Rumors of Spielberg filming Journey to the West

[doumeizhen]

This, friends, is good news on many levels. Hopefully it will remind a generation of youngsters of their literary heritage, and the newly shed light will make the Chinese proud of their 小说. Even better perhaps, is that it'll give the American masses another taste of China, one that they do not have to fear, with the fortunate side effect of sparing us another 8 hour version.

Warning, I will now digress into another section altogether, but if you haven't read the book, do so. It is a wonderfully colorful world, particularly in Waley's translation. If you know nothing of Arthur, you should read about him too. His story is as good as the works he translates.

=================================================================

Source: China.org (6/9/06):

http://www.china.org.cn/english/2006/Jun/170906.htm

Spielberg Mulls Monkey King Movie

Rumor is rife that star Hollywood director, Steven Spielberg, has plans to

make a movie based on Journey to the West, one of the most popular Chinese

literature classics. Zhang Jinlai, a Chinese actor renowned for his

portrayal of the classic's lead character, the Monkey King or Sun Wukong, is

due to meet with Spielberg in the US in July or August to discuss the film.

On May 31, China Radio International reported that Spielberg, who will serve

as an artistic consultant in the design of the opening and closing

ceremonies for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, had met with several

Chinese directors, playwrights, and producers in China recently. He

reportedly has a keen interest in Chinese stories, especially Journey to the

West. If there is a film to be made based on the classic novel, he will

direct it and present it in 2008. But a specific production plan has yet to

be revealed.

A dearth of original screenplays in recent years has resulted in sequels and

remakes hogging American movie screens. Industry insiders believe that this

is why Hollywood has been studying the possibility of bringing Chinese

stories to life, particularly ever since the box-office success of Mulan, a

Disney cartoon feature released in 1998.

Journey to the West was written by Wu Cheng'en during Ming Dynasty

(1368-1644). It tells the story of a monk named Tang and his four

apprentices and protectors, including the Monkey King, who travel to India

in search of the true Buddhist scriptures. During their travels, they fend

off monsters and demons who want to destroy and eat Tang believing that he

is the elixir of eternal life. The novel is based on the true story of Monk

Xuanzhuang who traveled to India during the Tang Dynasty (618-907).

。。。

[doumeizhen]

Perhaps chinesepod has gotten wind of this as well, as there is now an advanced lesson on the Monkey King.

[Outofin]

What? It must be a rumor. A rumor that I hope could become true.