#the monkey king netflix lin

[quitealotofsodapop]

Unless somebody's asked this before, what's would the swk's (minus 2023/netflix) react to Lin?

They probably think she's a really cool kid! Netflix/Cherry brings Lin around to a Wukongverse meeting (somehow), and the others SWK's are like "Oh thank Buddha, it's his one braincell besides the Stick."

Lin is rather confused, but figures that she should be used to it by now. Her monkey has dragged her along to different Realms before, whats a different dimrnsion compared to Hell?

She ends up hanging out with the other kids like MK, Mei, and HiB!Liuer, with the younger SWKs and LEMs chilling with her too.

Revelations occur when the other monkeys have questions...

Peach: "How do you know Lin exactly? Is she your tudi, or are you guys just good friends?" Cherry: "We're friends but its... complicated." Other SWKs: *sounds of interest/encouragement* Cherry: "So like... she's the first person to show me geniune empathy and kindness, buuuut she also sentenced me under the mountain. Soooo bummer." *cricket noises* Smokey: "What." Cherry: "Yeah it was kinda weird. I think I was power-drunk or something cus all I remember is that she became the voice of Buddha and did the Leap from my Palm trick. Then cue the mountain. She said bye though, so that was cool." *more shocked silence* Dasheng: "...thats not normal." Starfruit: "YEAH. Mortals don't just do that." Peach: "Wait... is Lin your monk?" Cherry: "No, I have a Tripitaka. He showed up like 500 years later." All the SWK who understand reincarnation: *deep inhales* Ace: "Your friend is a Golden Cicada. " Cherry: "A what now?" Smokey: "Seriously!? Don't you know any Buddhist lore?!" Cherry: "No. I was never taught it." Sugar: "Didn't your Master Subodhi ever teach you inbetween lessons on the Dao?" Cherry: "...my who teaching me what now?"

This is how the rest of the monkeys indirectly find out that Netflix!SWK/Cherry; 1: Was never trained for his power, 2: Has no idea about the chinese pantheon, and 3: Was never in the furnance?? Like??? Those are big details in a lot of their stories!

The SWKs who went through these trials feel really frustrated that Cherry hasn't felt the same pain they have, but also recognise his tale as being an equally tragic story of hubris/innocent ambition. Also this monkey had zero friends - no stalwarts, no brotherhood, no LEM likely, so he had no support system/something to fight for beyond himself.

Lin, meanwhile is hanging out with the LMK gang (canon and/or au) like;

MK, telling his origin story: "...So I lifted the Staff and boom! I have the Monkey King's powers!" *poses dramatically on table with his staff* Lin, clapping: "Thats pretty cool! Does your staff talk like Stick does, or it that an oddity just of my world?" Tang: "Your world, sadly. Imagine the tales those Staffs could tell..." Pigsy: "You have the monkeys, Tang." Tang: "The monkeys like to exaggerate and bend details." Lin: "Stick is not really that much better..." MK: *staff falls out of hand onto floor* "Dang it." Lin: "Don't worry! I'll get it!" MK: "Uh yeah, thats not possible-" Lin: *lifts the staff with some effort* The LMK Crew: (ʘᗩʘ’) Hib!Liuer: (◕▿◕) Lin: "...what?"

Lin has her own freak-out moment when the gang tell her that the Ruyi Jingu Bang/Staff is supposed to be over 17,550 lbs/7,960 kg(!!). Aka "girl how are you lifting a whole ass flat-bed truck with your hands"-heavy.

Cus I need to remind yall that Lin *can lift the Staff*, so either Stick deliberately makes itself lighter so she can move it, OR Lin has a major divine Strength buff.

Tang declares Lin his 2nd favorite Monk (first place taken by Liuer). Lin starts freaking out cus Netflix!Tripitaka basically tells her that she's dead in his time/one of his previous lifes as well.

#the monkey king netflix #wukongverse #the monkey king netflix lin #jttw inspo theories #lego monkie kid #lmk #sun wukong #the monkey king netflix spoilers

[introverted-ghost]

Love how the first bit of the movie monkey was going around hugging everyone looking for someone to hug him back and love him and then when he got turned into a little guy again in wangmu’s lab he hugged Lin and she held him

#it’s just so important to me #fucking rambling #jttw #the monkey king #the monkey king netflix #the monkey king spoilers #the monkey king Netflix spoilers #sun wukong #lin #monkey king netflix #monkey king netlfix spoilers

[sketching-shark]

The new animated Monkey King movie is out today on Netflix. I think its might be good, the interview I saw with the people who worked on it seem to understand what the monkey all about!!!!

