According to Jimu News, on 29/7, a representative from the distribution company announced the film's withdrawal. The decision was made due to limited screenings and a lack of positive word-of-mouth among audiences. The production and distribution companies are discussing a suitable period to re-release the film to reach a wider audience, especially families with young children.
The film, which premiered on 24/7, earned only 150,000 yuan (approximately 22,000 USD). It faced competition from films like Chau Tinh Tri's "Kungfu Nu Tuc," "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," and "Bat Tien." "Kungfu Nu Tuc" currently leads the summer box office race with 2,1 billion yuan (310 million USD).
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A scene from "Ngo Khong Dai Thanh". Photo: Weibo |
Produced by companies from China, the US, and Italy, the film was directed by Son Cang. It is an adaptation of the mythical novel "Journey to the West," focusing on Ton Ngo Khong's transformation from a stone monkey to Te Thien Dai Thanh, depicting the character's journey of growth.
The animation highlights events such as Ngo Khong's persecution, his leadership of Hoa Qua Son, and his havoc in the heavenly palace. On Weibo, viewers criticized the script, citing a lack of original ideas and strong messages. Some suggested the animation might appeal more to children.
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Ngo Khong's character design in the film. Photo: Weibo |
The "Journey to the West" story has been adapted into hundreds of films and television series, with some becoming classics in Chinese cinema history. Notable examples include "Journey to the West 1886," directed by Duong Khiet, and "A Chinese Odyssey," directed by Luu Tran Vi and starring Chau Tinh Tri.
In Ngo Thua An's "Journey to the West" novel, written during the Ming Dynasty, Ton Ngo Khong is a monkey born from a stone. After wreaking havoc in the Heavenly Palace, the Buddha imprisoned the monkey under a mountain. He was later freed by the monk Duong Tang, becoming his disciple and assisting his master on a journey to the West to obtain Buddhist scriptures. Duong Tang and his disciples overcame 81 tribulations to acquire the true scriptures.
Nhu Anh
