Chinese film: A Chinese Odyssey Duology大话西游 ~ Chinese Movies&TV

Comedy film “A Chinese Odyssey,” directed by Jeffrey Lau, starring Stephen Chow, Karen Mok and Man Tat Ng, was released in two parts – “Pandora’s Box” and “Cinderella”. Jeffrey Lau and Stephen Chow use main characters from the ancient classic novel “Journey to the West,” including the Monkey King, the Pig Guy, the Monk Sha and the Master to create a far-fetched fantasy. The films are a mixture of miscellaneous elements like love affairs, kung fu and time travel.

The films are unexpected classics. When released in 1995, they were big flops. Not only were they terribly reviewed, but box office receipts fell far below expectations. But three to five years later, the films suddenly became hot among young people. Some scholars began to label them as “post-modern deconstructionist classics”. The films have generated more popular references than any other modern films – many lines and phrases from the films have become an essential part of Chinese popular culture.

Revisiting the films now, one may complain that the special effects were shabby but cannot deny that the films were still hilarious and heart-breaking at the same time. The films do not treat the love theme lightly, putting protagonists in dilemmas which provoke viewers to think. Chow demonstrates his genius for comedy with hilarious scenarios and memorable punch lines.