OKAY so now having seen it I will say anon that while it certainly wasn't my favorite retelling out there, was definitely aimed at little kids with all that implies, did have a number of figures that were done dirty (poor Jade Emperor once again), was pretty generic, was definitely western-ized, and along with that did have some of the more annoying traits when it comes to western retellings of Xiyouji (seriously can someone please explain why so many western creators are set on making Sun Wukong illiterate it's been plain weird for awhile now), I did find it an overall decent film! The animation was pretty fun and flashy, and it's always a treat with the Monkey King is allowed to be violent <3. I also did appreciate that while this film largely went with a "selfish jerk" characterization, there wasn't any of that people yelling at the Monkey King about how horrible he is while he stands there looking sad, but he was allowed to snarl back that he's selfish because no one cares about him but him, and well we do see from his backstory that there's a lot of truth to that sentiment here. "Selfish jerk" Sun Wukong is far from my favorite, but it felt reasonable for this Monkey King iteration. I actually felt that that was pretty decently reflected in his child companion Lin as well, who's (SPOILER ALERT) intent on tricking and stealing from the Monkey King, but she has a very good reason for doing so. So yay! Baby's first encounter with gray morality haha. So overall I'd agree with the critics who say this film's plot is quite generic in a lot of ways and kind of disappointing because of that, but it does do a pretty good job of dealing with the theme of hubris, its potential consequences and potential origins for its intended child audience, and I'd say it's worth watching at least once.

#anon answered #netflix monkey king #netflix monkey king spoilers #spoilers #sun wukong #monkey king #netflix lin

[swk-mac]

How would Monkey King from Netflix react to the thought of him having family in another universe??

Since you hc LMK Wukong and Macaque to be bros here, how do you think Netflix Monkey King would react?

At the thought of him being accepted in another universe. At the thought of him actually having a family in another universe. The thought of him being pretty damn popular in another universe.

Tbh, if it was me I'd be pretty jealous and pissed actually 😭

Imagine spending your whole life alone as an outcast, trying your best to not show you care. Only to find out that in another universe, you were accepted??

Damn, that's gotta hurt-

Hi anoon

Omg yeah ;-; it's sad how nobody cared in his universe about him, the monkeys never wanted him back or something, and he really wanted a family, always hiding his pain, that's why he loved his staff because it was his only friend before Lin arrived, it's still sad that even at the end they didn't accept him. Always being alone as a baby until he grew up wanting to surprise them ;-;-;

And if he finds out, after watching that he was appreciated in another universe, he would have thoughts on his head like: why not me?? Why?

And you're right waaa, at the thought of him wanted to be loved, he would feel very jealous mixed with the feeling of sadness because LMK wukong had at least more friends, like I said to the other anon, if there's a sequel because it has the potential, maybe they could be friends with Zhu Bajie, Sha Wujing and Ao Lie, to this Netflix Wukong so he doesn't feel so alone.

#I have one word to say: pain waaa #anon #ask #thank you so much for the ask <3 #the monkey king #monkey king #sun wukong #jttw #lmk #lmk wukong #lmk macaque #the monkey king 2023 #netflix the monkey king #monkey king netflix #the monkey king netflix spoilers #lin #monkey king spoilers

[aerkames-artbook]

What's your opinion on Lin from monkey king (Netflix)?

I really loved her character! A lot of times we don't get child characters accompanying a protagonist and when we do, it's usually done wrong. Lin is a pretty good example of how to write a child/teen character that interacts with the other main characters.

Also, if you noticed, there are two rattlesnake rattle sounds right before Lin's first appearance in the movie, giving the audience a hint that this is a snake of a character (In other words, don't trust this person, they will betray you! Most snake symbolism is for foreshadowing a betrayal). She was well thought out and the familial bonding she had with Monkey King felt organic rather than forced. ❤️

#netflix monkey king #monkey king #netflix monkey king lin #netflix monkey king 2023 #monkey king 2023

[doodlebat33]

Ok here we go!

Y/n x Netflix wukong headcannons! 💖

How would a relationship develop?

Acquaintances

Similar to lin, he would think of y/n as not inherently a burden to drag around but regardless he's got some help now. He's not used to help and sees it as weakness. He will tease, mess with and try his best to push y/n away buuuut

Friendship

As he gets to know y/n, they don't seem all too bad. They help him along the way in the sense of friendship and caring and not just to get the upper hand on him or using him for what they want. The teasing is lightened up but still a way that he shows platonic affection. And as time goes on, he could start to feel something more. Something he's never felt before.

Crush

He's never really had a friend before so if anything were to develop on y/n's side (them flirting with him and such) it would go right over his head and take it as praise and a strong bond between you two. Not sure if stick would know anything about love and/or notice, but if it did, it would definitely nudge him along. Maybe give him advice but again, right over monkey kings head.

But soon enough, he would figure it out somehow and rather than being excited about this new found feeling, he'd be anxious.

He's NEVER and I mean NEVER gotten this close to someone before. What if he screws it up? The one person that wants to be around him, leaving him? Alone for another eternity… he can't risk that! So, instead of saying things out right, he would ask y/n hypothetical questions and try to be as subtle as possible (wrapping his tail around them more, trying to flirt back and miserably failing, ect)

Relationship

Once monkey king and y/n make it official, he is a bit hesitant to let others know about it at first, (to not risk endangering y/n) if y/n is capable of taking care of themselves, then oh BOY will he not shut up about it! With every demon to be fought, he would declare loud and proud of their bond.)

He will do anything to protect y/n because they're all that he has, they're his world. Due to this he can be a bit overprotective at times. With that, he is an incredibly loyal companion.

Monkey king x reader masterpost

#monkey king netflix #monkey king x reader #monkey king headcannon #the monkey king netflix #monkey king 2023 #sun wukong x reader

[newkatzkafe2023]

@lara-legomonkiekid

What if Y/N gets jealous of a girl who around Monkey King Or calls him a cutesy Nickname in public.

