According to QQ, the 1986 film Journey to the West is a classic masterpiece of Chinese cinema, with a lasting vitality that has captured audiences for nearly 40 years. Not only do the film’s intricate details stand out, but the overarching storyline has also been meticulously analyzed.
A Timeless Masterpiece
The film has continuously attracted a diverse audience of all ages, and as we approach 2024, the content inspired by Journey to the West remains fervently celebrated, drawing significant public attention.
The story of the arduous production journey of the Journey to the West crew has deeply resonated with many viewers. Director Dương Khiết is acclaimed for her dedication to the craft. She consistently traveled to various locations, often working tirelessly to ensure each scene was completed to perfection, even going so far as to perform a scene herself if it meant achieving the best quality for the film.
The Financial Struggles of the Production Team
However, the overall budget of the Journey to the West production was significantly constrained. According to QQ, after filming for a period, the Central China Television (CCTV) ceased funding for the project, which left the team in dire straits. At this point, producer Lý Hồng Xương had to resort to various means, seeking financial assistance from the Police Department with a sum of 3 million RMB to complete the film. It can be said that Lý Hồng Xương was the cornerstone of the Journey to the West team.
Additionally, Lý Hồng XÆ°Æ¡ng took on multiple roles to cut costs, famously portraying up to seven characters in Journey to the West, including the character of Rết Tinh in the segment Rá»›t và o Äá»™ng Bà n TÆ¡.
Another noteworthy aspect of the Journey to the West production is the segment featuring the burning temple scene. Initially, the team intended to film in dilapidated temples, but encountered numerous obstacles in obtaining permits.
Eventually, the crew had to adopt a model resembling actual temple fires to film the burning scenes authentically.
Aside from the main actors, the talented actor Lý Kiến Thà nh also contributed significantly to the majority of the film’s episodes, showcasing his versatility by playing multiple roles throughout the series. Despite this, the audience often did not recognize the characters played by the same actor due to his remarkable ability to transform.
