Third Pair

The Monkey King

Dir: Soi Cheang
Scrs: Edmond Wong, Huo Xin, Szeto Kam-yuen, Chan Tai-lee
Presenters: Filmko Entertainment (Beijing), Mandarin, China Film Co., Beijing Wen Hua Dong Run Investment, J’Star Film Co.
Cast: Donnie Yen, Chow Yun-fat, Aaron Kwok, Peter Ho, Hai Yitian
2014 | Colour | Blu-ray | Cantonese | Chi Subtitle | 119min

Only a blockbuster of this scale can possibly do justice to an epic story like Journey to the West. In the original novel, the Monkey King wreaking havoc in the heavenly palace is inarguably the most fascinating sequence, and Soi Cheang imparts on to it a broader worldview by fuelling the conflict between devils and deities. Once shut inside the Fiery Mountains, Bull King (Aaron Kwok) seeks revenge by winning the allegiance of Second-lad God (Peter Ho), who then launches a spree of oppression against Monkey King, prompting the invincible Monkey to destroy the heavenly kingdom and allowing him to usurp the throne of Jade Emperor (Chow Yun-fat).

With a massive budget and special effects crafted by Hollywood experts, the creative imagination in the novel is brought to life in all its grandeur. Monkey King, played by Donnie Yen, is not only a great fighter but also shines with an innocent craving for freedom. Powered by computer-generated imagery, this typical action movie, which sets Hong Kong cinema apart, becomes more adrenaline-pumping than ever. The film is also an early testament to director Soi Cheang’s flair for large-scale filmmaking before Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In (2024).

Courtesy of Filmko Pictures (Hong Kong) Co., Limited

# Post-screening talk with Eric Tsang

The contents of the programme do not represent the views of the presenter. The presenter reserves the right to change the programme should unavoidable circumstances make it necessary.