It kind of relates to the classic book written by Wu Chieng-en (and published by Penguin Classics in a lovely version), though it has been reinterpreted with English dubbing/intepretation- almost as deranged as Emma Thompson's father's interpretation of The Magic Roundabout.

The performances are great- Masako Natsumo as the eunuch-priest (?) is a lot foxier than I recall and Monkey (Masaki Sakai) a sort of Kung Fu-Elvis. This is much more fun than the Kung Fu series, though shares the central notion of travelling towards a Holy destination. These opening episodes are great fun- quite irreverent when Monkey pees on Buddha's finger (though it was a set-up!), attempts to ravish the vestal virgins etc- which doesn't quite explain why he is imprisoned in a wall and fed iron balls and molten fluid (?????)

These episodes are where the story takes off, moving from the heavens down to the land- where Monkey, along with cohorts Pigsy and Sandy, accompanies a priest to India. The fights are hilarious, Monkey outwitting a demon who has pilfered a robe by miniturising himself, being eaten by said demon and then beating him up from the inside with his trademark stick! And did I forgot the gold headband he has to wear or his pink cloud?

Monkey! is great fun, though it makes about as much sense as a disco version of The Canterbury Tales dubbed into Japanese would have; hope The Water Margin comes out next- as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and A Touch of Zen reminded me of that...

Pure 1980s Nostalgia
Review date: 2001-11-03 Rating: 10 out of 10

Monkey was a classic from the early 80s, I can remember rushing home from college to watch it. The characters that play the parts of Monkey, Pigsy & Sandy had me in hysterics but the series also has a brilliant story.

Well Done Fabulous for releasing a this series,
My only complaint is that it is not available on DVD.

The Spirit of Monkey was Irrepressible!
Review date: 2000-09-10 Rating: 8 out of 10

At last on video, these classic episodes are the first three of the Monkey series, including "Monkey Goes Wild About Heaven", and the story of how he meets up with Sandy, Pigsy and Tripitaka to journey to India.

I have to confess that although I loved Monkey when I was a child, I remember very little of it because I was always too busy chasing my brother around the front room pretending to "be" in the program. Now at a more sober age, the programs are just as good as I remembered, as the arrogant Monkey and his cohorts battle against themselves and numerous assailants to reach India. Although the Kung Fu is a little dissappointing (rather too much stick waving and not much martial arts), the dialogue is brilliant and bizzare, ably filling in for the lack of sofa aerobics.

Another certification of international appeal.
Review date: 2000-08-20 Rating: 10 out of 10

This television program shows what television can and should be. Pure entertainment and fantasy. I was a young U.S. citizen living in Aberdeen when this aired. Nothing can compare to where this television show took it's audience. Not vulgar, maybe a tad bit rude; laugh out loud funny. My only complaint; making the necessary currancy and format transfers to U.S. Come on Amazon UK! Launch another U.S. invasion and start converting all you videos (British television programs) to U.S. format so you can market them overseas!

Product Details/Specifications