Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- irreverent
- energetic
- whimsical
- action movie night
- fantasy marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly found the action and special effects imaginative and energetic, while viewing the screenplay, narration, and character development as uneven.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The film draws on the classic journey to the west tradition while reshaping Tang Monk and his disciples into a comic fantasy-action ensemble.
The demon-capturing episodes and special-effects-driven encounters make supernatural beings and martial-arts combat central visual attractions.
Tang Monk and his three disciples begin with concealed tension and conflicting hearts before developing mutual understanding and teamwork.
The film combines demon-exorcising missions, kung fu action, and comedy within a heightened adaptation of a well-known spiritual pilgrimage.
Films like Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back, and why
Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons
Shared chinese fantasy adventure, demon-exorcising action, broad comedy, and elaborate visual effects.
The Monkey King
Shared mythic chinese setting, martial-arts spectacle, supernatural creatures, and irreverent humor.
The Forbidden Kingdom
Shared fantasy quest structure, comedic ensemble dynamics, magical creatures, and high-energy action.
Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame
Shared stylized supernatural action, comic tone, and imaginative creature effects rooted in asian folklore.
Movie Details
- Director
- Tsui Hark
- Release Date
- 2017-01-28
- Runtime
- 109 min
- Rating
- 6.0 / 10 (146)
Cast
- Kris Wu
- Lin Gengxin
- Yao Chen
- Lin Yun
- Mengke Bateer
- Wang Likun
- Yang Yiwei
- Wang Chao
- Wang Duo
- Dong Chengpeng
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back about?
- A fractious pilgrimage party must turn mutual distrust into demon-fighting teamwork amid flamboyant Chinese fantasy spectacle.
- What is Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back as moderate.
- What did critics think of Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back?
- Critics broadly found the action and special effects imaginative and energetic, while viewing the screenplay, narration, and character development as uneven.
- Which films are like Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back?
- Films with a similar feel include Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons, The Monkey King, The Forbidden Kingdom, and Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame.
- How long is Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back?
- Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back runs 109 minutes.
- Where can I watch Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back?
- In United States, Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
