So I've been watching a few monkey king related movies recently and this was most definitely my favorite , there's a few sudden leaps of plot which are a bit jarring which prevent me from rating it higher but definitely an enjoyable movie!
22 Reviews
A movie that offers a great story with great visual effects...
paul_haakonsen31 August 2020
Well, I will just start by saying that "The Tales of Wu Kong" (aka "Wu Kong") turned out to be a really enjoyable movie. But mind you, you must have some interest in Chinese mythology to properly enjoy the movie for what it had to offer.
I hadn't even heard about this 2017 movie from writers Hai Huang, Hezai Jin, Chi-Kin Kwok, Fan Wenwen and Henri Wong before now in 2020 when I actually sat down to watch it. And I was definitely impressed with what the movie turned out to be.
The storyline is centered around the myth of the Monkey King, and it is actually a well-told and well-written storyline that provided good entertainment from start to end.
And with a cast ensemble that included the likes of Eddie Peng and Shawn Yue, to mention but the most outstanding performers, the audience is definitely in for a treat.
"Wu Kong" had spectacular visual effects and CGI. And these effects were every bit as bedazzling as they were great in bringing the events out to life on the screen. I have to admit that I was really impressed with the CGI and the level of details, especially since it looked so realistic and cool.
The movie offers a bit of everything, ranging from drama, character development, romance and martial arts. So there definitely is something for just about anyone in the audience.
My rating of "Wu Kong" lands on a seven out of ten stars. I was more than genuinely entertained and pleased with this movie. And if you have the chance to watch the 2017 "Wu Kong" movie, by all means do it.
I hadn't even heard about this 2017 movie from writers Hai Huang, Hezai Jin, Chi-Kin Kwok, Fan Wenwen and Henri Wong before now in 2020 when I actually sat down to watch it. And I was definitely impressed with what the movie turned out to be.
The storyline is centered around the myth of the Monkey King, and it is actually a well-told and well-written storyline that provided good entertainment from start to end.
And with a cast ensemble that included the likes of Eddie Peng and Shawn Yue, to mention but the most outstanding performers, the audience is definitely in for a treat.
"Wu Kong" had spectacular visual effects and CGI. And these effects were every bit as bedazzling as they were great in bringing the events out to life on the screen. I have to admit that I was really impressed with the CGI and the level of details, especially since it looked so realistic and cool.
The movie offers a bit of everything, ranging from drama, character development, romance and martial arts. So there definitely is something for just about anyone in the audience.
My rating of "Wu Kong" lands on a seven out of ten stars. I was more than genuinely entertained and pleased with this movie. And if you have the chance to watch the 2017 "Wu Kong" movie, by all means do it.
I love this movie
rajus-8204824 May 2021
What a shame..
daisukereds1 April 2021
I so wanted to love this.. different characters that are on par with each other end up at odds, representing and protecting alternate positions in their godly society. Growth and loss, arcs and godly confrontations.
The cast is great, and Eddie Peng is one of my favorite leads in the last few years! His look as a more human Monkey King is unforgettable (even though he looked like Tom Cruise at times). The rest of the cast's is great and the production value is top notch, dialogue (and lack of in most scenes, because watchers can tell stories from expressions and visuals), and story structure. There's a lot to like!! Gods and their existence has always been one of my favorite topics when done well...
...but the pace slows down A LOT on the second act. There's a lack of clarity in objectives and rules. And while the final act reminded me of Asura's Wrath, it didn't go there all the way, which is a shame. Still, I'll take the first 40 minutes over nothing memorable, which are more than enough to imagine a better story.
For giving me hope of watching something exciting with a beautiful animated introduction to the story, for it's world building and mythical lore, and good structure.. I'll respect it.
While I'm disappointed, I leave with more than I expected. Maybe the upcoming game "Black Myth: Wukong" will make it justice.
The cast is great, and Eddie Peng is one of my favorite leads in the last few years! His look as a more human Monkey King is unforgettable (even though he looked like Tom Cruise at times). The rest of the cast's is great and the production value is top notch, dialogue (and lack of in most scenes, because watchers can tell stories from expressions and visuals), and story structure. There's a lot to like!! Gods and their existence has always been one of my favorite topics when done well...
