ChFilm to Miss: Journey to the West (2013)

Journey to the West (2013)

 Chinese Film

Buddhist acolyte Xuan Zang is attempting to understand his role in the world while defeating demons. In a local fishing village he manages to slow down the efforts of a fish demon and is in the process of taming it when another demon hunter, Miss Duan, steps in a quickly disposes of the beast. Their paths cross once again when Xuan Zang is in the pig demon's human-catching lair, and Duan declares her love for him. As a monk in training, Xuan Zang blocks her advances and takes off on a journey to seek the imprisoned Monkey King's help in conquering the pig demon. Will Xuan Zang discover his true purpose, will Duan's female charms get to him, or will the Monkey King trick him?

*This was a really bizarre film. Apparently it is loosely based on a Chinese novel from the 16^th century. Very violent, some comedic moments, some lewd parts and innuendos, brief nudity, but also downright sad – a little girl is eaten alive by one of the demons in the very beginning of the film. I wouldn't watch this again, but it was interesting to see what China's opening-weekend record-breaker film was about.*