Following the resounding success of Journey to the West in 1986, numerous adaptations have been released over the past three decades, including Journey to the West: The Legend of the Monkey King, Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back, Journey to the West: The Monkey King 3, and many more. According to Sohu, the novel by Wu Cheng’en is likened to a bitter orange that everyone wants to taste, yet few can appreciate.
In comparison to the remaining three classic literary works, Journey to the West stands out in terms of its varied adaptation formats. According to Sina, the 1986 version directed by Yang Jie has been aired over 3,000 times since 2020, and despite its age, it continues to gain popularity.
Dream of the Red Chamber is often regarded as “a masterpiece of literary genius,” while Romance of the Three Kingdoms tends to attract male viewers more. In contrast, Journey to the West is simpler and can be succinctly summarized in the sentence: “The monk Tang Seng travels through 81 hardships to reach the Western Paradise.” However, its frequency of adaptations far surpasses that of the other three famous literary works.
The first adaptation features numerous characters with distinctive personalities. Tang Seng, the earnest monk, is often portrayed as devoted but naive, while Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, is known for his cleverness and rebellious nature. Zhu Bajie, depicted as lazy and gluttonous, contrasts sharply with his two companions, and Sha Wujing is seen as loyal yet slightly menacing.
Wu Cheng’en skillfully crafts a universe filled with diverse characters, each with unique traits, allowing audiences to choose and connect with them.
Secondly, the work is set against the backdrop of ancient China, with a setting that transcends time and space. This unique narrative style allows scriptwriters and directors to break free from the constraints of traditional storytelling. As a result, adaptations can be more expansive and creatively rich, enhancing the imaginative scope of the narrative.
Lastly, the work appeals to a broad audience across different age groups, making it suitable for various demographics. This characteristic helps adaptations of Journey to the West save on production costs and allows for broader distribution in several countries throughout Asia.
“It resembles a product that is constantly reinvented in the entertainment industry. Filmmakers could benefit from adding a touch of innovation and creativity to attract audiences. If it receives a bit of unique flair, it will become even more popular. The adaptations of Journey to the West can be made in such a way that they can be filmed without needing to purchase rights, and who wouldn’t want to do that?” stated Sohu.