(Lmk Wukong) He was hanging with Mk and the gang again at Pigsy Noodle shop until he heard your voice from outside.

Monkey Queen (Y/N): Sunflower!!! ���

He froze no no you did not just call him that. He turned his head towards MK and the rest who were trying to hide their giggles even Pigsy was fighting off a smile.

Monkey Queen (Y/N): I know you're busy but I want to let you know. I brought more peach chips from the store. I'm gonna put him in a cabinet at home So if you want some stop by my mountain. I still have some errands to run I'll see you later love you sunflower 🌻.

And with that you ran off to the market down the street. As soon as you left, everybody burst out. Laughing hysterically to the point where some of them could even breathe. Wukong's face was so red you would think he was on fire.

Macaque: Sunflower 🌻 huh???😏😏

Sun Wukong: Ok number one shut up an number two when did you even get here?!?!?😡😡😡😡

(Nezha Reborn Wukong) He was at the workshop with Li Yunxiang help with his motorcycle. Until he heard you come in

Monkey Queen (Y/N): Fluffy you Left you toolbox at my house again!

This made him spit out the water He was drinking just now as Li awkwardly stood next to him.

Monkey Queen (Y/N): I'm gonna leave it by the door I have to go to work so I'll see you later.

You then ran off as your running late and need to catch the bus.

Li:.......um😥

(NR Wukong) Breathe a word of this to anyone and I'll kill you myself👿☠️

(MK Reborn Wukong) What was Provoking and fighting some palace guards it's from the emerald temple. He destroyed the massive peach tree.during the He was in the zone of fighting until

Monkey Queen (Y/N): Sourpatch!!! stop fighting those two little girls right now Your trashing the place!!!!!😡😡😡

Everybody in the area froze at the sound of your voice. As a female monkey with snow white Fur and Piercing navy blue Eyes glared into her husband from down below. You then stomped pass Master Tang and down the hall to calm down. Wukong was Not only disrespected but also embarrassed by you once again. That's what he gets for getting worked up over nothing.

Guards: Did she just call us little girls😟😟😟

(HIB Wukong) Since his release from the mountain prison Buddha put him in he had went to try and find you, but the children were asking a billion and one question. As he was getting more and more Irritated a soft voice called out to him

Monkey Queen (Y/N): Ah, grouchy Bun, I thought you were dead. But we both know that's impossible now isn't it😉😉😉

He froze seeing his Wife from across the Field beautiful As the day he left her, but he wasn't fooled by her gentle tone she is Furious with him and he has a lot of making it up to her to Too bad that didn't distract him from the giggling children behind him Something else he was going to have to explain😥😥😥

(Netflix Wukong) He was spending time with Lin bragging about How he recently saved the village from another demon when,

Monkey Queen (Y/N): Ok chestnut that's enough Bragging for today now come home and have dinner with me

Wukong's face lit up a bit before Muttering a yes dear and said bye to Lin trying to block out the Her giggles.

Feel Free to Reblog😇👍

#monkey king netflix #monkey king reborn #monkey king x reader #nezha reborn #x female y/n #lmk monkey king #monkey king hero is back #x wife reader #sun wukong x reader #girlboss x malewife

[heavenlee773]

GUESS WHO JUST WATCHED THE MONKEY KING MOVIE??

Anyways, it was SO great!!

When I first watched the trailer I was like “this is not accurate to the book at all”

BUT ITS SO GOOD.

I THOUGHT LIN (the girl) WAS GOING TO BE ANNOYING, BUT SHE WASN’T!! SHE ACTUALLY HAD A PURPOSE BEING THERE.

AND THE MOVIE HAD SOME RANDOM MOMENTS BUT IN A GOOD WAY!-

AND MONKEY KING AS A BABY IS SOOOOOO CUTE-

I’m probably going to be drawing this version of Monkey King for a while because I want to find a way to fit it in my art style since I don’t draw animals that often-

It’s so good (but my opinion is kinda bias since currently I’m reallllllyy interested in JTTW or LMK related stuff)

So check it out on Netflix for yourself!

(I also wanted to watch the Ne Zha movie but it’s not on Netflix ;-; there is Ne Zha reborn but it’s not really the same)

-Lee Lee🤍

#artists on tumblr #journey to the west #lego monkie kid #my art #sun wukong #monkey king 2023 #silly

[aerkame]

Hey! I saw your HC’s about the versions of sun wukong’s. May I request “ Journey to the West: Legends of the Monkey King 2000? ” I really loved the show as a kid. I saw it on YouTube again and wondered about it! If..you saw this series that is. If not, I’ll take Netflix monkey king! It’s up to you!

I feel like doing both :p Also I'll be doing general HC because I'm not sure if you meant reader insert or just in general if this were in a fanfiction

Journey to the West: Legends of the Monkey King 2000

This monkey man is the definition of assertive

He sees something he likes? He makes it clear he will have it. There's a demon he wants to beat up? He'll talk about beating them up before actually following through with it. There's a person he wants to get with? He makes his intentions crystal clear to everyone around him without hesitation, heaven forbid you try to stop him, he will not allow it.

