Produced by New Classics Media and Columbia Pictures, the film boasts an impressive production scale. With a budget that allowed for stunning visual effects, it was released in 3D and IMAX 3D formats, reflecting its ambition to be a grand cinematic spectacle.
Despite the mixed critical reception, Monk Comes Down the Mountain was a significant financial success. It earned approximately $65.5 million worldwide, with the vast majority of that coming from its domestic release in China.
A kind-hearted doctor and former monk who takes Anxia in as an apprentice. Monk Comes Down the Mountain -2015- -Bolly4u.or...
In the bustling city of Hangzhou, the naive He Anxia quickly stumbles into trouble, getting into a fight over a stolen "Beggar's Chicken". He is rescued by Cui Daoning (Fan Wei), a portly, good-natured pharmacist who takes him in as an apprentice. He Anxia is grateful for this new beginning, but paradise does not last. He discovers that his master's beautiful wife, Yuzhen (Lin Chi-ling), is having an affair with his younger brother, Cui Daorong (Vanness Wu). When the lovers poison the master, He Anxia's moral compass, shaped by his monastic upbringing, is shattered. In a moment of righteous fury, he takes revenge by sinking their boat, drowning the adulterous pair.
"Monk Comes Down the Mountain" (Chinese: 道士下山) is a 2015 Chinese fantasy-adventure-comedy film directed by the legendary Chen Kaige, the visionary behind the Palme d'Or-winning masterpiece "Farewell My Concubine". The film is an adaptation of the best-selling wuxia novel Dao Shi Xia Shan by author Xu Haofeng. Produced by New Classics Media and Columbia Pictures,
The climax presents the film's central philosophical conflict. He Anxia must navigate a path between two opposing martial arts masters—one representing a fierce, dominating style and the other a quiet, peaceful existence. The film celebrates the virtue of self-reflection and spiritual peace over violence and ambition, telling He Anxia that to achieve true strength, one must first change oneself.
| Actor | Role | Notable For | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | He Anxia, the young monk | A highly popular actor in China, known for his comedic and dramatic roles. | | Aaron Kwok | Zhou Xiyu, a kung fu master | One of the "Four Heavenly Kings" of Cantopop, and a major film star in Hong Kong. | | Chang Chen | Boss Zha, an opera singer | An internationally recognized actor, known for films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon . | | Lin Chi-ling | Yu Zhen, a seductive wife | A top Taiwanese model and actress, often noted for her compelling screen presence. | | Fan Wei | Dr. Cui Daoning, the pharmacist | A famous Chinese comedian and dramatic actor. | It earned approximately $65
"Monk Comes Down the Mountain" is a fascinating entry in director Chen Kaige's filmography. It is a visually stunning, ambitious, and deeply philosophical film that is nonetheless flawed by its uneven storytelling. It is a movie that is best appreciated for its unique charm and its grand, if chaotic, vision.
: With cinematography by Geoffrey Simpson, the film offers stunning visuals, from lush temple gardens to vibrant cityscapes.
"Monk Comes Down the Mountain" received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the film's unique premise and performances, while others found it lacking in narrative depth and coherence. Despite this, the movie has developed a cult following over the years, with many appreciating its offbeat humor and heartwarming moments.