Journey to the West: Monkey King Returns
A 2015 3D animated feature directed by Tian Xiaopeng that heralded a new era for Chinese animated cinema.
Monkey King: Hero Is Back is the first 3D computer-animated feature film directed by Tian Xiaopeng. Released in mainland China on July 10, 2015, with a runtime of approximately 90 minutes, it was co-produced by companies including October Culture. The story is set five hundred years after the Havoc in Heaven: Sun Wukong, whose magical powers were sealed by a Buddha's seal while imprisoned under the Five-Elements Mountain, is unexpectedly rescued by a young monk named Jiang Liuer (an allegory for the young Tang Sanzang). Through a journey to rescue children abducted by mountain demons, he rediscovers his true self and finally breaks the seal to restore his divine powers when facing Chaos. The film blends modern CG action design with the artistic essence of traditional ink wash and oil painting; Zhang Lei provided the voice for Sun Wukong. With an investment of approximately 80 million RMB, the film grossed over 956 million RMB (about 153 million USD) at the box office. It has been hailed as a phenomenal work that opened a new era for Chinese animated cinema and won the Best Animated Feature award at the 30th China Movie Golden Rooster Awards.