Surprisingly optimistic despite everything that has happened. There is nothing that can really bring down his mood once he's in a good one.

That means he's not exactly stable when he's in a rare bad mood. Just...give the guy some space if that happens.

Sometimes he'll accidentally break things or break someone. He just gets excitable and well...

Of course there's lots of apologies that ensue if the worst happens, though he doesn't like admitting he did something wrong.

Out of all the versions of Monkey King, this one is probably the most extroverted and friendly of the bunch. He for sure will make loads of friends if given the chance.

This version also seems to be the most open minded on things. Got something to say? He's all ears. Got something you want him to learn? He'll actually sit and listen (a rarity among Monkey kings)

Despite how loud and assertive he is, sometimes he can also be more quiet and gentle when the situation calls for it. It took some learned behavior from Tang though. But, it's a useful trait to have when you're someone like Monkey king.

Very energetic sometimes. He always needs to be doing something with his hands or going out and fighting stuff.

I'd assume this version is extremely protective of his SO if he has one.

Same can be said for his friends.

Would absolutely do everything he can to cheer someone up if they started crying in front of him. It really hurts to see someone so hurt...

Usually encourages people to be a better version of themselves (except Pigsy, he gave up on that guy)

Netflix Monkey King 2023

Oh boy where do I start?

If Leo the zodiac sign was a person, this would be him.

This guy, ooo- this guy really loves himself, and he makes sure everyone around him knows it too at every given chance.

Very confident in his ability to overcome any challenge or obstacle (he's just the best ain't he?)

Probably takes better care of himself and Stick than his own armor or anything else that's with him.

Would absolutely have a bunch of different shampoos, conditioners, and lotions in modern days. The guy loves to love himself, and look loved too.

Probably a huge flirt when he sees someone he mildly finds interest in. That or he'll just brag about himself to seem more impressive. (He's probably exaggerating)

Loves showing off

Modern version of him would probably be a lot more chilled out after the years, learning to just let things go and not be so impulsive or take things personally. He's still got a lot of work to do when it comes to letting people in though.

He's just afraid of losing people like Lin again you know? Right when he realizes he has a family, he loses them and sits isolated form the world for hundreds of years.

Usually prefers staying away from people, alone with Stick. Being alone as a kid does that to you.

Sometimes seeks out validation and love from crowds of people and fans.

He's a little more patient over the years, but just as chaotic.

Expect lots of malicious compliance from him. And pranks, he enjoys getting a good laugh out of others or just doing it for his own entertainment. (though he can border on just being a jerk)

Sometimes talks to Stick when he's alone, it's usually just him venting about things from the past.

Tends to get anxious when he's alone for too long or if there's a thunderstorm (doesn't need a lot of explaining to understand that).

Will be the sweetest monkey with someone he really likes. It's like he's a completely different person!

#No beta we die like The God Emperor of Mankind #monkey king netflix x reader #monkey king netflix #monkey king #jttw #sun wukong #legends of the monkey king #headcanons #monkey king headcanons #netflix sun wukong #monkey king 2023 #monkey king x reader #monkey king #sun wukong x reader

[reginleif-valkyrie]

The Monkey King a Netflix original movie.

Firstly, take almost everything you know about JTTW and forget it. It’s a goofy kid’s movie so expect kid humor and the like.

It follows the story of Monkey’s quest for immortality and pissing off the Heavens. Not very accurately but that’s not what we’re here for.

Baby Monkey is adorable chaos. I love him. Then I was sad because all he wanted was a hug and nobody would hug him.😢

The staff or stick as they call it (shutter) talks, kind of. It’s a series of buzzes and vibrations. Either way, the banter between Monkey and the staff is gold and I want more of that idea. I died of laughter every time Monkey and the dragon king fought over the staff like two jealous boyfriends. I think they refuted to the staff as a he, but that also might have just been my brain. FYI the staff had a voice actor. Who knew?

As with all movies, a young girl, Lin, is there to teach him about feelings and caring about others. She’s not a love interest though, I felt it was more like a little sister and she repeats the line “We’re a family.” I didn’t mind Lin. She’s the least objectionable thrown in female to date. My problem is there wasn’t a development in their relationship to get to the ‘we’re family’. For most of the movie Monkey is telling her how insignificant she is and isn’t nice to her then he just magically cares about her dying to put his take over the Heavens ambition on hold. I suppose she did save him first, so life debt? The ping ponging between arguing and saving each other is very sibling like.

All and all, it was pretty entertaining. I liked the art and the voice acting was good. Jimmy O. Yang is Monkey if that matters to you. There are plenty of one liners you have to go back and make sure you heard right.

#journey to the west #sun wukong #the monkey king #monkey king #netflix #wukong #jttw sun wukong #jttw

[geekcavepodcast]

The Monkey King Trailer

Monkey is on a quest to prove himself by defeating 100 demons with trusty Stick by his side. Granted, his own ego may be the worst enemy of all.

Netflix's The Monkey King is inspired by the Chinese tale. The film stars Jimmy O. Yang (Monkey), Bowen Yang (Dragon King), and Jolie Hoang-Rappaport (Lin). Anthony Stacchi directs from a screenplay by Ron J. Friedman and Stephan Bencich.

The Monkey King hits Netflix on August 18, 2023.

