Cast
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Kris Wu
as Tang Sanzang
Lin Gengxin
as Sun Wukong
Yao Chen
as Jiu Gong / Immortal Golden Vulture
Lin Yun
as White Bone Spirit
Yang Yiwei
as Zhu Bajie
Mengke Bateer
as Sha Wujing
Wang Likun
as Spider Demon
Bao Bei'er
as King
Wang Duo
as Handsome Zhu Bajie
Dong Chengpeng
as Taoist Priest
Cheng Si-Han
as Tang Sanzang's Teacher
Shu Qi
as Duan Xiaojie
Zhang Yixin
as
Tsui Hark
as Theater Employee (uncredited)
Zhang Aiqin
as Taoist Priest Li
Crew
Director
- Tsui Hark
Writer
- Stephen Chow
Producer
- Zhao Haicheng
- Ling Hong
- Shi Nansun
- Stephen Chow
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Adventure/Fantasy/Action film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Tsui Hark brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2017, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back took approximately 36 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $63.9 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 109 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 161 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2017, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Dragons Forever, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Forbidden Warrior and Enter the Dragon explore similar territory, Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 28, 2017
- Runtime: 1h 49m
- Budget: $63,900,000
- Revenue: $248,805,149
