A somersault can send him thousands of miles away. Blowing a few strands of his hair will create a horde of clones for battle. To ring in the Year of the Monkey, it is the right time to celebrate nimble, clever and mischievous heroes like Monkey King and Red Boy.

Journey to the West has provided countless inspiration to filmmakers over the years. The earliest film based on the tale that we can watch now is the silent film The Cave of Silken Web (1927) - which was recently discovered in Norway - and the animated film Princess Iron Fan (1941). Featuring opera performers in key roles, live-action adaptations in the 50s and the 60s incorporated offbeat fantasy elements and operatic singing to depict the treacherous adventures of the monk Tong and his disciples. These films often adapted popular episodes such as 'Uproar in Heaven' and 'The Cave of Silken Web' and featured beloved characters like Princess Iron Fan, Bull King and the Red Boy. Over the years, these adaptations grew increasingly elaborate as special effects and action choreography advanced to new levels over the years.

The design of the Monkey King has also evolved over the years, from the early stage-like designs to more complex suits that can make human actors disappear into believable real-life incarnations of the magical. Actors who have done Monkey King suit include opera legends Yuen Siufai, Kim Hee-gab, Shaw stars like Elliot Yueh Hua and Chou Lung-chang. Take a magical somersault and celebrate Lunar New Year with us!

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