If you’ve never seen Stephen Chow’s big screen adaptation of classic Chinese folk tale Journey To the West, then you’re really missing out. Exactly what you’re missing out on is hard to say, as that film is completely bonkers (but bonkers in a good way). This is of course nothing new for Chow who us gave such absurd martial arts comedy masterpieces as Shaolin Soccer and Kung Fu Hustle. Journey to the West was all of that dialled up to 11.
It was also a massive box office success, setting several records when it opened in its native China in 2013 – including becoming the highest-grossing Chinese release in history with a $215 million haul – and so of course talk of a sequel immediately happened. Chow had written, directed and produced the first film, but for the sequel Chow would be handing the directing reins over to Tsui Hark, a Hong Kong filmmaking veteran who has been behind such classics as Once Upon a Time in China and Flying Swords of Dragon’s Gate.
And based on this new trailer for Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back, it appears that Hark has just picked up where Chow’s craziness left off. Check it out below!
Well, damn! That’s… definitely something.
The folks over in China are clearly loving it though, as Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back opened in its native country last week, just in time for the Chinese New Year, and had a massive debut. The film opened with a gigantic $85 million weekend haul, with $52.5 million of that coming from just it opening day – the largest such sum in history for a local Chinese film. Ironically, the previous holder of this record was last year’s The Mermaid, directed by none other than Stephen Chow.
Journey to the West is set for limited release in the US this coming Friday. No word on when, or more likely if we will get it locally.
Last Updated: February 2, 2017
Raptor Rants
February 2, 2017 at 12:17
Forget this. I want a Kung Pow 2
Ottokie
February 2, 2017 at 12:18
Kung pow 2 – the tongue of fury
I STILL BELIEVE!
Kromas Ryder
February 2, 2017 at 12:19
Same release date as HL3.
miaau
February 2, 2017 at 12:26
Is that not number 72 on the menu? Also, I want a 3, two 13s and number 25.
Kromas Ryder
February 2, 2017 at 12:19
Forget Steven Chow. I want a Bunny Chow!
Ottokie
February 2, 2017 at 12:19
Why did you have to say that now of all times…
miaau
February 2, 2017 at 12:26
I left my lunch at home. Steak, sweet potato, marrows…. hmmm…
AND my car just had a new Windscreen installed, literally 20 minutes ago. They say I must not drive for the rest of the day. Damn!!!!!!!!!
Ottokie
February 2, 2017 at 12:27
I quickly checked if there was a bunny chow place nearby. Found one in a business park that looks super dodge xD
miaau
February 2, 2017 at 12:30
Sometimes, the super dodge looking places, make surprisingly good food.
Sometimes is not probably, though…….
But bunny chow? My wife says no bread or flour for me. Or potato chips. Or crisps. Or fun
Ok, that was not fair, steak is awesome, like the chicken, made nachos the other day with Sweet Potato slices roasted in the oven. Also, mince meat we normally make for spaghetii with eggs broken into it. Damn, those eggs take the flavour of that mince and mix it with eggy goodness. Wow. Nice/. Reallly, really nice.
Kromas Ryder
February 2, 2017 at 13:23
It was lunch and I was in the mood. 🙂
Original Heretic
February 2, 2017 at 12:32
This is the sequel to Journey to the West” Conquering the Demons, yeah?
Awesome! Loved that adaptation, so now I’m really looking forward to this. Stephen Chow’s work is superb.
Craig "CrAiGiSh" Dodd
February 2, 2017 at 12:34
DAM, how did I miss this !!!
Watching the first one this weekend 😀
Original Heretic
February 2, 2017 at 13:02
If you enjoyed Chow’s other movies, you’ll love it (if you haven’t seen it already).
Not as comedic as Shaolin Soccer and Kungfu Hustle, but still has some awesome moments.
Craig "CrAiGiSh" Dodd
February 2, 2017 at 13:39
Awesome !!!