The Monkey King

Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, is born from a celestial rock and soon discovers he wields extraordinary powers. His defiant streak earns him banishment from the heavens and centuries of imprisonment beneath a mountain. When a traveling monk named Xuanzang seeks sacred scriptures, Wukong joins him, lending his strength and wit to their mission. The unlikely duo, aided by a colorful cast of allies, faces trials that test trust and courage as they press toward the east. The film reimagines a legendary trickster as a bold hero who battles oppressive forces and protects the innocent amid gods, demons, and mortal peril. Expect flashy combat, mythical creatures, and a flexible magic staff that shifts to fit every obstacle.

Released in 2014 this live action take is directed by Soi Cheang and draws on the Sun Wukong legend from classic Chinese folklore, with Donnie Yen leading as Monkey King alongside Aaron Kwok, Joe Chen, Chow Yun-Fat as Jade Emperor and Peter Ho as Erlangshen.

Worldwide, the film earned about 182.2 million dollars against a budget of 82 million, reflecting strong interest in high fantasy action from Chinese audiences and solid box office across Asia and beyond.

Donnie Yen's performance anchors a spectacle that feeds the enduring appeal of Sun Wukong in cinema. The film adds to a long line of mythic Chinese fantasy on screen and helped popularize martial arts infused with mythic satire for broad audiences, influencing later ensemble wuxia.

Critics applauded the movie for its kinetic action and ambitious scale while some noted uneven pacing and tonal shifts. Themes center on power and responsibility, loyalty and friendship, and the balance between sacred obligations and personal freedom, all wrapped in a family friendly adventure package. The film also reflects a trend toward accessible mythic action in Chinese cinema, inviting younger viewers to the legends.