behind the plot and that she has allied with a group of bandits who want to invade the Womanland. They fight their way to the palace, where they confront the Advisor and her accomplices. Sun Wukong uses the pearl that Hebo gave him to control the water and flood the palace. He also exposes the Advisor's treachery to the Ruler, who realizes her mistake and apologizes to Tang Sanzang.
Tang Sanzang forgives the Ruler and tells her that he loves her, but he has to leave. He also tells her that the magical net is not a curse, but a blessing, as it protects the Womanland from harm. He convinces her to restore the net and keep her kingdom safe. He then bids farewell to her and continues his journey to the West with his disciples.
Analysis and Evaluation
The strengths of the film
The visual effects and action scenes
One of the strengths of the film is its impressive visual effects and action scenes. The film showcases a variety of stunning landscapes, creatures, and costumes that create a rich and colorful fantasy world. The film also features several exciting and spectacular fights, such as Sun Wukong's battle with the fish monster, the chase through the city, and the final showdown at the palace. The film uses a combination of CGI, wirework, and martial arts to create a dynamic and thrilling spectacle.
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The humor and romance
Another strength of the film is its humor and romance. The film balances the serious and dramatic moments with some light-hearted and funny scenes, such as Sun Wukong's antics, Zhu Bajie's flirting, and Sha Wujing's clumsiness. The film also portrays a sweet and touching romance between Tang Sanzang and the Ruler, who have a strong chemistry and a genuine connection. The film explores their feelings and dilemmas, as they struggle between their love and their duties.
The cultural references and symbolism
A third strength of the film is its cultural references and symbolism. The film draws inspiration from the classic novel Journey to the West, which is one of the most influential works of Chinese literature. The film pays homage to the original story and characters, while also adding some new twists and interpretations. The film also uses some symbols and metaphors to convey its themes and messages, such as the magical net, which represents both protection and restriction, or the pearl, which represents both water and love.
The weaknesses of the film
The plot holes and inconsistencies
One of the weaknesses of the film is its plot holes and inconsistencies. The film has some gaps and flaws in its logic and continuity, such as how Sun Wukong breaks the seal that imprisons Hebo, how Tang Sanzang disguises himself as a woman, or how the Advisor manages to ally with the bandits. The film also has some contradictions and confusions in its tone and genre, such as how it mixes comedy and tragedy, or how it shifts from fantasy to realism.
The stereotypes and clichés
Another weakness of the film is its stereotypes and clichés. The film relies on some outdated and overused tropes and characters, such as the naive and innocent queen, the evil and jealous advisor, the heroic and selfless monk, or the rebellious and arrogant monkey. The film also reinforces some gender and cultural stereotypes, such as how women are emotional and irrational, or how men are violent and aggressive. The film does not challenge or subvert these stereotypes, but rather accepts and reproduces them.
The mixed reviews and reception
A third weakness of the film is its mixed reviews and reception. The film received a lukewarm response from both critics and audiences, who had different opinions and expectations about the film. Some praised the film for its entertainment value and visual appeal, while others criticized the film for its lack of originality and depth. Some enjoyed the film for its humor and romance, while others disliked the film for its silliness and cheesiness. Some appreciated the film for its cultural references and symbolism, while others dismissed the film for its irrelevance and distortion.
Conclusion
A summary of the main points
In conclusion, The Monkey King 3 is a Chinese fantasy film that tells the story of Sun Wukong and his companions as they travel to the West and encounter a land of women. The film has some strengths, such as its visual effects, action scenes, humor, romance, cultural references, and symbolism. However, the film also has some weaknesses, such as its plot holes, inconsistencies, stereotypes, clichés, and mixed reviews.
A personal opinion and recommendation
Personally, I think that The Monkey King 3 is a fun and enjoyable film that can appeal to fans of Chinese mythology, fantasy, and adventure. However, I also think that the film is not very original or profound, and that it could have been better if it had more creativity and complexity. I would recommend this film to those who are looking for a light-hearted and entertaining movie, but not to those who are looking for a serious and meaningful movie.
FAQs
What is The Monkey King 3 based on?
The Monkey King 3 is based on the classic novel Journey to the West by Wu Cheng'en, which is one of the four great classical novels of Chinese literature. The novel tells the story of Sun Wukong, a monkey who acquires supernatural powers and rebels against heaven, Tang Sanzang, a Buddhist monk who goes on a pilgrimage to India to obtain the sacred scriptures, Zhu Bajie, a pig demon who was once a heavenly marshal, Sha Wujing, a water-buffalo who was once a heavenly general, and their encounters with various demons, gods, and humans along their journey.
Who is the director of The Monkey King 3?
The Monkey King 3 is directed by Cheang Pou-soi, a Hong Kong filmmaker who is known for his action and horror films. He has directed other films such as Dog Bite Dog, Accident, Motorway, The Monkey King, The Monkey King 2, Kill Zone 2, SPL III: Paradox, The White Storm 2: Drug Lords, etc.
How many films are there in The Monkey King franchise?
There are currently four films in The Monkey King franchise: The Monkey King (2014), The Monkey King 2 (2016), The Monkey King 3 (2018), and The Monkey King: Havoc in Heaven's Palace (2021). The first three films follow the story of Sun Wukong from his birth to his journey to the West with Tang Sanzang. The fourth film is a prequel that focuses on Sun Wukong's rebellion against heaven.
What are some other adaptations of Journey to the West?
Journey to the West has been adapted into various media, such as books, comics, cartoons, films, TV shows, video games, etc. Some of the most popular and famous adaptations are: The Journey to the West (1986), a Chinese TV series that is widely regarded as the most faithful and classic adaptation; Dragon Ball (1984-1995), a Japanese manga and anime series that is loosely based on the novel and features a monkey-like protagonist named Son Goku; A Chinese Odyssey (1995), a Hong Kong comedy film that is a parody and reinterpretation of the novel and stars Stephen Chow as Sun Wukong; American Born Chinese (2006), an American graphic novel that is a modern and multicultural retelling of the novel and explores the themes of identity and belonging; Enslaved: Odyssey to the West (2010), a British video game that is a sci-fi and post-apocalyptic adaptation of the novel and features a protagonist named Monkey who is enslaved by a woman named Trip.
Where can I watch The Monkey King 3?
The Monkey King 3 is available to watch on various online platforms, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Google Play, iTunes, etc. You can also buy or rent the DVD or Blu-ray of the film from online or physical stores. However, you should be aware that the film may have different versions, subtitles, or dubbings depending on the region and language.
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