Journey to the West

What if a pilgrimage for sacred scriptures became a mirror reflecting the struggles of human nature, discipline, and redemption? Journey to the West (1986), adapted from Wu Cheng'en's celebrated novel, remains one of the most iconic Chinese television series, combining mythological wonder with moral allegory.

The story follows the monk Tang Sanzang and his disciples-the mischievous Monkey King Sun Wukong, the loyal yet flawed Zhu Bajie, and the steadfast Sha Wujing-on their quest to retrieve Buddhist scriptures from India. Each character embodies virtues and vices, turning the journey into more than an adventure: it becomes a spiritual exploration of patience, restraint, and perseverance. Themes of loyalty, faith, and the eternal struggle between temptation and enlightenment are interwoven throughout, offering timeless lessons beneath the fantasy.

Analytically, the 1986 series stands out for its imaginative special effects-primitive by modern standards yet remarkably creative for its time. Its costumes, makeup, and choreography bring mythical figures vividly to life, while the musical score enhances the epic's otherworldly atmosphere. What truly sustains its legacy, however, is the balance between spectacle and morality: each episode carries a lesson, ensuring the narrative resonates across generations. While the pacing can be uneven and some visual elements dated, the sincerity of its storytelling and the charisma of the characters ensure enduring appeal.

Rating: 8/10 - Journey to the West (1986) is a landmark adaptation, blending mythology, humor, and moral depth. It continues to captivate audiences, proving that timeless stories transcend both culture and era.

If you enter Journey to the West, you will get two financially successful films that were made several years after this one. Those films are junk; Hollywood-imitation garbage by talentless Chinese producers who care nothing about the real history and culture of China. They are out to just make a buck by exploiting perhaps one of the most courageous Buddhist practitioners in Chinese history. The Upanishads were actually the foundation of these sutras, but that small fact is basically irrelevant; the film is about faith, and the strength it gives the true believer. I am not a Buddhist or a religious individual (Philosophical Taoist), but I value the actions of those who live out the true values of their various religions by performing acts of kindness and humanity. This is one of those films. Remember, see the 1986 version of the film.

This is China's 1986 TV-series version of the Journey to the West, featuring the four characters of Monkey King, Pigsy, Sandy and Tripitaka. The four journeys to the West to fetch the scriptures of Buddha to bring back to China so that the land will learn of Buddha's teachings.

Along the journey, the three disciples protect Tripitaka from a host of elves, witches and demons. What results are special effects galore of magic and spells, which is OK for the 1980s, but is dated by today's standards.

The music score is magnificent, very catchy and harmonic. Just about each episode is full of fun adventures and action, and doses of humor mixed in as well.

With such a large cast of characters, from the heavenly deities to the human characters, it's the ultimate adaptation of the Monkey King story. Highly recommended.

Grade A

A whole sky of childhood. Film is both thrilling, philosophical, and witty. Each episode is a vivid story. Actors are more than amazing. Create the standard character image. Magnificent view. Profound dialogue. "It is not known whether the Bodhisattva became a Youkai or the Youkai turned into a Bodhisattva." Each view is very interesting.

This is a classic TV series, is the adaptation of Chinese classical classics, the myth of the world is very exciting