Directed by
Koan Hui
Made by
Asia Releasing
Discover the intricate plot of League of Gods (2016). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
As King Zhou, portrayed by Tony Leung Ka-fai, reclined on his throne, an unfortunate official found himself ensnared within the sinister allure of Daji, his captivating concubine, played by Fan Bingbing. Outside the city walls, a courageous band of warriors strategized inside a metal wagon, plotting their mission to rescue the Invisible People alongside their dauntless leader. In a moment of serendipity, Jiang Ziya, brought to life by Jet Li, appeared before them, his expression illuminated with an ethereal glow. As he unfolded the tragic tale of King Zhou’s impending downfall, the warriors listened intently to the cautionary account of how the once-great king had surrendered to the seductive corruption of the Black Dragon, sacrificing his very being in a relentless quest for power.
While the city celebrated in a vibrant festival, King Zhou and Daji orchestrated a chilling act, forcing the Invisible Chief to undergo a gruesome divination that revealed a desolate fate for the king himself—one in which he begged for mercy only to dissipate into nothingness. This grim prophecy stoked King Zhou’s paranoia, leading him to command his guards to gouge out the chief’s eyes. In a separate but equally treacherous situation, the warriors covertly entered a prison, their steel blades flashing in a fierce clash with the guards. Leizhenzi, portrayed by Jacky Heung, a member of the Wing Adept tribe, employed his mystical abilities to shatter the barriers confining the Invisible People, disregarding the warnings against the reckless use of such power.
Leizhenzi’s actions caught the interest of Shen Gong Bao, portrayed by Louis Koo, who summoned his majestic black leopard to track the escaping warriors. As chaos erupted, the Invisible People fell victim to a hail of arrows, their cries piercing the night air. Nevertheless, the warriors managed to escape the turmoil, whisking the Invisible Children to a new haven where they could utilize their extraordinary teleportation abilities.
To thwart Shen Gong Bao’s unyielding chase, Leizhenzi single-handedly breached a wall, conjuring a magical barrier to impede their adversary. During a conversation with Ji Fa, played by Andy On, Leizhenzi recounted the heartrending narrative of his father’s death at the hands of an invading force that decimated the Wing Adepts, leaving behind a haunting legacy of violence.
At the height of the festivities, Jiang Ziya disrupted the celebrations with a wave of his hand, freezing time to liberate the Invisible Chief and aid the warriors in their flight. Yet, Daji’s deadly tails posed an insurmountable challenge, requiring Jiang Ziya to rely on his wits and cunning to navigate her malevolent grasp. In a moment of desperation, the chief sacrificed one of his own eyes to distract Daji, but this act proved futile as he fell victim to her lethal tails. Jiang Ziya managed to escape on his crane, clutching one of the chief’s eyes, while Daji claimed the other as her prize.
As the warriors returned to their capital, an urgent tension gripped the land. Leizhenzi embarked on a daunting quest at the behest of King Ji Chang, portrayed by Zu Feng, who beseeched Jiang Ziya to unlock the powers of the chief’s eye and forge a plan to overcome the ominous forces of King Zhou and the nefarious Black Dragon. Jiang Ziya unveiled that their victory hinged upon acquiring the legendary Sword of Light, a weapon that could only be wielded by the destined hero, known as Golden Dragon. However, this mission was shrouded in complexity as Jiang Ziya himself experienced an unnerving transformation, becoming increasingly youthful due to a spell cast by Daji, which accelerated his aging each time he invoked his powers.
Refusing to be deterred, Leizhenzi volunteered to retrieve the sword and was set on a path by Jiang Ziya, who bestowed upon him three extraordinary gifts from the Spring of Life: a one-eyed plant infused with ancient knowledge, a mischievous egg hatching into the playful Ne Zha, played by Wen Zhang, and a stunted Dragon Prince whose growth had been stymied by Ne Zha’s mischievous antics. As they journeyed through a barren wasteland, they confronted an otherworldly centipede-like worm, which Leizhenzi bravely vanquished.
