Monkey King: Hero is Back

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A Chinese animated film reviving the legend of Sun Wukong (Monkey King), mixing timeless folklore with modern animation.

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IP Overview & Key Facts

IP Key Facts

Essential information and quick stats.

Full Name

Monkey King: Hero is Back

Also Known As

西遊記之大圣归来, Xi You Ji Zhi Da Sheng Gui Lai

Format

Animated Film

Release Year

2015

Current Status

Released

Country of Origin

China

Region

China

Creator

Tian Xiaopeng

Publisher

Flame Node Entertainment

Original Work

Journey to the West by Wu Cheng'en

Genre

Fantasy, Adventure, Family, Action

Story, World & Core Themes

Explore the narrative, setting, and ideas that shape Monkey King: Hero is Back.

Story

High-level synopsis and narrative focus.

After 500 years of imprisonment, the legendary Monkey King is accidentally freed by a young orphan named Liuer. Powerless and reluctant, he must rediscover his heroism to save the boy and his village from monsters.

World

Setting, cultures, and distinctive elements.

Ancient Mythic China

Themes

Core ideas and recurring motifs.

Redemption, mentorship, courage, inner strength

Cultural Impact Timeline

High-level milestones showing Monkey King: Hero is Back's global influence.

2015

Released in China, grossing nearly 1 billion RMB and setting a new standard for domestic animation.

2016

International release and distribution in over 60 countries.

2019

Video game adaptation released on PlayStation 4 and PC.

Legacy

Credited with kickstarting the modern 'Golden Age' of Chinese animation (Donghua).

Key Characters

Meet representative characters from Monkey King: Hero is Back.

Sun Wukong

The legendary Monkey King wielding the golden staff, returning to protect the innocent and embody true heroism.View Profile

Liuer

A young orphan monk who idolizes the Monkey King and unknowingly releases him from his seal, sparking his journey of redemption.View Profile

Zhu Bajie

A pig demon who joins Wukong and Liuer, providing humor and reluctant assistance despite his cowardly nature.View Profile

Explore all Monkey King: Hero is Back characters

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this movie related to the classic Journey to the West?▼

Yes, it is a reimagining of the classic novel 'Journey to the West'. It tells an original story set after Sun Wukong's imprisonment but before he officially joins the pilgrimage to the West.

Who is the young boy, Liuer?▼

Liuer is a young orphan monk who idolizes the Monkey King. He is often interpreted as a past life or symbolic representation of Tang Sanzang (Tripitaka), the monk who eventually leads Wukong on his journey.

Why is the Monkey King powerless at the beginning?▼

He has been imprisoned by Buddha for 500 years, and his powers are sealed by a wrist shackle. The movie follows his journey to break these mental and physical chains.

Is there a video game adaptation?▼

Yes, 'Monkey King: Hero is Back - The Game' was developed by HexaDrive and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment in 2019 for PS4 and PC.

What is the significance of this film to Chinese animation?▼

Released in 2015, it was a watershed moment for the industry, proving that domestic animated films could be commercially successful and of high quality, paving the way for hits like 'Nezha' and 'White Snake'.