Journey to the West (2014 film) explained

Journey to the West
Director:Tsai Ming-liang
Based On:Journey to the West (inspiration)
Starring:Lee Kang-sheng
Denis Lavant
Music:Sébastien Mauro
Cinematography:Antoine Héberlé
Editing:Lei Chen-ching
Runtime:56 minutes
Country:France
Taiwan

Journey to the West is a 2014 French-Taiwanese film directed by Tsai Ming-liang. The title is inspired by the 16th century Chinese literary classic of the same name. It had its world premiere at the Panorama section of the 64th Berlin International Film Festival in February 2014.[1] It is an entry in Tsai's "Walker series" of films.

Synopsis

The film content consists almost entirely of long, minimalist sequences showing a Buddhist monk in saffron robe walking very (almost imperceptibly) slowly — according to the Zen kinhin (walking meditation) practice — through public spaces in Marseilles, France, while passersby swarm around him. It begins, however, with a long, extreme closeup on the French actor Denis Lavant, who is later seen following the monk and matching his every move.

Release

Journey to the West is included among the "Extras" on the Stray Dogs Blu-ray from Cinema Guild.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Jan 17, 2014: Panorama 2014: Selection of Fictional Features for Main Programme and Panorama Special Now Complete. Press Office. January 17, 2014. January 25, 2014. berlinale.de. Berlin International Film Festival.