7.5
Viewer Rating
Combines user and critic ratings from four sources
Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons (2013)
Bias Rating
Analyzing...
Center
Viewer Rating
Rating: 7.5
Overview
In a world plagued by demons who cause great human suffering, young demon hunter Tang Sanzang must fight against monstrous demons, as well as contend with a beautiful demon hunting woman on his path to enlightenment.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Bias Dimensions
Political: Center
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: Negative
Female Combat: Yes
Gender Swap: Yes
Buddhism: Positive
Overview
In a world plagued by demons who cause great human suffering, young demon hunter Tang Sanzang must fight against monstrous demons, as well as contend with a beautiful demon hunting woman on his path to enlightenment.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Detailed Bias Analysis
Analyzing...
Center
Primary
The film's central themes of spiritual enlightenment and the power of universal love and compassion against evil are presented in a broad, philosophical context that transcends specific political ideologies, leading to a neutral rating.
As a Chinese production based on a classic Chinese novel, the film naturally features an East Asian cast, and the concept of recasting 'traditionally white roles' does not apply. The narrative focuses on a fantasy adventure and does not engage in explicit critiques of traditional identities, instead presenting its characters within a neutral to positive framing typical of its genre.
Secondary
The film features Prince Important, an effeminate character whose gender presentation is consistently used as a source of comedic ridicule. While not explicitly identified as LGBTQ+, his portrayal relies on stereotypes often directed at gay men, contributing to a negative and problematic depiction where effeminacy is mocked rather than affirmed or treated neutrally.
The film features Miss Duan, a powerful demon hunter, who repeatedly engages in and wins close-quarters physical combat against multiple male demons, demonstrating superior martial arts and strength.
The character Sha Wujing, canonically male in the original Journey to the West novel, is portrayed as a female fish demon in this film adaptation, constituting a gender swap.
The film ultimately champions Buddhist principles of compassion, self-sacrifice, and enlightenment as the true path to overcoming suffering and evil. While the protagonist's initial methods are comically flawed, the narrative affirms the profound power and wisdom of the Buddha and his teachings.
The film "Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons" does not feature any identifiable transsexual characters or themes. While some characters may undergo physical transformations or engage in cross-dressing for comedic effect, these elements are not presented as explorations of transsexual identity. Therefore, there is no relevant portrayal to evaluate.
The film is an adaptation of the classic Chinese novel "Journey to the West." All major characters, who are canonically East Asian, are portrayed by East Asian actors, consistent with the source material. No race swaps are present.
Viewer Rating Breakdown
User Ratings
6.7
6.9
Critic Ratings
9.4
6.8
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