However, their victory was fleeting as Ne Zha snatched the second gift, the baby Dragon Prince, leveraging its mystical abilities to impose control over Leizhenzi’s swiftly growing companion. Upon awakening, Leizhenzi compelled Ne Zha to join him in their pursuit of the Sword of Light, promising to assist his wayward friend in reclaiming his desired Fire Wheels.
Meanwhile, Shen Gong Bao engineered a relentless automaton, portrayed by Angelababy, with an unwavering objective: to eliminate Leizhenzi. As our heroes traversed treacherous terrains, they stumbled upon a mystical marsh, where pillars magically reshaped into a palace set amidst the desert. Here, they encountered Erlang Shen, brought to life by Huang Xiaoming, a hermit with the astounding power to manipulate sand. Infuriated by their intrusion, Erlang Shen launched a fierce onslaught, only to be vanquished by Leizhenzi’s resolve. A revelation of Erlang Shen’s true essence unfolded as he retreated, leaving Leizhenzi and Ne Zha to persist on their quest.
Afterward, as Leizhenzi and Ne Zha ventured toward the bustling port town, they chanced upon a captivating entity known as Lan Die, who enticed children with her ethereal glow. Entranced by her mystical presence, Leizhenzi found himself drawn to her enchantment. Together, they sought the guidance of the esteemed sorceress Taiyi Zhenren, whose remarkable talents offered insights into Lan Die’s cryptic nature.
However, their encounter was cut short when Lan Die misappropriated the sacred artifact essential for their maritime escapade. Ne Zha, brimming with curiosity and mischief, followed suit, and together they embarked on an adventure towards uncharted territories. The magical vessel granted them the ability to navigate any trajectory they desired. As they sailed, Ne Zha’s antics left a profound impact on the baby Dragon Prince, who retaliated by exhaling a gas that ensnared Ne Zha in a deep slumber.
With dawn breaking on the horizon, Lan Die and Leizhenzi marveled at the stunning vista, only to be interrupted by Shen Gong Bao, who erased Lan Die’s memories, revealing her true automaton form. Confused by the ship’s abrupt shift in direction, Leizhenzi was enlightened by an extraordinary plant that outlined their new destination: the palace of the Dragon King.
Upon their arrival at the East Sea Palace, Ne Zha reunited with his father, the formidable Dragon King, played by Waise Lee, who summoned a colossal octopus to retrieve his wayward son and Leizhenzi. Within the confines of the palace, Ne Zha demanded the return of his cherished Fire Wheels from the Dragon King, only to face hostility as the king’s guards launched a fierce attack.
With remarkable ingenuity, Ne Zha countered with a unique display of flatulence and urine, easily repelling the guards. The Dragon King, astounded by Ne Zha’s unconventional tactics, acquiesced to his request for the Fire Wheels in exchange for the baby Dragon Prince. Empowered by this newfound gift, Ne Zha transformed back into his adult self, soaring to the skies with newfound independence.
As Leizhenzi’s former home lay in shambles, Shen Gong Bao made his entrance, flanked by a fleet of aerial vessels, only to find himself thwarted by Lan Die. In a daring maneuver, Lan Die overcame the daunting rings safeguarding the Sword of Light, seizing the coveted artifact but inadvertently shattering the protective rings, sending Shen Gong Bao’s forces scattering into chaos. As the sun set on the horizon, Leizhenzi donned new wings, carrying the weary Lan Die to witness the celestial spectacle. Her metamorphosis into a lifeless wooden mannequin now complete, he departed, leaving her resting place amidst the sword’s island, the Sword of Light firmly in his grasp.
Meanwhile, as Ne Zha and Erlang Shen, adorned in radiant golden armor, rushed back to the capital, they were met with an aerial assault from King Zhou’s forces. Jiang Ziya grappled to wield the city’s defenses effectively, while Daji invoked her mystical prowess once more, resurrecting Shen Gong Bao in a form that rendered him nearly unstoppable.
