The Monkey King 1940
Dive into the whimsical world of Kajirō Yamamoto's *The Monkey King (1940)*, a pre-war comedy operetta that blends fantasy and humor with a legendary Japanese cast.
Director: Kajirō Yamamoto
Cast
Kenichi Enomoto
Son Goku
Minoru Takase
Ganriki
Hideko Takamine
Princess
Chieko Takehisa
Witch
Aiko Mimasu
Yoyo
Yoshiko Yamaguchi
Oriental Woman
Ranko Hanai
Kannon
Satoko Date
Lady in Waiting
Yôko Yaguchi
Akira Kishii
Cho Hakkai
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Monkey King (1940) about?
This pre-war Japanese fantasy-comedy follows a band of misfits on a high-stakes mission to stop a demonic resurrection. Along the way, they grapple with their own conflicts while wielding magic, humor, and sheer determination against impossible odds.
Who directed The Monkey King?
Kajirō Yamamoto helmed this unique blend of fantasy and comedy, infusing the film with his signature wit and visual flair.
Who stars in The Monkey King?
The film features a stellar cast including Kenichi Enomoto, Hideko Takamine, Yoshiko Yamaguchi, Minoru Takase, and Chieko Takehisa.
Is The Monkey King (1940) worth watching?
While lacking an IMDb rating, *The Monkey King* shines as a rare example of 1940s Japanese fantasy-comedy. Its humor, charm, and lively performances make it a hidden gem for fans of vintage escapism and mythic adventures.
How long is The Monkey King?
The runtime is 136 minutes.
The Monkey King (1940): A Legendary Comedy Fantasy Adventure — Full Info
Dive into the whimsical world of Kajirō Yamamoto's *The Monkey King (1940)*, a pre-war comedy operetta that blends fantasy and humor with a legendary Japanese cast. This delightful adventure follows the Sanzo Ikkou—a group on a perilous quest to thwart a sinister demonic resurrection—through a landscape rich with magic and mischief. Led by the charismatic Genjo Sanzo, the team faces not only external threats but also the friction of clashing personalities, all while their cunning ally Son Goku, played by the iconic Kenichi Enomoto, keeps spirits high with laughter and wit.
The film's playful tone contrasts sharply with its high-stakes mission, creating a uniquely Japanese fantasy-comedy experience. With Hideko Takamine and Yoshiko Yamaguchi adding depth and charm, *The Monkey King* delivers a lighter take on mythic quests, where the journey is as important as the destination. Expect a mix of slapstick humor, operatic flair, and heartfelt camaraderie as the team races against time to save the world from darkness.