...but the pace slows down A LOT on the second act. There's a lack of clarity in objectives and rules. And while the final act reminded me of Asura's Wrath, it didn't go there all the way, which is a shame. Still, I'll take the first 40 minutes over nothing memorable, which are more than enough to imagine a better story.
For giving me hope of watching something exciting with a beautiful animated introduction to the story, for it's world building and mythical lore, and good structure.. I'll respect it.
While I'm disappointed, I leave with more than I expected. Maybe the upcoming game "Black Myth: Wukong" will make it justice.
Could have been better, but great action scenes
vveriyan25 October 2023
"The Tales of Wu Kong," or simply "Wu Kong," proved to be a delightful watch, but it's essential to have an interest in Chinese mythology to fully appreciate it. I stumbled upon this 2017 gem, written by Hai Huang, Hezai Jin, Chi-Kin Kwok, Fan Wenwen, and Henri Wong, in 2020, and was genuinely impressed.
The plot loosely revolves around the Monkey King myth and is exceptionally well-crafted, providing entertainment from start to finish. With a cast featuring talents like Eddie Peng and Shawn Yue, it's a treat for the audience.
The film boasts stunning visual effects and CGI, bringing the narrative to life with dazzling realism. It offers a blend of drama, character development, romance, and martial arts, catering to a wide audience.
My rating for "Wu Kong" stands at seven out of ten stars. I was thoroughly entertained and recommend watching this 2017 film if you get the chance.
The plot loosely revolves around the Monkey King myth and is exceptionally well-crafted, providing entertainment from start to finish. With a cast featuring talents like Eddie Peng and Shawn Yue, it's a treat for the audience.
The film boasts stunning visual effects and CGI, bringing the narrative to life with dazzling realism. It offers a blend of drama, character development, romance, and martial arts, catering to a wide audience.
My rating for "Wu Kong" stands at seven out of ten stars. I was thoroughly entertained and recommend watching this 2017 film if you get the chance.
Another CGI mess
Leofwine_draca2 June 2018
Warning: Spoilers
LEGEND OF WU KONG is another mainland China film with the famous literary character of Monkey as the hero. Sadly, it seems to bear little resemblance to the novel, which I've read. Instead, it turns out to be a generic CGI adventure, with Wu Kong and his allies fighting back against an evil witch with all manner of minions at her command. The film seems to be made up of bits and pieces of other, better movies. There are fights with guys styled on the Immortals from 300 as well as some wire-work kung fu (not much, mind) straight out of 1990s-era Hong Kong. Look out for the occasional cheesy romance moment. Mostly, though, this is just bland and soulless green screen work in which all the money went into the CGI. Only occasionally does it impress; my favourite scene is with the cloud snake. Eddie Peng is an irritating choice as Wu Kong, although that's more the way the character is written than anything else. Shawn Yue co-stars, but has very little to work with either. You'd be better off watching the old and charming Japanese TV series than wasting your time on this.
not worthed
boyke-195-44907423 November 2017
SPOILER: it just another story about wukong but i don't like the ending... wukong supposed to be unbeatable.. i don't like the movie at all itis worth 1 star from me. i don't know what is real story about wu kong but i don't like this. as much as i don't like new spiderman movie. because they change the story
Can't bear to look at
weiyueliu27 February 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Core: break the existing system and pursue freedom
Line: None
How it feels: Special effects, luxurious cast, but nothing to look at. There are a lot of fighting scenes, and a lot of slow motion, and the feeling of action movies is not good, there is no sense of smooth fighting. It seems to be a tribute to Stephen Chow, trying to create a comedic atmosphere, but it doesn't work. It doesn't feel like a fairy tale. It feels like a modern story. Monkey is unrestrained, unreasonable, bearing heavy responsibilities, in the eyes of heaven is the devil man set. A Zi is more freewill, kind-hearted but do things that people can not understand the spoiled big miss set, big female master script, is also a person who does not want to abide by the system. The emotional atmosphere is inexplicable, and the logical basis is to pave the way for the upcoming funny segments. Yang Jian wanted to protect A Zi. Canopy feelings play, guard a month. Fate is controlled by the heavenly machine, the core comes out, it is the monkey to break the existing system. Fight together, fall into the underworld, and be regarded as monsters by mortals. Demon cloud chaos in the world, decided to stay in the world to save people, mortals have no interest in the truth, just want to know how to reduce the demon success, monkey and Yang Jian idea is inconsistent, day Peng well-informed and want to take back the token of love, we actively build a way to become a team cooperation model. I can't watch any more. This is over.
