This is the second of the Shaw Brothers productions of stories from the classic Chinese folk tale Journey to the West. The first film in the series, The Monkey Goes West, introduces us to Monkey, Pigsy and Sandy, who, as companions and protectors, accompany the monk Tripitaka on his journey to acquire Buddhist scriptures.
This segment relates the story of Princess Iron Fan's efforts to kidnap Tripitaka and eat his flesh so that, along with her followers, she will gain immortality. The intrepid Monkey is not fooled by her efforts (unlike the hapless Pigsy and Sandy) and saves the day and Tripitaka's flesh. The release by Celestial Pictures, who is reissuing the entire Shaw Brothers catalog, has been beautifully restored.
As with the first in the series, the film presupposes a basic knowledge of Journey to the West. This is all well and good for the Chinese audience, who learned the story as American children learned about Snow White. For many non-Chinese, though, the narrative leaps can be a bit confusing. At one point, for instance, Monkey is sent back to Fruit and Flower Mountain, where he is Monkey King, but the very entertaining tale of Fruit and Flower Mountain, and how Monkey came to be Monkey King, is never explored. There are a few references to Monkey's troubles in Heaven and what an annoying fellow he can be, but no explanation about the magical staff with which he bests his enemies.
That aside, it's a very entertaining film. For those interested in the background of the story and who may not have the time or interest to read the multi-volume Journey to the West, Monkey (translated by Arthur Waley) covers about half of the one hundred chapters in the original story and, most importantly, relates the history of the four travelers. The films will be much more appreciated for the effort.
