Is The Monkey King Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2022)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

The Monkey King, a standout production of 2022, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Fantasy landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into When Sun Wukong was trapped under Wuzhi Mountain for 400 years, he happened to be rescued by Ah Yi. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Fantasy are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "When Sun Wukong was trapped under Wuzhi Mountain for 400 years, he happened to be rescued by Ah Yi. Ah Yi's parents were killed by the Dragon Prince, and she wanted Sun Wukong to take her to the Heavenly Palace to lodge a complain. The Dragon Prince learned that Sun Wukong had escaped from Wuzhi Mountain, and was going to avenge the destruction of the Dragon Palace in the East China Sea, and used Sun Wukong's good brother, the Demon King, to assassinate him. Although Sun Wukong was blocked by Ru Lai's mana, the Bull-Demon King still failed to assassinate him. But he brought Ah Yi back, and in order to save Ah Yi, Sun Wukong hit the Dragon Palace. Sun Wukong and the Dragon Prince fight from the sea to Nantianmen. Sun Wukong was finally coerced by Ah Yi and returned to Wuzhi Mountain to continue his practice, waiting for someone with a predestined relationship."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Xie Miao does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.

The direction by Jiang Xiaotong is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 81 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is The Monkey King truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Fantasy, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 1/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, The Monkey King explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2022 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Jiang Xiaotong respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, The Monkey King is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Xie Miao or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, The Monkey King is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.