Buzz
The American adaptation of Journey to the West, known as American Born Chinese, has stirred significant backlash from Chinese audiences. The depiction of Sun Wukong by Ngô Ngạn Tổ and Guanyin by Dương Tử Quỳnh faced heavy criticism.
Sohu reported that the film American Born Chinese, also referred to as Journey to the West ABC, produced by Disney, has aired but has sparked controversy. From character design to content, the film has been criticized for its lack of coherence and excessive adaptation.
Chinese audiences believe that producers from various countries lack respect for traditional culture, distorting the original novels with inappropriate content.
American Journey: Sun Wukong Has a Son
American Born Chinese is referred to by Chinese audiences as the American version of Journey to the West because it borrows many elements of Chinese culture, including the appearance of two characters, Sun Wukong and Guanyin Bodhisattva, from the novel Journey to the West by Ngô Thừa Ân.
However, Disney producers altered numerous storylines, personalities, and character backgrounds significantly. Sun Wukong, portrayed by Ngô Ngạn Tổ, now has a high school-aged son named Ngụy Sâm. It took Tề Thiên Đại Thánh three years to find his son's school to reclaim the As-You-Will staff. In the film, Sun Wukong is depicted as ruthless and arrogant.
Additionally, Guanyin, played by Dương Tử Quỳnh, conceals her identity under the guise of Ngụy Sâm's aunt. Dương Tử Quỳnh's portrayal of Guanyin Bodhisattva received criticism for being poorly executed, wearing flip-flops, and having weak powers.
Furthermore, American Born Chinese received numerous negative reviews for its special effects and setting. The film only scored 5.5/10 in the Douban review site and was considered a 'garbage film'.
Japanese Version of Journey to the West: Xuanzang is Female, Intimate with Sun Wukong
According to Sohu, the 1986 version of Journey to the West produced in China is the most famous adaptation, becoming a classic not only in China but also beloved by audiences across Asia.
However, Japan also previously produced a version of Journey to the West with significant changes. In this version, Xuanzang is portrayed by a female actress, captivating and attractive in appearance. The scriptwriter even modified the storyline, promoting the romantic relationship between Xuanzang and Sun Wukong, culminating in a sweet forehead kiss.
The producers also changed the genders of characters like Guanyin Bodhisattva being portrayed by a male actor, while Buddha was played by a veteran female actress. Kim Giác Đại Vương and Ngân Giác Đại Vương, originally brothers, became husband and wife.
Australian Version of Journey to the West: Sun Wukong forcibly kisses his master
According to Sohu, influenced by excessively adapted versions, Australia also produced a film inspired by the journey of the four disciples accompanying Xuanzang to obtain the scriptures. However, from costumes, makeup to characterizations, it heavily reflects Western culture.
In this adaptation, both Xuanzang and Zhu Bajie are portrayed by female actresses. Sun Wukong appears as tall and powerful. When Xuanzang comes to rescue Sun Wukong, the latter teases and forcibly kisses Xuanzang. Later, to show gratitude, Sun Wukong plucks an armpit hair and gives it to Xuanzang.
Korean Version of Journey to the West (2011): Master and disciples of Xuanzang travel back to the modern world
The film Journey to the West Returns (2011) once received an extremely low rating of 2.3/10 on Douban due to excessive adaptations and poor film quality.
Archaeologists discovered and excavated the tombs of the four disciples of Xuanzang. Subsequently, scientists planned to conduct DNA research on Sun Wukong and his disciples. At this time, the four great demons, namely White Bone Spirit, Bull Demon King, Kim Giác Đại Vương, and Kim Ngân Đại Vương, who were enemies of Xuanzang and his disciples, also arrived in Korea after hearing the news.
They sought to the museum to steal Xuanzang's remains. Meanwhile, four teenagers sneaked into this place to unravel the secrets of the journey to obtain the scriptures. Later, Xuanzang and his disciples had to merge with the four teenagers to fight against the four great demons.
According to Sohu, Xuanzang and his disciples are characters in Chinese culture, so the discovery of tombs and corpses in Korea is impossible. Moreover, the film includes absurd details such as the Bull Demon King attempting to destroy Xuanzang and his disciples by causing a comet to collide with Earth, and this comet can even speak. Consequently, the film received extremely low ratings from audiences.
Lâm Phong's Version of Journey to the West: Sun Wukong falls in love with Dương Tiễn, Dương Thiền's younger sister
In April, the film The Cloud Ridge Chronicles starring Lam Phong finally aired after being delayed for 5 years. In the film, Hong Kong actor plays Bàn Thạch, also a monkey born from a stone. During his adventures, Bàn Thạch falls in love with Dương Thiền, Dương Tiễn's younger sister, also known as the Three Saints Mother, who possesses the Bảo Liên lamp. This adaptation aspect made viewers uncomfortable.
Additionally, the film portrays Bàn Thạch as naive, with many absurd actions and lecherous expressions towards female characters. The special effects of The Cloud Ridge Chronicles were also criticized as poor, leading to negative reviews from the public.
Besides, Sohu also lists the Vietnamese version of Journey to the West with a simple setting like a bamboo hut, and the monsters are actors dressed as stuffed toy dogs...
According to Sohu, Journey to the West has a significant influence on Chinese popular culture. Over the years, filmmakers have continuously explored new aspects of the original novel's content. However, not every version has good quality or talented actors. In most cases, producers excessively adapt, causing controversy to attract viewers.
