MONKEY GOES WEST, THE (1966)

西遊記

In the vast body of Chinese literature, there is no novel more famous than Journey To The West, and its familiar characters – from the rambunctious Monkey King to the lecherous Pigsy.

The Monkey Goes West presents a unique interpretation with a unique cast. Ho Fan plays the monk who undertakes a journey to the west to search for Buddhist scriptures. Among the creatures he encounters are Monkey (Yueh Hua), Pigsy (Peng Peng), and a damsel in distress (Diana Chang Chung-wen, nicknamed “The Most Beautiful Creature in China”). It’s the Tang Dynasty with a 1960s sensibility, and one of the more unusual costume pictures of its era.

Emperor Tai Tsung orders Tripitaka to journey west in search of sacred scriptures. After he is captured by the King of Demons, he escapes, frees the imprisoned Monkey from Five-Finger Mountain, and gains Monkey’s loyalty as they embark together on the perilous journey to the West.

1500 copies only.

Special Features & Technical Specs:

• 1080p High-definition presentation on Blu-ray
• NEW Audio Commentary by film historian Samm Deighan (2025)
• NEW ‘Journey to the West’: Folklore to Film – Interview with film historian Paul Fonoroff (2025)
• Archival interview with director Ho Meng-Hua by Frédéric Ambroisine (2003)
• Archival interview with actor Yueh Hua by Frédéric Ambroisine (2007)
• Trailer (in Mandarin)
• Aspect Ratio 2.40:1
• Audio: Mandarin LPCM 2.0
• Optional English Subtitles
• Limited Edition Slipcase with unique artwork