“The Monkey King” Leaps into Action on Netflix
The beloved tale of the self-centered simian adventurer, “The Monkey King,” has been brought to life in a stunning animated feature now available on Netflix. Executive producer-actor Stephen Chow, producer Peilin Chou, and director Anthony Stacchi have transformed the age-old fable from the 16th-century novel “Journey to the West” into a visually spectacular film that incorporates elements of Chinese folklore, mythology, Confucianism, and Taoist and Buddhist theology.
The film follows the Monkey King, Sun Wukong, voiced by Jimmy O. Yang, on his quest for full immortality. He is accompanied by his invincible Stick, voiced by Nan Li, and his assistant Lin, voiced by Jolie Hoang-Rappaport. Together, they battle demons, challenge the rules of Hell, and go up against the immortal Queen of Heaven in their pursuit of the Elixir of Immortality.
“The Monkey King” is not just an entertaining adventure, but also a satirical commentary on bureaucracy and a source of spiritual insight. The film explores Chinese religious attitudes, offering a timely allegory that reflects the country’s beliefs and traditions. This unique blend of storytelling has inspired numerous films and adaptations, including the Hong Kong action-fantasy trilogy and the web series “American Born Chinese.”
For Stephen Chow, the project holds personal significance as he portrayed the Monkey King himself 28 years ago in “A Chinese Odyssey.” He also revisited the story as the director of “Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons.” Now, as an executive producer, Chow is excited to bring the tale to a global audience through Netflix. He believes that director Anthony Stacchi and producer Peilin Chou have created an outstanding interpretation of the Monkey King story that sets itself apart from previous iterations.
One of the highlights of this project for Stephen was the opportunity to collaborate with creators from different countries in an animation production. The international perspective brought by Anthony Stacchi, who is not of Chinese descent, adds a fresh viewpoint to the story. Additionally, the medium of animation allows for more creative freedom and the incorporation of elements from Chow’s previous movies.
“The Monkey King” is a harmonious blend of Eastern and Western cultures. Anthony Stacchi made a conscious effort to combine both influences, incorporating elements of Chinese opera into the action scenes. The film also appeals to younger audiences, showcasing the rich storytelling traditions of Chinese culture.
Stephen Chow is already looking ahead to future projects, including a spinoff of his hit film “Shaolin Soccer” titled “Shaolin Women’s Soccer.” He is excited to continue bringing his unique perspective to new stories, drawing on his experiences as an actor and director.
“The Monkey King” is now available for streaming on Netflix, offering audiences around the world a chance to experience this timeless tale with a modern twist.
