The film also incorporates symbolism and motifs from Chinese mythology and Buddhism, adding layers of depth and meaning to the narrative. The character of Sun Wukong, for example, represents the struggle between good and evil, while Tang Sanzang's journey serves as a metaphor for spiritual growth and enlightenment.
A deeper between this sequel and the 2013 original movie.
The film was strategically released on , the first day of the Chinese New Year, a prime box office window in China. It was released by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment in a wide 1.85:1 aspect ratio , with a runtime of approximately 108 minutes . The film was rated PG-13 by the MPAA for "fantasy action violence, some suggestive content, rude humor, and thematic elements".
However, the group is far from a harmonious team. Tang still harbors deep resentment towards the Monkey King for the death of a woman he loved in the previous film. This internal conflict simmers beneath the surface, threatening to tear the group apart even as they face external demonic threats. The plot follows a somewhat episodic structure, with the group encountering a series of supernatural adversaries. These include a village haunted by a spider demon and other creative, VFX-heavy creatures, which serve as challenges that force the disciples to confront their inner demons and, eventually, learn to trust and cooperate with one another. journey-west-demons-strike-back-2017-bluray-X-7...
Inside the abyss, the Confusion King reveals his true form: a mirror-faced giant whose every word is a lie that sounds like truth. He offers Tang Sanzang a choice:
The central component of the file name, "demons-strike-back," hints at the specific tone of the 2017 film. Unlike the solemnity of some previous adaptations, this version leans heavily into the "mo lei tau" (nonsensical) humor typical of Stephen Chow’s influence, blended with Tsui Hark’s visual spectacle. The title suggests an action-oriented, Hollywood-style sequel, echoing franchises like Star Wars or The Empire Strikes Back . This linguistic choice signals to the potential downloader that this is not a faithful period drama, but a populist, high-octane blockbuster. It is a promise of entertainment value, branding the classical story with a modern, aggressive identity to appeal to a global, pirating audience.
The supporting cast, including Wu Gang and Wang Wei, deliver equally impressive performances, adding to the film's humor, drama, and action. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, making their journey feel authentic and engaging. The film also incorporates symbolism and motifs from
The video presentation highlights Tsui Hark's obsession with vibrant, saturated palettes and complex digital geometry.
Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back (2017) , directed by the legendary Tsui Hark and produced by the comedic genius Stephen Chow, is a dazzling, high-fantasy spectacle that serves as a sequel to the 2013 hit, Conquering the Demons . When experiencing this maximalist visual feast, the 2017 Blu-ray release—often associated with high-definition, region-free, or specific international releases (sometimes labeled with identifiers like or similar region-locked markers)—is the definitive way to appreciate its breathtaking CGI and frantic action choreography.
Known for pioneering special effects in Hong Kong cinema ( Zu Warriors , Detective Dee ), Hark injects the film with kinetic energy, larger-than-life set pieces, and jaw-dropping creature designs. The film was strategically released on , the
Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back isn't a traditional retelling. It’s loud, it’s weird, and it’s unapologetically over-the-top. While it might be polarizing for those who prefer the grounded feel of the original series, it stands as a testament to the creative energy of modern Chinese blockbuster filmmaking.
Not worth the risk. The real demons strike back when your hard drive gets encrypted by a fake codec pack.
This Blu-ray edition has received high marks for its technical presentation.
: The film relies heavily on dense CGI, flashing particle effects, and rapidly moving camera sweeps. Low-bitrate streaming platforms often suffer from macroblocking and pixelation during these heavy action scenes. The Blu-ray transfer preserves the sharpness of the digital effects and the intricate textures of the costume designs.