Monkey (1978)
The beloved Japanese fantasy-adventure series following a Buddhist monk and three magical disciples on an epic pilgrimage across ancient Asia.
Monkey - Series Information
- Original Title: 西遊記
- First Air Year: 1978
- Last Air Year: 1980
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 52
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: English, Japanese
- First Air Date: October 1, 1978 (United States - TV-PG), October 1, 1978 (Canada - PG), October 1, 1978 (United Kingdom - PG), October 1, 1978 (France - 12), October 1, 1978 (New Zealand - M), October 1, 1978 (Australia - PG)
- Networks: Nippon TV
- Production Companies: Nippon Television Network Corporation, International Television Films, Tsuburaya Productions, Toho Eizo Bijutsu
- Production Countries: China, Japan
- Alternative Titles: Saiyūki (JP)
Monkey - Plot
Buddhist priest Tripitaka and his three disciples Monkey, Pigsy, and Sandy, travel from China to India to fetch the Buddhist scriptures. They have been sent by Buddha, and getting these scriptures will bring peace to the people of the world.
Monkey - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a taste of the adventure that awaits:
Where to Watch Monkey
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Monkey - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Masaaki Sakai
- Masako Natsume
- Shiro Kishibe
- Takayuki Akutagawa
- David Collings
- Gareth Armstrong
- Peter Woodthorpe
- Maria Warburg
- Miriam Margolyes
- Tonpei Hidari
Writers
- James Miki
- Motomu Furuta
- Yu Tagami
- Hirokazu Fuse
- Takayuki Kase
Monkey - FAQs
What is the classic TV series Monkey about?
Monkey follows the Buddhist priest Tripitaka and three extraordinary disciples — the mischievous Monkey, the gluttonous Pigsy, and the stoic Sandy — on a perilous pilgrimage from China to India to retrieve sacred scriptures destined to bring peace to the world.
Is Monkey based on a true story or book?
The series is adapted from the 16th-century Chinese novel Journey to the West, one of the four great classical novels of Chinese literature. The story is loosely inspired by the real pilgrimage of the Tang Dynasty monk Xuanzang, who traveled to India to collect Buddhist texts.
Who plays Monkey and Tripitaka in the series?
Masaaki Sakai brings the irrepressible Monkey to life with acrobatic flair, while Masako Natsume portrays the gentle priest Tripitaka. Tonpei Hidari plays the lovable Pigsy, and Shiro Kishibe takes on the role of the water demon Sandy.
Why does a woman play Tripitaka in Monkey?
Masako Natsume, a female actress, was cast as the male Buddhist monk Tripitaka — a deliberate creative choice that added an otherworldly, ethereal quality to the character. The casting became one of the series' most memorable and talked-about decisions, lending Tripitaka an ambiguous, almost divine presence.
How many seasons and episodes does Monkey have?
Monkey ran for two seasons, each containing 26 episodes, for a total of 52 episodes. Season 1 and Season 2 aired between 1978 and 1980 on Nippon TV in Japan, with the English-dubbed version becoming a cult favourite in the United Kingdom and beyond.
Where can I watch Monkey online?
Streaming availability for Monkey varies by region. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date viewing options in your country, including any streaming services, rental, or purchase platforms currently carrying the series.
Is Monkey worth watching today?
Absolutely. Despite its 1970s production values, Monkey holds up as a genuinely charming and imaginative series. Its blend of martial arts action, Buddhist philosophy, slapstick humour, and mythological adventure gives it a timeless quality that continues to captivate new generations of viewers worldwide.
What is the content rating for Monkey?
Monkey carries a TV-PG rating in the United States, making it suitable for general family viewing with parental guidance suggested for younger children. The series features stylised martial arts combat and fantastical adventure but remains largely appropriate for older kids and adults alike.
More About Monkey
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