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Monkey Enters Lanka (2022)
Forget the toxic reviewers, this film is great
Many individuals are quick to criticize the creators of this film for what they perceive as a deviation from the traditional Ramayana story. There's a certain fixed mindset among all Indians due to their early exposure to the epic through the 80s tv serial. And any reinterpretation tends to be met with disapproval. Whether it's Raavana or Lanka, Indian films have a history of being molded to suit the sensibilities of each generation.
Let's take a moment to appreciate the hard work and audacity of the team behind this film. It actually closely follows the scriptures while gives the art and look of the movie a frank miller book feel
it's crucial to appreciate the efforts and creativity put into a project like this, rather than fixating on perceived deviations from the traditional narrative. This film succeeded in presenting a unique and visually compelling interpretation of the Ramayana, and for that, it deserves recognition and support.
Adipurush (2023)
Its not that bad!
Many individuals are quick to criticize the creators of this film for what they perceive as a deviation from the traditional Ramayana story. There's a certain fixed mindset among all Indians due to their early exposure to the epic through the 80s tv serial. And any reinterpretation tends to be met with disapproval. Whether it's Raavana or Lanka, Indian films have a history of being molded to suit the sensibilities of each generation.
Let's take a moment to appreciate the hard work and audacity of the team behind this film.
Personally, I have always been a supporter of grand cinematic productions, especially within the Bollywood industry. The willingness to explore new ideas and experiment with storytelling is what sets these films apart. This film was no exception.
I'll be honest; I approached this movie with some skepticism, primarily because of the negative reviews circulating in the media. However, once I watched it, I found myself captivated by the movie's concept and execution. The film artfully conveys the message of the triumph of good over evil, presenting it in a visually striking manner. Saif Ali Khan's portrayal of Ravana, exemplifying ego and power, was commendable. There might be a few dialogues here and there that could have been improved, but these minor quibbles do not diminish the overall experience.
Prabhas, in his role, truly inhabited the character and delivered an impressive performance. Kriti Sanon exuded grace, as did Sunny Singh. It's essential to give a special shoutout to the VFX team and Devdutt for his portrayal of Lord Hanuman, which was beautifully rendered in the film.
In conclusion, it's crucial to appreciate the efforts and creativity put into a project like this, rather than fixating on perceived deviations from the traditional narrative. This film succeeded in presenting a unique and visually compelling interpretation of the Ramayana, and for that, it deserves recognition and support.
Xi you ji: Da nao tian gong (2014)
Good movie! But should be called 'Monkey God', bad chinese censorship
In contrast to some other reviewers, we found the CGI to be quite commendable, with only a few subpar moments and, in other instances, genuinely stunning visual effects. The acting and direction also left a positive impression. Donnie Yen embodied the role of the Monkey King with exceptional charm and mischief. His physicality was remarkable, whether he was engaged in combat or simply portraying the idleness of a monkey. Chow Yun Fat's portrayal of the benevolent Jade Emperor and Aaron Kwok's depiction of the coolly evil demon king were also praiseworthy.
Moreover, this film offered a remarkable sense of enjoyment. While it might not be destined for Oscar glory, it excels in delivering a fun and entertaining experience. In fact, as an adaptation of the beginning of Journey to the West, it outperforms many others in the same genre.
Lastly this is about a monkey god, not just a king. You can search youtube for monkey god temples in hong kong, fuzhou, taiwan etc. Think Chinese censorship has had to rename it to king.
Xi you ji zhi: Sun Wukong san da Baigu Jing (2016)
Easily the best of the franchise
Easily the best movie in the entire franchise!
VFX acting etc is all on point.
I didn't have high expectations for a sequel, especially after Donnie yen was replaced.
I'm pleased to report that this sequel surpasses its predecessor in every way. The script primarily centers on Sun Wukong and the Bone Demoness, leaving the monk character appearing somewhat bumbling. He bears a striking resemblance to his counterpart in Stephen Chow's "Journey to the West." Aaron Kwok's portrayal of Sun Wukong is notably less flamboyant than Donnie Yen's, and for that, I am appreciative.
The special effects in this sequel are masterfully executed, a welcome improvement over the disaster of the first movie. If I hadn't already seen the likes of "Iron Man" or "Harry Potter," I would have been even more impressed by some of the effects in the final battle scene.
Gong Li's visual presence, in my opinion, epitomizes the essence of womanhood.
Also bare in mind 'monkey king' is not a fit title, Chinese have changed what was once 'Monkey god', you can google this or search youtube.
Master (2021)
Lokesh and Vijay are great together
First and foremost, I must express my immense admiration for Vijay Sethupathi's portrayal of the antagonist. He breathed life into the character Bhavani; his acting prowess is truly remarkable. As for Master JD, Thalapathy Vijay's performance, it undoubtedly ranks as a pinnacle in his career. What we witnessed in this film was an entirely new side of Vijay, a never-before-seen incarnation. His swagger and mannerisms were nothing short of exceptional.
One cannot overlook the significant contribution of Anirudh's music to this movie. Anirudh's background scores were nothing short of a triumph. They added a layer of depth and intensity to the film that enhanced the overall viewing experience.
Mahendran, in the role of Kutty Bhavani, also deserves recognition for his acting. He managed to captivate the audience and leave a lasting impression with his performance.