#monkey king #jimmy o yang #bowen yang #jolie hoang-rappaport #anthony stacchi #steve bencich #ron j friedman #netflix #TGCLiz #Youtube

[quitealotofsodapop]

How would you imagine Monkey King reuniting with Lin after 500 years if she possibly was made immortal when she merged with Bhudda?

Well....

I sorta suggested the idea that Lin might be an incarnation of the Golden Cicada in an older Wukongverse post.

But perhaps I was thinking a little too small.

Perhaps instead of her being the Golden Cicada, she's in fact a major missing entity?

Someone known for granting the Monkey King mercy?

For we know... she's the life Miao Shan, the one who eventually became Guanyin in her (second) death. Hence why the Books of the Dead end her entry abruptly.

Wukong busts out after those 500 years are up, sees the Bodhisattva of Mercy and is immediately like "YOOOOO!!! YOU BECAME A GOD!? I'm so proud of you pebble!!" while his new pilgrim buddies have no idea what tf is going on.

#the monkey king netflix #the monkey king 2023 #tmk23 lin #guanyin #chinese mythology

[introverted-ghost]

Man am I bad with words but something about how that old monkey telling monkey king that he’s a pebble in the hand of the universe then monkey telling lin she’s the pebble in his universe hand meaning there’s no way he could be the pebble anymore and then obviously that being the way Buddha defeats him

#I’m just sayin #idk what I’m saying but I’m saying it #jttw #the monkey king #the monkey king netflix #monkey king netflix #the monkey king netflix spoilers #monkey king netflix spoilers #the monkey king spoilers #sun wukong #lin

[swk-mac]

Opinion on the new Monkey King movie on Netflix 👀👀

Hi anoon

I watched it this morning so I can already answer heheh, I liked it, had funny moments and I laughed in some of the scenes, the final really got me, like, (spoilers) Lin and Wukong saying goodbye, but I felt it lacked of something, Idk what thing exactly but I wanted more hahsah, alsoo, I missed Wukong's cloud hahsshsh he just flew with his staff, but I wanted to see him sleeping on his cloud heh, but after all, I enjoyed it, baby Wukong was so cute ✨

#monkey king netflix #thank you so much for the ask <3<3 #monkey king #the monkey king #the monkey king netflix #the monkey king 2023 #the monkey king spoilers #the monkey king netflix spoilers #sun wukong #jttw #lmk #monkey king 2023

[dorkshadows]

Monkey King Reborn (2021)

After what, 100 years?? I finally watched 西游记之再世妖王 | JTTW Return of the Demon King! Or Reincarnation of the Demon King. And I learned that both those titles are wrong now LMAO The OFFICIAL English name is now Monkey King Reborn (it has nothing to do with Nezha Reborn however). 

Watch here (Chinese subtitles only)

So I wasn’t really expecting anything fantastic since the movie didn’t exactly do anything groundbreaking for audiences in mainland China when it was released back circa April. Critical consensus was that it’s OK, not the worst thing, but not a “good” film. Objectively, that’s probably right LOL this is by no means on the level of Monkey King Hero is Back (2015) or Ne Zha (2019). Structurally, it’s also not as paced as Nezha Reborn (2021). My thoughts:

Compared with every other animated and online JTTW film we’ve had since 2015, it’s a Masterpiece. Could be better, but was surprisingly watchable and has enough going for it to override the flaws. Tonally, it’s all over the place asdfasdf. Hero is Back + Ne Zha + JTTW17 + Netflix Kingdom + AVENGERS ENDGAME. (*More on this below the cut because I am not exaggerating.) Don’t go in expecting an award-winning script and it’s really entertaining.

Basic plot: Centuries ago, the Golden Cicada used his spirit to seal the demon king, Yuandi (the first demon TM), under the earth. The rensheng tree grew from that energy and Zhenyuanzi has been in charge of it since. The pilgrims come to Wuzhuang Temple per canon, get into baby fruit shenanigans, and Wukong destroys the tree. Yuandi escapes and steals Sanzang, meaning to consume his essence. At the same time, the tree’s own life essence takes the form of a living baby fruit who claims to be the pilgrims’ only hope of sealing Yuandi. 

Some jokes actually made laugh though (watch out for a hilarious take on the silver horn/gold horn arc). Favorite one was this:

Bajie: “You almost scared me to death!” Wukong: “Then die.”

And this:

Yuandi: Who’s Sun Wukong? Some kind of monkey!? Minion: Yeah, he is a monkey! How did you know?

The pilgrims are the film’s strongest suit. They all had their unique personalities and never once do they try to undermine each other. I think this is the first time I’ve seen a jttw film where the pilgrims were a solid little found family from beginning to end. The disciples genuinely loved each other, loved their shifu, and vice versa. Which is Wild because you can’t tell that they were this loyal a group from the trailers. So that was a nice surprise. They really were like, a family that goes west together DIES TOGETHER.