A very pleasant surprise
yupman15 November 2017
Those expecting another cheapo Asian martial arts flick will be pleasantly disappointed. Wu Kong is clever extension of the Monkey God yarn but filmed in a beautiful and fantastical way, coupled with some poignant scenes and social commentary. The acting was well done by the eye candy leads and the action sequences were interesting too. The CGI was also better than usual. All in all, I was very entertained and actually felt for the characters.
I will watch this movie each time the occasion pops up
gorg-basil20 May 2018
I love this movie and I will watch it many times!
I wanted to submit as a review just what is said above, but IMDBS says that my review is too short. So I will say this: 1. I have no idea how such works are rated 5; 2. People should be obligated to post reviews in order to rate movies; 3. If you are a fan of Monkey King as a hero/character go watch this now!!! 4. If you are a fan of Wuxia genre and martial arts in general go watch this now!!!
It's a beautiful story, great visuals, multiple well written characters, great acting.
I'm so happy I watched this, It was an experience!
I wanted to submit as a review just what is said above, but IMDBS says that my review is too short. So I will say this: 1. I have no idea how such works are rated 5; 2. People should be obligated to post reviews in order to rate movies; 3. If you are a fan of Monkey King as a hero/character go watch this now!!! 4. If you are a fan of Wuxia genre and martial arts in general go watch this now!!!
It's a beautiful story, great visuals, multiple well written characters, great acting.
I'm so happy I watched this, It was an experience!
Blown away!!!!
robertbeech15 May 2018
Hi,
Here I am a 62 year old (please translate " foreign devil" ) remembering my very young time in the 70's of watching Monkey on the public broadcaster in Australia. I didn't really understand it very well but was throughl6 entertained by the pathos of the 30 minute program and associated adventures.
Thank you to the producers actors and directors of this version of the epic Monkey the King.
It was ver6 educational and entertaining.
Thanks
Regards
Rob
This is the kind you watch and don't want to see the end
baekms4 February 2018
We all know Chinese movies with martial arts improved a lot. You have to like this kind of movies with a lot fantasy, but I really enjoyed watching Wu Kong.
The mix between martial arts, special effects and some great "emotional" scenes: i definitely rate this one very high.
Watch to the end
kenziepear23 January 2022
I'm an artist so most of the time when I watch these types of movies it's not for the story but for character and costume inspiration. The movie starts off very cheesy, I almost turned it off but kept it on because I had nothing else to do, but let me tell you, watching this was the best decision of my night!
The ending was absolutely badass, and I don't use that word too often. Midway through I found my self not getting much sketching done, by the final half I had set my sketch book and pencil down . Visually, musically, choreography this film was amazing. I just watch Marvels the Eternals a few days ago, didn't like it all that much, but this Tops that movie by 200%.
The emotion, from the main actor was top notch. I made my husband watch the end half with me when he got home because I thought it was so amazing.
Seriously, just watch it. Get over the first fight scene and you'll be happy you did!
The ending was absolutely badass, and I don't use that word too often. Midway through I found my self not getting much sketching done, by the final half I had set my sketch book and pencil down . Visually, musically, choreography this film was amazing. I just watch Marvels the Eternals a few days ago, didn't like it all that much, but this Tops that movie by 200%.
The emotion, from the main actor was top notch. I made my husband watch the end half with me when he got home because I thought it was so amazing.