It's worth noting that the second half of the film may feel a tad lengthy for some, but I strongly urge you not to be dissuaded by negative reviews. Please make it a point to watch this movie as soon as you can. Missing out on this cinematic gem would be a regrettable oversight. I highly recommend it!
Leo (2023)
Vijay Rocks
This movie falls into the familiar gangster film genre, but it's given a unique Lokesh twist. It takes some bold steps that are relatively uncharted in both Tamil and potentially Bollywood cinema.
Although I'm not a Vijay fan, I have to admit he delivered a standout performance here. It's a departure from his typical overdose of nonsensical fight scenes, proving that a skilled director can fully harness an actor's potential.
Sanjay Dutt's performance, while good, doesn't quite reach the exceptional levels achieved by some of his co-stars. He looks like he is copied from KGF and pasted with some shades of KGF 1 villain. Trisha also deserves credit for her strong performance.
The CGI work is a bit of a mixed bag. While it shines in some moments, there are instances where it appears incomplete, affecting the overall viewing experience. The artificial-looking CGI detracts from several scenes, although the car sequence, as shown in the trailer, meets industry standards despite its slightly artificial appearance.
Let's talk about the music. In comparison to Anirudh's previous work, this film doesn't quite measure up. The music, except for one background score, feels a bit overused. While the background score is good, it doesn't quite reach the heights set by Anirudh in his previous projects. It's not terrible, but it falls a bit short when compared to his other works.
In summary, it's a pretty impressive movie that meets our high expectations, largely thanks to Lokesh's direction. I strongly recommend catching it on the big screen for the electrifying experience it provides.
Wu Kong (2017)
Could have been better, but great action scenes
"The Tales of Wu Kong," or simply "Wu Kong," proved to be a delightful watch, but it's essential to have an interest in Chinese mythology to fully appreciate it. I stumbled upon this 2017 gem, written by Hai Huang, Hezai Jin, Chi-Kin Kwok, Fan Wenwen, and Henri Wong, in 2020, and was genuinely impressed.
The plot loosely revolves around the Monkey King myth and is exceptionally well-crafted, providing entertainment from start to finish. With a cast featuring talents like Eddie Peng and Shawn Yue, it's a treat for the audience.
The film boasts stunning visual effects and CGI, bringing the narrative to life with dazzling realism. It offers a blend of drama, character development, romance, and martial arts, catering to a wide audience.
My rating for "Wu Kong" stands at seven out of ten stars. I was thoroughly entertained and recommend watching this 2017 film if you get the chance.
The Monkey King (2023)
Monkey God again!
Firstly, this is not just a 'monkey king', its based on a monkey god, you can search this on youtube, anyway back to this adaptation
The practice of bringing literary works to the silver screen is a well-trodden path, but it takes on added significance when the source material is a cherished Asian classic that spans over four centuries. "Journey to the West," initially penned during the Ming Dynasty, has a mysterious authorship, and its reimagining for English audiences as "Monkey" by Arthur Waley in 1942 is a testament to its enduring allure. Now, director Anthony Stacchi and his co-writers, Steve Bencich, Ron J. Friedman, and Rita Hsiao, have embarked on the task of translating this epic into an animated feature, with a keen focus on a specific segment of the story.
Before you weigh down by the opening paragraph's gravity, keep in mind that this is an animated film tailored for children. It's a vibrant, action-packed, and humorous adventure that carries a message or moral that most parents will find commendable. While the film embraces many aspects of Chinese spirituality, philosophy, and culture, it does so with a light touch, ensuring that it remains engaging for young audiences. If there's any element that may come across as excessive, it's the relentless martial arts combat and action sequences, which, while skillfully executed, might be overwhelming for some children and parents. If the film's messages risk being obscured, it's likely due to the barrage of crash-bang action, which, though impressive, never lets up.
The protagonist, Monkey King (voiced by comedian Jimmy O Yang), emerges miraculously from a stone with extraordinary abilities. Unfortunately, the local clan of monkeys rejects him, even after he saves them from imminent danger. Undeterred, he sets his sights on joining The Immortals, the divine beings of the animal world. To prove his worthiness, he embarks on a quest to vanquish 100 demons, but along the way, we witness his immense ego and lack of humility. Regrettably, Monkey King isn't the most likable character. During his journey, he acquires an eager assistant, Lin (Jolie Hoang-Rappaport), who is his most devoted fan, though their relationship doesn't take a sinister turn like in "Misery." Monkey King's behavior towards her leaves much to be desired.
The film's standout character, and Monkey King's arch-nemesis, is the underwater Dragon King (portrayed by SNL's Bowen Yang). Their exchanges and ego-driven clashes provide some of the film's most entertaining moments, and the underwater scenes offer a refreshing change of pace with their CGI splendor. With no family and only a magical staff for company, Monkey King is a solitary figure with unique powers and an attitude reminiscent of the kind that gets middle-school kids in trouble with the principal. No matter how many heroic feats he performs, his insatiable thirst for power and lack of humility earn him no favor with The Immortals.
The Dragon King shines with the film's best musical number, while Monkey King's journey leads him to encounters with Buddha (BD Wong) and takes him through the realms of heaven and hell. The central question of the film revolves around how long it will take Monkey King to learn humility and extend kindness to others. As the age-old adage goes, an ego-driven journey is one that leads to nowhere, and it's a lesson that this gifted Monkey King must learn.