The new film adaptation of “Journey to the West” just premiered last week, earning nearly 150 million RMB at the Chinese box office, which has left the production team feeling ecstatic. However, audiences have a different perspective on this film, which they believe brings a modern viewpoint to the classic story of “Journey to the West”.
Many Chinese film critics, as well as international audiences, have noted that the adaptation strays significantly from the original narrative, leading to a mixed reception. The casting of the main character, played by Ngô Kinh Đống, has also drawn considerable attention and not entirely positive responses, leaving viewers questioning the portrayal.
The character of Đường Tăng, played by Ngô Kinh Đống, has transformed into… the son of Tôn Ngọc Khôn. Other characters, such as Bạch Tinh Tinh (played by Mạc Văn Huy) and Xuân Thập Tam (played by Chung Hân Đồng), are siblings yet have a complex romantic relationship that is difficult to comprehend.
Furthermore, the character Từ Hà Tiên Tử (played by Đường Yên) has been poorly integrated into the story with Chí Tôn Bảo and Thiết Phiến Công Chúa, compromising the essence of the “Journey to the West”. These changes have left viewers feeling somewhat dissatisfied, as many believe they detract from the original spirit of the classic tale.
In response to these concerns, director Lưu Trấn Vũ stated that the alterations were necessary. When conceptualizing this third installment of “Journey to the West”, he pondered deeply about the character Tôn Ngọc Khôn and raised the question, “Why does Ngọc Khôn end up abandoning his duties to follow Đường Tăng to seek scriptures?”
According to him, there are two possibilities: one is that Tôn Ngọc Khôn is homosexual and his relationship with Đường Tăng is one of deep affection, leading him to abandon his responsibilities to pursue “the one he loves”. Alternatively, Tôn Ngọc Khôn could be a child that underwent some transformation through magic, which would change his nature and still retain his innocence.
However, this type of adaptation has sparked significant controversy online, prompting the director to reconsider and ultimately reframe Tôn Ngọc Khôn as… the father of Đường Tăng. This intense emotional connection has led to Ngọc Khôn completely abandoning the “son” identity in pursuit of scriptures.
On social media platforms in China, numerous clips have surfaced criticizing the adaptation of “Journey to the West” as a reality show that is quite familiar to audiences, with one viewer even suggesting that this is the reason contemporary adaptations struggle to surpass earlier versions, particularly those by Lục Tiểu Linh Đậu.