As they returned bearing the Sword of Light, the trio found Jiang Ziya reverting to a youthful state. A fierce confrontation erupted, culminating in a tragic outcome as Shen Gong Bao ultimately claimed Ji Chang’s life during their clash. As he drew his last breath, Ji Chang entrusted his command and the sword to his son, Ji Fa, imbuing him with the essence of the “Golden Dragon.” With his spirit intertwined with the sword, Ji Fa plunged into the Spring of Life, emerging as a formidable warrior clad in golden armor, brandishing a charged sword. Together, the heroes lured Shen Gong Bao into the revitalizing waters of the Spring, allowing Ji Fa to unleash his full power and vanquish the malevolent creature.
As the tale unfolds, Ji Fa summons his forces in preparation for a counterattack, directing their might towards the Shang kingdom while King Zhou transforms into the fearsome Black Dragon, anticipating the heroes’ rebuke. A poignant moment lingers as an innocent baby Jiang Ziya is ensnared in the grip of the Black Dragon’s dark essence, setting the stage for the extraordinary battles that await.
Track the key events of League of Gods (2016) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
King Zhou's Reign
King Zhou, portrayed by Tony Leung Ka-fai, reclines on his throne, indulging in the captivating allure of his concubine Daji, played by Fan Bingbing. This sets the stage for the sinister events that will unfold as Zhou's authority and character begin to erode.
Warriors' Strategy
Outside the city walls, a group of courageous warriors convenes in a metal wagon, plotting their mission to rescue the Invisible People from the tyrannical grip of King Zhou. Their determined leader guides them as they prepare for a perilous journey filled with danger.
Jiang Ziya's Arrival
Jiang Ziya, played by Jet Li, appears before the warriors, exuding an ethereal glow and revealing the ominous fate awaiting King Zhou. He shares a cautionary tale detailing the king’s descent into depravity due to the corrupting influence of the Black Dragon.
The Gruesome Divination
During a festival in the city, King Zhou and Daji force the Invisible Chief to undergo a divination that foreshadows the king’s tragic downfall. This grim omen incites paranoia within King Zhou, leading to the cruel act of gouging out the chief's eyes.
The Warriors' Assault
The warriors make a daring move to infiltrate a prison where the Invisible People are held captive. Their steel blades clash fiercely with the guards as the Wing Adept Leizhenzi uses his mystical powers to shatter the barriers confining the children.
Shen Gong Bao's Pursuit
After the escape, Shen Gong Bao, portrayed by Louis Koo, unleashes his black leopard to track the fleeing warriors. As chaos erupts around them, the Invisible People become easy targets for arrows, but the warriors manage to save a few from the onslaught.
Leizhenzi’s Heroic Stand
To thwart Shen Gong Bao's relentless pursuit, Leizhenzi conjures a magical barrier by breaching a wall. He reveals to Ji Fa, played by Andy On, the tragic past of his father's demise at the hands of invaders, fueling their determination.
Jiang Ziya's Intervention
As the city festivities reach their peak, Jiang Ziya freezes time to liberate the Invisible Chief and aid the warriors. Faced with Daji's lethal tails, he cleverly devises a strategy to help the chief escape, leading to a formidable confrontation.
The Quest for the Sword of Light
Leizhenzi embarks on a daunting quest to retrieve the legendary Sword of Light at King Ji Chang's behest. Jiang Ziya informs him that their success depends on finding a destined hero known as the Golden Dragon, complicating their mission.
The Journey Through the Wasteland
With Jiang Ziya's guidance, Leizhenzi receives three gifts before setting off through a barren wasteland. After facing an otherworldly worm and emerging victorious, they carry on, determined to secure the Sword of Light despite the challenges ahead.
Encounter with Erlang Shen
Leizhenzi and Ne Zha face Erlang Shen, a hermit possessing the power to manipulate sand, in a desert palace. After a fierce battle, Leizhenzi's resolve triumphs, and they continue their quest, enriched by the encounter.
The Deceptive Lan Die
While journeying to a bustling port town, Leizhenzi meets the enchanting Lan Die, who lures children with her charm. Their quest takes a turn when she steals a sacred artifact, leading them on an unexpected adventure.
