The version of this tale that we're watching (made in 2011) has 72 episodes: great special effects, likable characters, sometimes silly-but sometimes "adult" witty acting, great orchestration soundtrack, and lovely scenery.
Published in the 1500s Ming Dynasty, the original story had 100 chapters. It is one of the four great classical novels of Chinese literature, involving folk religion, mythology, and Taoist and Buddhist philosophy. It's still popular with kids and adults!
Quick plot synopsis: A monkey/ape, named Sun WuKong, is "accidentally" born by nature's forces with almighty powers. Brought to Heaven by the gods and the Jade Emperor, he's mistreated, laughed at, and belittled. Realizing his powers are greater than the sum of all the other immortal deities--and thinking that they should behave nobler than they are--he challenged them. Their attempts at punishing/imprisoning WuKong backfire, as he absorbed more power and is hardened with resolve/strength. Finally, the commotion brought Buddha and Bodhisattva. They gave him a chance to show his good nature, by assigning him to protect a monk during his pilgrimage. Teamed up with 3 other fallen deities, WuKong agreed. Putting an enchanted headband on WuKong, Bodhisattva (below, named GuanYin) gave the monk power to control the excitable monkey.
However, one underlying theme stood out to me, and Lewis noticed and agreed. The main character, WuKong (the godlike monkey) sniffs out the real reasons for all their mishaps. Each episode involves the 5-person group battling against demons, evildoers, demonic gods, tyrannical kings, bad humans. In most cases, WuKong points out that the existence of the bad entities on Earth are results of negligence from Heaven.
Often, the "local gods" on Earth neglect their duties, condoning or enabling evildoers to torture communities and Nature. Whenever the group fights a demon, it often turns out to be an escaped pet or offspring of a god in Heaven who neglected it/forgotten to tie it up. A mere day in Heaven equals a whole year on Earth. So, if a lackadaisical god loses sight of his pet lion or goat, that animal hides on Earth, becomes a demon, and extorts/terrifies innocent humans.
WuKong points out that the local gods should alert Heaven, but they're often fearful of admitting that they weren't doing their jobs... so the local gods let the situation worsen via their own inertia. Other times, the heavenly immortals don't want to get involved, for fear of damaging their assets/weapons... so they let Earthlings suffer.
After WuKong tracks down the correct gods, who swoop in and retrieve their pets/relatives, they never make restitution to the harmed humans. Nowadays, the terrified/tortured people would be suing for physiological suffering and financial damages!
In one episode, a human king got angry at Heaven because his loving citizens thanked Heaven more than they thanked him. In a tantrum, he destroyed the religious altar in his own home (but thankfully not the ones throughout his kingdom). That one act alone angered the Jade Emperor in Heaven, who punished the WHOLE KINGDOM to go without rain for 3 YEARS! The people had done nothing wrong. They had always loved Heaven. Only the king needed punishment. Obviously, the 5-some saw it, and the monk sent WuKong to talk sense into the Jade Emperor. Rather than listen to reason, the supposedly-wise Jade Emperor would rather beat up WuKong. In the end, the rain gods were allowed to finally restore water to the scorched area.
In another episode, secret lovers in Heaven avoid their disapproving parents, hide on Earth and reincarnate as a human and a demon... only to disturb the other human lives around them. WuKong eventually restores them to Heaven.
Perhaps Buddha secretly likes having WuKong in the Universe, because the monkey can't be "pushed around" by the gods... and WuKong "keeps them honest". Overall, WuKong is a generous, kindly and decent entity--using his powers for good and never for selfish interests. Similar to Robin Hood, he only gets flustered upon encountering people who have the power to do good but neglect their duties and noblesse oblige.
Thus, I understand the underlying theme of the storyline! Just like the ancient Greek gods, the Chinese immortals are fickle, irresponsible, self-centered, uncaring of the consequences of their mistakes, and egotistical. Sure, humans get themselves into trouble, but matters are worsened when gods--that could/should help--cause more trauma and drama. Since the immature Jade Emperor (often portrayed with his eyes closed) doesn't manage his Heavenly entities (who don't manage themselves... just like certain rich people), perhaps the all-powerful Buddha likes having WuKong around to maintain a balance... and make them clean up their messes. Perhaps the entire journey was designed to bring aid to ignored communities/individuals who's prayers haven't been answered yet. Simultaneously, it taught WuKong and his comrades, the 3 fallen deities, about responsibility, consequences of actions (especially what happens on Earth as result of what goes on in Heaven), and self-control. A great timeless story! (Sadly) it's still as relevant now--to current events--as it was in the Dark Ages. [Maybe humanity will improve someday].
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