Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back 2017

As Tang Sanzang awakens from a mystical slumber, he is delighted to find himself in a quaint village filled with a diverse group of circus performers. A radiant halo, the reward from his master, still shines on his brow, marking his successful quest to retrieve the sacred Sutras in India. However, his joy is short-lived as the halo begins to malfunction, hurling him into a whirlwind of chaos and wonder.

Tang soon realizes he is surrounded by a ravaged village, where his three devoted disciples—Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing—gaze upon the devastation with concern. Eager to showcase their extraordinary skills, Tang encourages Sun Wukong to demonstrate their abilities for the frightened villagers. Yet, Sun Wukong, defiant in his spirit, refuses, igniting Tang’s frustration. As fear grips the villagers, they present the trio with paltry offerings—food and coins—hoping to appease them. Unmoved by their efforts, Sun Wukong unleashes his wrath, sending Zhu Bajie and Tang flying through the air like feathers caught in a tempest.

The following morning, Tang seeks to ease the group’s discomfort with a refreshing drink from a nearby well. Their adventure takes a surprising twist when they discover a magnificent mansion, where a stunning hostess warmly invites them to a sumptuous feast. Beneath her charming facade, however, lies a dark secret. Sun Wukong’s sharp instincts quickly unveil their hosts as sinister spider demons.

The situation escalates when these malevolent creatures transform into a giant arachnid and strike, causing severe harm to Sha Wujing. In a moment of valor, Sun Wukong defeats the beast, while Tang endeavors to banish its dark essence. Yet again, Sun Wukong’s impulsive nature leads to Tang having to deliver a stern reprimand.

That night, while camped under the stars, tensions flare between Sun Wukong and his fellow disciples regarding Tang’s perceived weaknesses. Oblivious to their rising friction, Tang overhears their dialogue, revealing his own doubts about his abilities. In a moment of desperation, he calls for guidance from above, which manifests as a blinding light, forcing Sun Wukong to reassess his vengeful intentions.

Upon entering the bustling capital city of the Biqiu Kingdom, the group is graciously welcomed by a dignified minister, leading them to an audience with a whimsical monarch who indulges in trivial pursuits. The king, harboring a childlike demeanor, demands an impromptu performance from Tang, catching him unprepared. Quick-witted Sun Wukong affixes an “obedience sticker” to Tang, enabling him to replicate the Monkey King’s feats and entertain the king. However, things escalate quickly as Sun Wukong’s excitement prompts Tang to slap the king, inciting royal ire and leading to their speedy dismissal from the throne room. Tang chastises Sun Wukong for his antics, revealing that the Monkey King had deliberately provoked the king to expose his true identity as the mischievous Red Boy. A fierce confrontation unfolds, resulting in Sun Wukong’s victory and the liberation of the rightful monarch from beneath the throne. Grateful for their assistance, the king presents them with a radiant companion named Felicity, whose elegance stirs poignant memories of Tang’s beloved Duan.

As they journey onward, Sun Wukong begins suspecting that Felicity is not as she appears. In a shocking revelation, she unveils herself as the demon White Bone Spirit and removes Sha Wujing’s nose plugs, allowing him to expel the poison that had transformed him. Despite this, Tang remains skeptical, prompting a visit to Felicity’s supposed village home. Tensions rise between Sun Wukong and Tang, leading to a violent outburst where Sun Wukong wreaks havoc on the village, killing its inhabitants. Tang narrowly prevents further bloodshed, yet Sun Wukong’s fury turns against him. During this turmoil, Felicity finally admits her true identity, exposing the village as an illusion crafted by her dark magic. Enraged, Sun Wukong morphs into a terrifying figure, overwhelming Tang in his rage.

The dynamic within the group is complicated further by Felicity’s manipulation, intended to incite a clash between Tang and Sun Wukong. However, with an astute sense of awareness, Sun Wukong counters by dismissing Tang to keep him unaware of the scheme. This strategic misdirection ultimately exposes the minister’s true form amidst an intense battle, revealing him as the Immortal Golden Vulture while employing an army of illusions to challenge Sun Wukong. Yet, the genuine Buddha intervenes, shattering these false deities and confirming the truth.

After this harrowing encounter, Tang seeks out Felicity, only to find her fading fast. With no other course, he liberates her soul from its cursed binding, but as she breathes her last, she questions Tang about her place in his heart. His sincere confession that his affections lie with another clears any misconceptions.

Finally, the discord between Tang and Sun Wukong dissipates, allowing them to reunite with Zhu Bajie and Sha Wujing. Together, they embark on the daunting journey westward, navigating through treacherous landscapes and arid deserts.

In a cheeky post-credits scene, the narrative playfully breaks the fourth wall as a modern cinema is conjured within the storyline. The audience inside and the viewers at home are informed by the theater staff that it’s time to exit, leaving no post-credits sequence to follow.