1) Sun Wukong. We’ve been waiting on 21!Wukong’s personality since forever and I can confirm that it was worth it. He resembles Kenny Lin’s 17!Wukong quite a bit (and the design totally plagiarized 15′s) but he overall feels like his own character. He’s more of a punk than an emo lol; confident, snarky, cool (but it doesn’t stop him from getting peed on by a piece of fruit). And surprisingly mature for someone who also has a reckless temper, so this was a pretty successful adaption of him. His voice isn’t what you’d expect (the character has monkeyish moves but the voice doesn’t seem animalistic), but when you get used to it, it’s.. good. Just wish the VA could go even louder during the climax.

**I guarantee 21 will awaken something in some of you.

2) Zhu Bajie. He was literally himself from the book. A gluttonous pervert, which was surprising because animations usually remove the lust part LOL. Literally a complete pig as lazy and indulgent as you’d expect, but also Wukong’s #bro to the end. And there’s a cool show of his powers in the third act. A great Bajie.

3) Sha Wujing. This Wujing is amazing and I cannot stress this enough- he is a NERD. A bookworm. He carries one of those scholar backpacks filled with books and scrolls, so he can read aloud to his brothers and share cool trivia with them. Blown away by this take on Wujing. He’s not even a big or intimidating demon- he really looks like a fishman here, and once again, he is a NERD. FANTASTIC WUJING.

4) Tang Sanzang. I like the design- they remembered that he’s supposed to be a beautiful monk TM. But he was barely in this film?? The big bad kidnaps him within the first 15 minutes and the rest of the movie is about the disciples going to rescue him. From what we do see though, his personality kinda resembles Sanzang’s from A Chinese Odyssey LOL. Always believes in the best of their group. Ditzy, but genuinely loves his disciples, which you don’t always see so obviously in jttw adaptations.

One Big change here is that Wukong is the disciple Sanzang’s always indulging  instead of Bajie. Pretty clear that Wukong is his favorite in this one ;) 

5) Bailong. The horse’s eyes are distinctly dragonlike and his mane too. But ALAS, the filmmakers forgot about him after the intro. Ao Lie really nowhere to be seen after Wuzhuang asdfasdf

The animation wasn’t perfect. I felt like they were skipping frames in the beginning, and it’s very obvious that the budget went into Act 2-3. Just a lot was going on. There’s also an obvious difference between the quality of the main cast and the nameless side characters LMAO. But the ending makes up for it imo.

Pros:

Solid characterizations

The pilgrim bond TM

Every time Wukong pulls the staff from his ear, it looks Cool

There’s a rendition of the Bimawen theme! And when the disciples visit a random village, everyone reacts to them like they’re monsters, as they should haha

A truly sick version of the 1964 Havoc in Heaven theme (instead of Dagger Group Prelude) when Wukong powers up at the very end; not going to spoil it, but his design in that scene is pretty cool too

Watch past the first credits for the Guanyin cameo! She’s buddha-sized.

Cons:

No pacing. Things happen so fast with no transition asdfasdf. Unless you’re alerady connected to the characters, I don’t blame you if you don’t feel anything because the movie doesn’t stop long enough for you to. 

The movie’s message is about how demons can choose to be good or evil. But that’s not a lesson the disciples actually had to learn because they just weren’t bad people at any point in the film LOL like, they were ready to die for a sentient fruit. they already worked out all of their problems before the movie started so who is learning what

The... style of the movie?? We went from an accurate portrayal of the baby fruit arc to Monkey King: Hero is Back to Avengers Endgame...

The villain’s initial look was interesting. Then he reached his “final form” and he honestly is Zack Snyder’s idea of a jttw villain. He talks, acts, and looks like one.

They tried very hard to make the baby fruit endearing, but I just found it disturbing and I was glad when it “died” adfasdf

Things that make you go “eh?”:

Yuandi is the Demon of demons that everyone has heard of. Except Wukong for some reason. I also don’t know what Yuandi’s so smug about since he’s not the one who caused havoc in heaven. The lack of respect smh

Wukong’s temper was inconsistent (for me personally); he seemed to overreact a lot at Wuzhuang, but was perfectly “mature” for the rest of the film

Worldbuilding was hard to follow, especially why Yuandi kept Sanzang alive instead of eating him immediately, the Golden Cicada’s connection to the talking baby fruit, and why the disciples are soooo fond of that thing in the first place. I just do not get it.

The baby fruit is a cannibal- it eats other fruits to rebuild energy LOL

Things that make you go asdfasdfa (SPOILERS BEWARE):

The first half of this movie is family-friendly. Even the part where Yuandi’s minions zombify a village- it’s all very PG. Then in the climax, Zack Snyder takes over and Yuandi kills the disciples on screen. He MURDERS Bajie and Wujing right there for us to see.

Then he spends like, 20 minutes, beating up Wukong. It’s not super graphic (I think?), but the monkey is literally coughing up blood in this animated movie??? 

Yuandi also “kills” Sanzang by taking the Golden Cicada’s essence in front of Wukong after he spent 20 min beating him into a pulp asdfadf. And at that point, literally all the pilgrims (except Bailong who was forgotten) die on screen. After Yuandi kills the baby fruit, it gives itself to Wukong and he powers up enough to beat Yuandi. It doesn’t have the feeling of the tragic comeback from the finale of Hero is Back, but it is very pleasing to see happen anyway. Also because that Havoc in Heaven electric guitar theme SLAPS.

Then the pilgrims come back to life because baby fruit powers. And we’re like, “damn, zhenyuanzi was right. the fruit tree is special!”

