- G
- 2h
- Directed by
-
- Soi Cheang
- Novel
- Wu Cheng'en
- Premiered
- January 22, 2016
- Language
-
- 中文
- Status
- Released
- Budget
- $68,490,000.00
- Revenue
- $193,677,158.00
- Awards
-
- 4 wins & 4 nominations total
- Country
-
- Hong Kong
- China
The Monkey King 2
- Production
-
- Filmko Pictures
Spoiler
Five centuries after his infamous "Havoc in Heaven," the legendary Monkey King, Sun Wukong (Aaron Kwok), remains imprisoned beneath the Five Finger Mountain, a testament to his past transgressions. His solitary confinement is shattered when a sacred mission to the West to retrieve Buddhist scriptures brings the devout Tang Sanzang (Feng Shaofeng) to his prison. Appointed by Buddha himself, Tang Sanzang embarks on this perilous journey, unaware that his path will inadvertently lead to Wukong's liberation.
The narrative unfolds in the wake of a celestial upheaval, with Tang Sanzang, a holy monk, tasked with a monumental quest to the West for sacred texts. However, his journey begins under duress. Pursued by a ferocious white tiger, Tang Sanzang and his meager retinue find themselves in a desperate situation. His two appointed guardians, meant to ensure his safety, abandon him, absconding with all provisions. In a moment of naive faith, the monk attempts to reason with the predatory tiger, a futile gesture that only escalates the danger. The beast's roar propels the terrified monk into a small cave.
From his mountainous prison, Sun Wukong senses the unfolding peril. He implores Tang Sanzang to pull a cloth before him, a seemingly simple request that, upon release, grants Wukong his freedom as the mountain crumbles. Emerging with his iconic Ruyi Jingu Bang, Wukong swiftly dispatches the white tiger, a display of power that leaves the monk both awestruck and apprehensive. Despite Wukong's offer of escort, Tang Sanzang, unnerved by the Monkey King's ferocity, declines his protection, and Wukong departs.
However, Wukong's freedom is short-lived. A golden fillet, destined to become his iconic headwear, materializes, ensnaring him in a sudden, disorienting grip. A cry of surprise escapes him as he grapples with the mysterious object. Upon his return, he questions Tang Sanzang about the headwear. When Wukong attempts to remove it, Tang Sanzang discovers Sanskrit inscriptions. Reciting the words has no effect, but when he begins to chant, the fillet tightens, causing Wukong immense pain and igniting his fury towards the monk.
It is at this critical juncture that the benevolent Goddess Guan Yin (Kelly Chen) intervenes. She reveals that Wukong's destiny is intertwined with Tang Sanzang's pilgrimage, and he must aid the monk on his quest. Initially arrogant, Wukong attempts to leap westward to retrieve the scriptures instantly, only to discover he cannot move from his current location. He learns that the journey requires arduous travel, not magical shortcuts. Their path is further complicated when a white dragon devours Tang Sanzang's horse. Wukong confronts the dragon, transforming it into a white horse, which then becomes Tang Sanzang's new mount.
Meanwhile, elsewhere, a disturbing scene unfolds: children are being abducted by a group impersonating the formidable Baigujing, the White Bone Demon. This deception is short-lived, as three actual demons emerge, eliminating most of the imposters. The true Baigujing (Gong Li) then confronts the surviving leader, reprimanding him for his mimicry before dismissing him.
As Tang Sanzang and Sun Wukong continue their journey, they encounter a group of fleeing women. A handsome figure appears, seemingly to welcome them. However, Wukong's fiery eyes pierce through the disguise, revealing the individual as a demon with a spring-like tail. When attacked, the demon transforms into Zhu Bajie, also known as Pigsy (Xiao Shenyang). Terrified, Zhu Bajie calls for his fellow warrior, Sha Wujing (Him Law). A brief but intense clash ensues, resulting in the defeat of both demons. When questioned about their identities, they readily identify Sun Wukong as the "Handsome Monkey King from Hoa Ko San." Initially distrustful and contemplating their demise, Wukong is dissuaded by Tang Sanzang, who, despite their somewhat clumsy fall from a cliff edge, accepts them into his retinue.
Unbeknownst to them, Baigujing is observing Tang Sanzang, aware that her reincarnation is imminent in three days. Determined to avoid this fate, she resolves to consume the monk's flesh. She devises a plan, disguising herself as an elderly woman. As the group rests, they spot a humble dwelling. Tang Sanzang instructs his disciples to seek shelter there. While searching for Zhu Bajie, Wukong enters the dwelling and encounters the "old woman." She is visibly startled by his presence, and her attempts to ward off his scrutiny with a mysterious powder disrupt his vision, causing him to rub his eyes in discomfort.
Inside, they are offered water. When Wukong requests water from Sha Wujing, he is given boiling hot water, leading to an outburst where he throws the bowl at Wujing's head. The old woman suggests a nearby spring for Wukong to wash his eyes. Before he departs, Wukong creates a protective circle for his master, which Tang Sanzang protests is too small. Zhu Bajie, meanwhile, attempts to charm the old woman into a marriage proposal, seeking her two "granddaughters," who are, in fact, disguised demons. Sha Wujing is tasked with accompanying Zhu Bajie.
