A Chinese Odyssey Film Difficulty Ranking: 2
I haven’t read Journey to the West and I’m completely unfamiliar with the story line, so I can’t vouch for the accuracy of this adaptation of the Chinese Classic. However, if you’re looking for pure cinematic mayhem, Chinese Odyssey Part One and Part Two are as good as you get.
From: Hong Kong, Asia
Watch: Trailer, Tubi, Vudu, Buy on Amazon
Next: Life of Brian, Star Wars, Kung Fu Hustle
The Breakdown
The madness starts from the opening scene. It’s there that you meet the Monkey King, the Serenity Monk, and Guanyin all having a dispute. The Monkey King and the Serenity Monk are journeying west to collect the Buddhist scriptures, but Monkey King is so annoyed with the Serenity Monk that he tries to kill him. Guanyin, a Bodhisattva, steps in to stop Monkey King.
After Guanyin banishes Monkey King, Serenity Monk pleads with her to forgive him. So she decides to let him be reincarnated 300 years later, as a Joker, a human leader of a group of bandits.
From then on, we’re treated to one of the craziest origin stories you’ll see on film. It features giant spiders, talking cows, body swapping, and karaoke with plenty of special effects, slapstick humour, and a bit of time travel. There’s not much else that can be said. It has to be seen to be believed.
What to Watch Next
The only other origin story that comes close to A Chinese Odyssey in terms of craziness is Monty Python’s Life of Brian. It’s the story of a kid named Brian who’s mistaken for the Messiah 2,000 years ago.
Otherwise, I’d suggest Star Wars comes close with it’s strange characters and eccentric setting, but you’ve probably already seen it. Terry Gilliam’s films also match it for it’s weird characters and setting.
Or, if you’re looking for another action-comedy-adventure-fantasy from China/Hong Kong, check out Kung Fu Hustle. It’s another fun ride.
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