First, a quick history lesson. The legitimate, big-budget sequel— Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back —actually released in . It was directed by Tsui Hark, produced by Stephen Chow, and starred Kris Wu, Lin Gengxin, and Yao Chen.
So what is the version?
Picking up after the tragic events of the first film, the story follows the young monk and his three unruly disciples: the volatile Sun Wukong , the gluttonous Zhu Bajie , and the quiet but powerful Sha Wujing . Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back (2017) - IMDb Journey To The West The Demons Strike Back Full 2021
Critics in 2017 called it "exhausting." But by 2021, after a year of lockdowns, audiences embraced its chaotic energy. The "full" version—often running 109 minutes (compared to a slightly cut Chinese theatrical release)—includes an extended dance sequence and a darker ending where Sanzang questions whether demons can ever be truly saved. First, a quick history lesson