And this is the final shot of the movie (before the first credits scene). The classic Sun Wukong-looking-over-shoulder parting shot!

Overall, 6/10. Not the best, but certainly not a bad JTTW adaptation.

#journey to the west #journey to the west reincarnation of the demon king #journey to the west return of the demon king #monkey king reborn #monkey king #long post #I'll keep an eye out for eng. subs for everyone interested! #the version I watched only had chinese subs #had to come on here and punch this review out before dipping asdasdf

[extrabeurre]

2020: On a plié, mais on a tenu

Il ne me viendrait normalement jamais à l’idée de lister tous les films que j’ai vus en salle pendant une année, mais 2020 est exceptionnelle de bien des façons, étant entre autres de loin l’année où je suis le moins allé au cinéma de ma vie adulte. Donc, dans l’ordre : 1917, Bad Boys for Life, Jay and Silent Bob Reboot (suivi d’un Q&A avec Kevin Smith en personne), Le rire, Mafia Inc., Jusqu’au déclin (première mondiale aux RVQC)... puis après une pause de 6 mois, le fameux Tenet. Les salles ont ensuite été forcées de refermer leurs portes dans les zones rouges, alors que Hollywood reportait de toute façon pratiquement toutes ses sorties à 2021.

Peu de films vus sur grand écran, donc, mais j’en ai néanmoins regardé énormément. On connaît la chanson : vidéo sur demande, Blu-ray, DVD, l’occasionnelle VHS, ainsi que les incontournables plateformes de diffusion en continu. Puis il y a eu l’édition virtuelle de Fantasia, un des moments forts de mon année, ainsi que quelques autres séances de festival en ligne ici et là. Soulignons par ailleurs que le Cinéma du Parc et le Cinéma Moderne offrent actuellement une programmation en ligne, en attendant la réouverture des salles. 

Autre fait notable : j’ai participé à une dizaine d’épisodes du podcast Rembobinage avec mon ami Hugo Prévost, où nous avons discuté de quelques-uns des titres qui se retrouvent dans mon top 10, en plus de revisiter plusieurs classiques. Le cinéaste Rafaël Ouellet s’est par ailleurs joint à nous pour discuter de Cop Land et The Sugarland Express récemment. Ça s’écoute via Pieuvre.ca. 

1 - LOVERS ROCK (Steve McQueen)

L’événement cinéma de l’année : une anthologie de cinq longs métrages réalisés par Steve McQueen, qui s’est intéressé à divers aspects de l’expérience des Afro-Caribéens en Angleterre, des années 60 aux années 80, abordant notamment des sujets encore tristement d’actualité comme le racisme systémique, le profilage racial, la brutalité policière, etc. Mon préféré du lot est de loin Lovers Rock. En 70 minutes, McQueen signe le film le plus sensuel de l'année, avec la meilleure trame sonore. Un house party jamaïcain à Londres en 1981, avec un peu de drame, un soupçon de tension, un brin de commentaire social en filigrane, mais surtout plein de belles personnes qui dansent, qui chantent, qui se courtisent, qui fument du weed et qui boivent de la bière. J'ai été complètement captivé par les couleurs chaudes des images, par la caméra qui déambule sur la piste de danse et à travers la maison, par le montage si fluide. C'est vraiment comme si on était là, ce qui est assez transcendant en cette année de distanciation sociale et de confinement. Probablement le meilleur film de party que j'ai vu de ma vie. La séquence de Silly Games est extraordinaire, bien sûr, mais j'aime autant, voire plus celle de Kunta Kinte Dub. Mercury Sound! Mercury Sound! (Vu sur Prime Video)

2 - PORTRAIT DE LA JEUNE FILLE EN FEU (Céline Sciamma)

C'est quelque peu curieux que ce film ait remporté le Prix du scénario à Cannes alors que sa grande force est manifestement sa mise en scène. Le récit est plutôt simple, les dialogues épars, les personnages sommairement esquissés. Mais les images sont absolument glorieuses! C'est un film sur la beauté, l'art et l'amour où les mots sont presque superflus. Tout se joue dans les regards : ceux des actrices, celui de la réalisatrice. En ce qui me concerne du moins, les moments les plus émouvants sont purement visuels - incluant quelques éléments fantastiques inexpliqués. Du grand cinéma. (Vu en vidéo sur demande)

3 - LE RIRE (Martin Laroche)

« Ça va bien aller » dit un personnage dans les 5 premières minutes, et ce n’est qu’un des échos de 2020 que renferme ce film visionnaire. Le rire est un grand film sur la résilience, incarnée par l’extraordinaire Léane Labrèche-Dor, dont le personnage survit aux pires horreurs imaginables pour ensuite se dévouer à aider les autres. C’est une œuvre à la fois lourde et légère, sombre et lumineuse, lucide et rêveuse, fataliste et teintée d’espoir. (Vu au Cinéma du Parc)

4 - TENET (Christopher Nolan)