Seriously, just watch it. Get over the first fight scene and you'll be happy you did!
My name is Sun Wukong
phanthinga9 December 2017
Forget everything you know about Journey to the West novel cause Wu Kong here is a complete rewrite the origin of Sun Wukong the number one Chinese folk heroes with a much more darker tone and it surprise the hell out of me.The CGI fight is very good,the characters is likable and the dark elements really shine when it bring actual emotion to the audience.i'm not sure is it the best movie about Sun Wukong but at the meantime it the most interesting one
it is about a legend and it is a legend
mostafaabdalraheem28 August 2017
The film is more than wonderful. I liked it and I was very surprised.
I was expected boredom and disbelief, but surprised me with a beautiful technical. Professional photography. The clothes, hairstyles, make-up, fashion is gorgeous, convincing, and fit for the The spirit of the film. Especially bazookas. The actors created the representation and reached their high sense. Asian drama is wonderful and influential. Graphic and acoustics call them. I loved this film so much and it occupied my mind Chinese cinema is really wonderful. What I really liked was that it was not on the path of other monkey kings but it was jealous and inventive and added to it a touch of beauty and romantic drama.
It's really 10/10.
I was expected boredom and disbelief, but surprised me with a beautiful technical. Professional photography. The clothes, hairstyles, make-up, fashion is gorgeous, convincing, and fit for the The spirit of the film. Especially bazookas. The actors created the representation and reached their high sense. Asian drama is wonderful and influential. Graphic and acoustics call them. I loved this film so much and it occupied my mind Chinese cinema is really wonderful. What I really liked was that it was not on the path of other monkey kings but it was jealous and inventive and added to it a touch of beauty and romantic drama.
It's really 10/10.
Silly film took a surprising emotional turn
kevinl-2376523 November 2019
The movie was very entertaining. The action scenes were pretty well done with some interesting visual display of the character's power.
Although, the plot was silly and forced at times, the last 1/3 of the movie really made up for it. In addition, the movie did well in helping viewers connect with the characters.
As a relatively unemotional person, the death of certain characters hit me much harder emotionally than expected. Maybe it is just me, but I felt like if I was in the movie. The bitter feelings after watching the film continued to linger with me for days.
I would have gave this movie a 9/10, but I am giving it a 10/10 because I do not think it deserves the rating it currently has.
Brilliant retelling of an old story
cbensonoz14 June 2018
Ah waw amazing
xtreme4728 November 2017
I really appreciate they make these kind of movies in China. A perfect movie, scenes, actors, cgi, story ... beats from far lots of American movies. Emotional and fantastic in the same time, a great movie. Together with Monkey King the movie, my amazing goes up to the sky. Amazing Chinese movie!
A rampaging romp with lots of heart
extreme_weasel1 March 2019
Already a huge fan of The Monkey King as a character, I am currently reading the original 1400-page-novel "Journey to the West". This film (WuKong) cleverly brings together characters and aspects from the original story in a blend of prequel/sequel that perfectly captures the personality of Sun WuKong and his world. It is flashy (but so is Monkey), it is bold and cheeky (as is he), it is epic (you guessed it), and it has lots of heart (what more can you want?). Overall, extremely entertaining. The creators had a clear vision and executed it well. So many jaw-dropping shots. Great soundtrack. Eddie Peng is perfect in the lead, and is supported by an excellent cast, well-suited to their roles. Absolutely my favorite Monkey King so far (besides the book).
Just watch the damn movie.
payinglee7 August 2018
You won't regret it. If you don't know the backstory to Sun WuKong, the monkey king. Then it may be confusing to watch at first. But once you get that knowledge in and understand what's going on, it's amazing. This movie deserves more credit. Also, the characters and the acting is all spot on. Perfect pick for the every role.
A brilliant film
sarahcarter-5714321 May 2018
Caught this whilst flicking through Netflix and I loved it the actors were superb even the cgi was well done it got all your emotions going poor hubby who walked in from work to find me crying wondered what the hell was going on I love Asian film and dramas and will be watching this again I'm sure
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