The Monkey King - 西游記之大鬧天宮

The Monkey King (西游記之大鬧天宮) is an 2014 film out of Zhong Guo. The movie stars Donnie Yen. The other stars include Chow Yun-fat, Aaron Kwok, Joe Chen, Peter Ho. Cameo appearances by Kelly Chen, Gigi Leung, and Faye Wang.



A heavenly fight between the Jade Emperor and the Bull Demon King sends the heavens into ruins. The the Bull Demon King is defeated, Nu Wa Goddess sacrafices herself to save the heavenly kingdom from ruin. All the while, her powers create Sun Wu Kong. When he is released, he's taken in by Pitu and learns to protect his monkey kingdom. When the Bull Demon King comes onto the scene, he tricks the Sun Wu Kong to attack the heavens. The Jade Emperor now has to take action again.



This movie had lots of special effects. Basically, everyone could fly. Everyone had powers. Nice. Let the party begin.



Faye Wang was listed in the credits but I recall seeing her in the film. I doubt I'll rewatch just to get a small glimpse. With that said, the movie was entertaining, but Sun Wu Kong isn't a particularly likable character. Sure he was created out of a sacrificial act and he wants to protect his clan. But he's proud, rude, and gets himself in trouble. I guess the story wouldn't have gotten anywhere without his troublemaker attitude. But you gotta have a likable purpose for doing it. In this case, it was just lame.



Donnie was in make up practically the whole time and I could barely make him out. I know the producers don't want to bring him back due to his large pay day. But the promotion was largely based on him and the story. What's stronger, the story or Donnie. Donnie is of course. He's the strongest in the universe!



The movie was released during Chinese New Years and enjoyed an epic run at the box office. Currently sitting pretty with around ~$175 million USD. The movie is scheduled stateside in the fall from the USA region distributor Global Star Productions. The fall time is pretty far away and the date could move. But from the trailer, it looks like an English dubbed version. That'll be interesting.