Une œuvre immense tant par ses set-pieces saisissantes que par ses concepts complexes. Rarement un film m’en a mis plein la vue aussi intensément. Plein les oreilles aussi. Comme dans pratiquement toute la filmographie de Nolan, le rapport au temps est le thème central du récit, qui est finalement un film de voyage dans le temps, ou plus précisément d’inversion temporelle, à classer avec les autres classiques du genre tels que The Terminator, Back to the Future et Twelve Monkeys. (Vu en IMAX au Cinéma Banque Scotia)

5 - THE WOLF OF SNOW HOLLOW (Jim Cummings)

Un film où l’humour et le pathos coexiste avec les codes d’un thriller à la Fargo ou The Silence of the Lambs et des éléments d’horreur. Comme dans tous les meilleurs films de genre, les personnages sont bien développés et divers thèmes sont abordés entre les scènes de suspense et de violence. Le film est dédicacé à la mémoire de Robert Forster, qui incarne le père du flic joué par Jim Cummings. (Vu en vidéo sur demande)

6 - SOUND OF METAL (Darius Marder)

Pouvoir entendre est quelque chose qu’on prend pour acquis, alors c’est vraiment anxiogène de regarder/écouter ce film où un batteur perd soudainement l’ouïe. Et pourtant, une bonne partie du film est calme, sereine, alors que le protagoniste « apprend à être sourd ». Le mix sonore est particulièrement inspiré, le silence y étant omniprésent. (Vu au Cinéma du Parc en ligne)

7 - i’m thinking of ending things (Charlie Kaufman)

Comme toujours chez Charlie Kaufman, ça peut être déprimant, malaisant, angoissant, mais c'est aussi hilarant. C'est ancré dans l'intériorité, les souvenirs pêle-mêle, l'absence de repères, les œuvres d'art qui vampirisent notre propre imagination, le rapport au temps. Au deuxième visionnement, on comprend davantage ce que la jeune femme idéalisée et le vieux concierge représentent; les indices sont là. En même temps, ça demeure mystérieux, ambigu, ouvert à interprétation(s). (Vu sur Netflix)

8 - DA 5 BLOODS (Spike Lee)

Le film s’ouvre avec un montage époustouflant au rythme de la première de six chansons tirées de What’s Going On de Marvin Gaye. Spike Lee offre une proposition foisonnante qui prend tour à tour la forme d’une buddy comedy, d’un pamphlet politique, d’un film d’aventure, et d’un drame psychologique. Si ce n'est que pour la performance hallucinante de Delroy Lindo, vous ne devez pas manquer ça. (Vu sur Netflix)

9 - FIRST COW (Kelly Reichardt)

Un western minimaliste. Patient. Discret. Avec une mise en scène méticuleuse, une direction artistique riche en détails, en textures. Un récit très organique, enraciné dans le territoire. Une histoire d'amitié. Une allégorie du capitalisme. Mais il n'y a rien que j'ai plus adoré que la tendresse avec laquelle Cookie trait la vache en lui jasant ça. (Vu en vidéo sur demande)

10 - NOMADLAND (Chloé Zhao)

Un émouvant film sur le deuil, le vieillissement, la fuite, l’esprit de communauté, la tyrannie du dollar… Sur l’idéal de l’Amérique aussi, loin du cauchemar actuel. Visuellement sublime, avec beaucoup de magic hour, de paysages magnifiques et de visages pleins de vécu, ce road movie adopte une approche à la fois contemplative, lyrique et quasi documentaire. (Vu lors de l’édition semi-virtuelle du TIFF)

MENTION SPÉCIALE (1) BORAT SUBSEQUENT MOVIEFILM (Jason Woliner)

J’ai hésité un peu à inclure ce film, même si j’estime qu’il s’agit de la comédie de l’année. Mais au gré de certains échanges, il m’est apparu évident que c’est un des films les plus marquants de 2020, surtout qu’une partie du tournage a eu lieu depuis le début de la pandémie et durant la campagne électorale américaine. Il fait bon retrouver Sacha Baron Cohen dans son rôle le plus célèbre, mais la révélation du film est Maria Bakalova dans le rôle de Tutar, la fille de Borat. (Vu sur Prime Video)

MENTION SPÉCIALE (2) HAMILTON (Thomas Kail)

Ce qui rend Hamilton particulièrement émouvant en 2020, c'est de se rappeler qu'au moment de déclarer leur indépendance puis de rédiger la Constitution, les États-Unis étaient basés sur des idéaux, qui semblent avoir été oubliés ces dernières années. En plus, le fait que la majorité des rôles soient ici joués par des personnes de couleur crée une vision de l'Amérique encore plus idéalisée. Lin-Manuel Miranda est un phénoménal raconteur d'histoires et d'Histoire, jonglant avec d'innombrables personnages, événements, thèmes et motifs récurrents à travers un flot torrentiel de mots chantés ou rappés. (Vu sur Disney+)

TOP 5 SÉRIES

1 - C’est comme ça que je t’aime (Jean-François Rivard)  2 - The Last Dance (Jason Hehir) 3 - The Mandalorian (Jon Favreau et coll.) 4 - The Queen’s Gambit (Scott Frank) 5 - Tiger King (Eric Goode & Rebecca Chaiklin)

#lovers rock #portrait de la jeune fille en feu #le rire #TENET #the wolf of snow hollow #sound of metal #i'm thinking of ending things #da 5 bloods #first cow #nomadland #borat subsequent moviefilm #hamilton