The East Sea Palace
Upon arriving at the East Sea Palace, Ne Zha confronts his father, the Dragon King. A fierce encounter ensues that hinges on Ne Zha's cleverness, and he successfully acquires his beloved Fire Wheels, gaining newfound strength.
Climactic Battle
As Ne Zha and Erlang Shen rush back to the capital, they face an aerial assault from King Zhou's forces. In a dramatic turn of events, Shen Gong Bao is resurrected, leading to an intense clash over the Sword of Light.
The Rise of Ji Fa
With the Sword of Light in hand, Ji Chang falls in battle, entrusting his son Ji Fa with the sword's power. Ji Fa emerges from the Spring of Life as the Golden Dragon, leading the charge against King Zhou and setting the stage for an epic showdown.
Meet the characters that bring League of Gods (2016) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
King Zhou (Tony Leung Ka-fai)
King Zhou is a once-great ruler whose insatiable thirst for power leads to his downfall. Seduced by Daji and consumed by paranoia, he becomes a tyrant, disregarding the well-being of his kingdom. His tragic arc serves as a warning against the darker side of human nature.
Daji (Fan Bingbing)
Daji is a captivating concubine whose beauty masks her treacherous nature. As King Zhou's manipulator, she plays a pivotal role in his corruption and the chaos that ensues. Her duality as both seductress and villain adds depth to her character.
Jiang Ziya (Jet Li)
Jiang Ziya is a wise and courageous leader who becomes a beacon of hope for the oppressed. His ability to harness magic and strategist role in rallying the warriors marks him as a significant player in the battle against King Zhou. His personal struggles with aging and transformation add a poignant layer to his mission.
Leizhenzi (Jacky Heung)
Leizhenzi, a member of the Wing Adept tribe, exhibits bravery and cunning as he battles to rescue the Invisible People. His mastery of mystical powers sets him apart but also brings challenges. He embodies the spirit of resilience and heroism.
Ji Fa (Andy On)
Ji Fa is the son of Ji Chang, showing dedication to his father's legacy while transforming into a powerful warrior. His journey from innocence to heroism encapsulates the narrative of fighting against oppression and fulfilling one's destiny.
Ne Zha (Wen Zhang)
Ne Zha is a playful and mischievous character who brings levity to the story. Despite his antics, he proves to be a valuable ally on the quest, showcasing his growth and potential as a formidable warrior.
Uncover the settings of League of Gods (2016), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
Ancient mythological period
The story unfolds in a mythological era characterized by magic, epic battles, and the struggle between good and evil forces. This time period is marked by the reign of King Zhou, whose descent into corruption coincides with the rise of powerful warriors and mythical creatures engaging in a battle for justice and survival.
Location
The capital, East Sea Palace, various treacherous terrains, mystical marsh, bustling port town
The capital is a vibrant city celebrating festivals and filled with intrigue, serving as the home base for both the heroes and King Zhou. The East Sea Palace, where the Dragon King resides, is a magnificent underwater fortress ruled by awe-inspiring creatures. The various treacherous terrains and mystical marshes encountered by the characters offer obstacles and challenges as they embark on their quest.
Explore the core themes of League of Gods (2016). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Heroism
The theme of heroism is central to the narrative, illustrated through the determination of the warriors, particularly Leizhenzi and Jiang Ziya, as they strive to save the Invisible People and combat the oppressive forces led by King Zhou. Their courage and willingness to sacrifice for the greater good highlight the classic battle against tyranny and injustice.
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Corruption
Corruption is embodied by King Zhou and his consort Daji, whose manipulation and quest for power lead to chaos and destruction. This theme reveals the consequences of unchecked ambition and moral decay, ultimately illustrating how it affects not only individuals but entire kingdoms.
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Transformation
Transformation plays a significant role in the movie, both physically and metaphorically. Characters like Jiang Ziya experience literal changes in form and age, while others, such as Ji Fa, evolve into heroes through trials. This theme emphasizes the potential for growth and redemption amidst adversity.
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