In "Yun Que Xiao Tian Lu", the 67-year-old artist portrays Jin Kui, a martial arts and Peking Opera teacher who fosters the career of his disciple Meng Jinfu (played by Zhang Yishan). The film features many scenes where Jin Kui, though outwardly strict and teaching with a whip, possesses a kind heart that guides his disciple's path.
Liu Xiao Ling Tong draws attention with his performances of traditional Chinese arts, including Monkey Play, also known as Great Sage Play – an ancient art form that his father and brother both pursued.
Liu Xiao Ling Tong (right) instructs Zhang Yishan on staff movements during the filming of "Yun Que Xiao Tian Lu". *Video: Mango TV*
Set in the late Qing dynasty, "Yun Que Xiao Tian Lu" commemorates the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema. It tells the story of protagonist Meng Jinfu's arduous journey to master acting amidst a complex historical backdrop.
Liu Xiao Ling Tong returns to television acting after 10 years; in recent years, he participated in some films, but they did not achieve widespread recognition. In June, the animation team for "Journey to the West: The True and False Monkey King" unveiled its first poster, announcing that Liu Xiao Ling Tong would portray Sun Wukong through motion capture. His movements will be converted into a digital format to create a vivid and realistic character.
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Liu Xiao Ling Tong's appearance in "Yun Que Xiao Tian Lu". *Photo: Mango TV*
In recent years, AI-generated videos of Sun Wukong have proliferated on social media. Liu Xiao Ling Tong expressed hope that technology would continue the "heroic life" of the mythical character. "Technology is doing very well, and we should encourage it. I have seen some beautifully staged scenes. However, in terms of character expression, AI currently has shortcomings, but these will gradually improve. On the other hand, actors also need to be more inspired; high technology cannot replace performance art", the actor stated.
Liu Xiao Ling Tong left his mark in television history with his portrayal of Sun Wukong in "Journey to the West 1982". The mythical work revolves around Tang Sanzang and his disciples – Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, Sha Wujing, and the White Dragon Horse – battling demons and overcoming challenges to retrieve Buddhist scriptures. The series holds the record for the most reruns in China.
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Liu Xiao Ling Tong's Monkey King appearance. *Photo: Sina*
The artist does not aspire to act in many films or develop diverse characters. He pursues "a lifetime dedicated to one job and doing it as best as possible". In recent years, the actor has written books and lectured in schools about Monkey Play, aiming to promote traditional Chinese culture and help awaken roots among the youth.
Nhu Anh
