Monkey War (1982)

A Taiwanese-South Korean action fantasy sequel sending the legendary Monkey King on a perilous westward quest against demons and dark spirits.

Monkey War - Movie Information

  • Original Title: 新西遊記續集 孫悟空大戰飛人國
  • Release Year: 1982
  • Directed by: Chen Chun-Liang, Kim Jong-seong
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Action, Fantasy
  • Original Language: Chinese
  • Spoken Languages: Mandarin
  • Release Date (Theatrical): August 14, 1982 (Taiwan), January 1, 1983 (South Korea)
  • Alternative Titles: Sun Wu Kong dai zhan fei ren kuo (TW), 新西遊記 孫悟空大戰飛人 (KR)
  • Production Companies: Lei Men Enterprises, Hanjin Enterprises Company
  • Production Countries: Taiwan, South Korea

Monkey War - Plot

In the Chinese martial arts/fantasy opus Monkey War: New Pilgrims to the West - a sequel to the original Monkey War - the brave Monkey King launches out on a quest to build a new life for himself. But as he marches westward, he encounters a series of nearly insurmountable foes (including a pig demon and a horde of angry demonic spirits who attempt to eat his monastic tutor) and trials that he must overcome to reach a state of tranquility.

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Monkey War - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Chen Chun-Liang
  • Kim Jong-seong

Main Cast

  • Liu Shang-Chien
  • Sherman Chou Shao-Tung
  • Pang San
  • Fang Fangfang
  • Henry Luk Yat-Lung
  • Hsu Shu-Yuan
  • Wei Ping-Ao
  • Sun Yueh
  • Kim Yu-haeng

Writers

  • Kim Jong-seong

Monkey War - FAQs

What is Monkey War about?

Monkey War follows the legendary Monkey King as he sets out on a westward journey in search of a new life. Along the way he faces relentless adversaries — a cunning pig demon and hordes of demonic spirits — all threatening his monastic tutor and testing his resolve to reach inner peace.

Is Monkey War a sequel to another film?

Yes, Monkey War is a direct sequel to the original Monkey War film, continuing the Monkey King's adventures in a new chapter. The story picks up with the hero launching a fresh quest westward, building on the mythology and characters established in the first installment.

Who plays the Monkey King in Monkey War?

Liu Shang-Chien takes on the iconic role of the Monkey King in Monkey War. He leads a cast that also includes Sherman Chou Shao-Tung, Pang San, Fang Fangfang, Henry Luk Yat-Lung, Hsu Shu-Yuan, Wei Ping-Ao, Sun Yueh, and Kim Yu-haeng.

What mythology does Monkey War draw from?

Monkey War draws heavily from the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West, one of the most beloved works in East Asian literature. The film reimagines the Monkey King's legendary pilgrimage, blending traditional mythology with martial arts action and fantastical creatures like pig demons and vengeful spirits.

Who directed Monkey War?

Monkey War was co-directed by Chen Chun-Liang and Kim Jong-seong, a cross-border collaboration between Taiwan and South Korea. Kim Jong-seong also served as the film's writer, shaping the story's mythological adventure and martial arts action sequences.

What are some movies similar to Monkey War?

If you enjoyed Monkey War, you might also like The Forbidden Kingdom (2008), The Storm Riders (1998), True Legend (2010), The Monkey King 3 (2018), and Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force (2025). These films share a similar blend of martial arts action, fantasy mythology, and epic adventure.

Where was Monkey War produced?

Monkey War was a joint production between Taiwan and South Korea, brought to life by Lei Men Enterprises and Hanjin Enterprises Company. It premiered in Taiwan on August 14, 1982, and reached South Korean audiences on January 1, 1983.

What genre is Monkey War?

Monkey War blends action and fantasy, rooted in the martial arts and mythology traditions of East Asian cinema. The film combines high-energy combat sequences with supernatural storytelling — pig demons, spirit hordes, and a heroic quest — making it a classic of the wuxia-fantasy genre.

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