Wukong, finding the spring, washes his eyes, regaining his sight. Zhu Bajie busies himself searching for attractive women, while Sha Wujing searches for Zhu Bajie. Tang Sanzang remains alone in the hut with the old woman, who skillfully manipulates his empathy. Suddenly, a disturbance arises, and Wukong's Ruyi Jingu Bang reacts. His suspicion grows, and he unleashes fire from his eyes, absorbing it and regaining his full vision. He realizes the old woman is Baigujing and attacks, but she escapes, leaving behind her human guise, leading Tang Sanzang to believe she has fainted. Wukong pursues, and a battle ensues. Baigujing re-enters the old woman's form. Wukong deals with two disguised demons first, and his brothers mistakenly believe he has killed innocent humans. Upon returning to the hut, Wukong successfully "kills" the grandmother's form, but the true Baigujing escapes, leaving Wukong to endure a torturous punishment.
Following his punishment, Wukong, resentful, isolates himself from his master. Tang Sanzang persuades him to continue their journey. They arrive at the Yun Hai Xi kingdom, where they are met with a grand reception. The Emperor of Yun Hai Xi (Fei Xiang) reveals that Baigujing has been abducting children. Baigujing then appears from behind a painting, causing panic. The guards are unable to subdue her. Baigujing proposes a deal to Wukong: if he surrenders Tang Sanzang, his fillet will be removed. This confrontation occurs during a monkey performance, where Wukong witnesses a monkey being mistreated, triggering a connection to his own past.
Back in his room, Tang Sanzang contemplates converting Baigujing. Wukong agrees to meet her outside later that night. As night falls, Tang Sanzang meets Baigujing. Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing arrive, surrounding her. Wukong taunts her, stating he will not be swayed by her temptations. A struggle ensues for Tang Sanzang between Wukong's group and Baigujing's followers. Unexpectedly, the Emperor, revealed to be a false Baigujing from earlier, intervenes. He has been abducting children to harvest their blood in a futile attempt to heal his crippled hands. He believes Tang Sanzang's blood will be more potent, but Wukong arrives just in time.
After subduing the Emperor, Wukong spots two disguised forms of Baigujing, a mother and child, attempting to kill Tang Sanzang. He eliminates them. Enraged, Tang Sanzang punishes Wukong again. Despite his suffering, Wukong uses his remaining strength to kill one of the disguised demons. This act of violence leads to Tang Sanzang banishing Wukong. Subsequently, the monk is abducted.
With Sun Wukong gone and Tang Sanzang kidnapped, Sha Wujing and Zhu Bajie are bewildered. They debate whether to rescue their master or seek out their senior brother. Stressed by Sha Wujing's perceived incompetence, Zhu Bajie argues with him. Wukong, in his self-imposed exile, returns to Hoa Ko San. On his way, he encounters Goddess Guan Yin. Meanwhile, Sha Wujing, with the white dragon horse, sets off to rescue their master, while Zhu Bajie travels to Hoa Ko San to find Wukong.
Zhu Bajie, searching for Wukong at Hoa Ko San, finds only his old armor. Sha Wujing reaches Baigujing's lair and is attacked by an army of skeletons. Zhu Bajie arrives, donning Wukong's armor for morale. Shortly after, Sun Wukong appears, and the armor merges with him, transforming into its rightful form.
After defeating the skeleton army, Wukong hurls his staff into Baigujing's lair, disrupting her attempt to absorb Tang Sanzang's life force. Wukong kneels before his master, urging him to leave. However, Baigujing intercepts them. A fierce battle ensues, with Baigujing transforming into a giant skull demon. Wukong, instead of transforming into a giant ape, creates numerous clones. The intense battle culminates in Baigujing's defeat. Buddha appears, informing Baigujing that it is time for her reincarnation.
Moved by pity, Tang Sanzang offers to take Baigujing's place to prevent her from becoming a demon again. As Tang Sanzang leaps from a cliff, Wukong saves him. Tang Sanzang implores Wukong to kill him, allowing Baigujing to be reborn as a human. Reluctantly, Wukong complies, turning his master into a statue. Tang Sanzang's sacrifice succeeds, and Baigujing seemingly reincarnates as a human. Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing are perplexed about how to retrieve the scriptures without their master. They decide to continue their journey, carrying the statue of Tang Sanzang. Suddenly, Goddess Guan Yin revives Tang Sanzang, albeit gradually.
Personal Opinion:
While the film primarily focuses on the White Bone Demon, "The Monkey King 2" successfully chronicles the epic journey of four legendary figures, resonating with audiences who grew up with the tales. Although Donnie Yen is no longer portraying Sun Wukong, Aaron Kwok delivers a compelling performance, capturing the character's distinctive essence. Several changes are notable, particularly the Ruyi Jingu Bang's ability to transform, a departure from its previous iteration. Wukong's appearance has also been altered, with a more formidable depiction of his fur and a slightly more serious demeanor, though his signature comedic moments remain for those who appreciate his subtle humor. The consistent element in this sequel is Goddess Guan Yin, portrayed by the same actress.
An amusing behind-the-scenes detail is Him Law's dual appearance in the "Monkey King" franchise. In the first film, he had a cameo as one of Subhuti's disciples, while in this installment, he plays a pivotal role as Sha Wujing. Sha Wujing here is depicted as somewhat dim-witted, reminiscent of a "Herp" meme character, yet he remains a formidable presence. Zhu Bajie, or Pigsy, deviates from his gluttonous stereotype, exhibiting a more flirtatious nature, constantly trying to charm women. Tang Sanzang, the Holy Monk, is less stoic than in the 90s series; here, he is portrayed as more cheerful and prone to occasional clumsiness. Despite facing stiff competition from films like "Deadpool" in Indonesia, "The Monkey King 2" remains an impressive cinematic experience. The reviewer noted a surprisingly small audience for the film, with fewer than fifty viewers present, mostly comprising a dozen or so individuals.
Top Billed Cast
Core Crew
Posters
Backdrops
