Monkey King: Hero Is Back

Monkey King: Hero Is Back

Year: 2015

Runtime: 89 mins

Language: Chinese

Director: Xiaopeng Tian

ComedyAnimationFantasy

The once-mighty Monkey King was banished to an icy prison high in the mountains after defying the Gods. Centuries later, a monstrous attack on a village sends a young child fleeing into the mountains, inadvertently freeing him. Now, with the child’s unexpected help and encouragement, the Monkey King must rediscover his strength and protect the vulnerable villagers from the menacing creatures threatening their home.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Monkey King: Hero Is Back (2015)

Trace every key event in Monkey King: Hero Is Back (2015) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Wukong is imprisoned by Buddha

The Monkey King Sun Wukong rebels against Heaven and is imprisoned by the Buddha inside an ice cage deep in the mountains. The seal strips him of his magic and power, leaving him trapped for centuries. His punishment sets the stage for the events that follow far in the future.

500 years before the main events Mountains, in an ice cage
2

Troll attack and Liuer's survival

Five hundred years after Wukong's imprisonment, Mountain Trolls attack a group of travelers. Everyone is killed except a baby boy, Jiang Liuer, who drifts down a river in a basket and is adopted by a monk. His life is shaped by this survival and new guardianship.

500 years after Wukong's imprisonment River and nearby monastery
3

Village raid and freeing the cave

Trolls invade a small village and kidnap 49 young children. Liuer saves one baby girl and is chased by the pursuing trolls. He stumbles into the cave where Wukong is imprisoned and unknowingly releases the Monkey King.

Shortly after Liuer's adoption Village and mountain cave
4

Wukong's futile attempt to regain power

After his release, Wukong defeats some trolls but cannot use his magical powers due to Buddha's seal. He endures pain whenever he tries to harness magic, remaining bound by the remnants of the ancient spell.

Immediately after release Cave vicinity
5

First greetings and questions

Liuer and the rescued girl greet Wukong warmly, unaware that he has lost his powers. They pepper him with questions, including one about Nezha's gender, which Wukong answers with humor before their peril resumes.

Shortly after Wukong's release Cave/journey camp
6

Stone monster attack and rescue

A stone monster created by the Buddha attacks the trio. Liuer manages to undo the spell on the monster but falls off a cliff in the process. Wukong arrives in time to save him from the fall.

Soon after the monster's appearance Near the monster's lair; cliff
7

Meeting Pigsy

They encounter Pigsy, the Heavenly Immortal Marshal, who was defeated by Wukong five centuries ago and is now reincarnated as a pig demon. Wukong is hesitant at first, but Pigsy eventually joins the group.

During their travels Road/path
8

Dragon encounter

A white dragon attacks the group, attempting to eat Liuer. Wukong scares the beast away, proving his protective power even without full magic. Unlike other tellings, the dragon does not turn into a white horse here.

Along the journey Near a water source
9

Inn of disguise and Hun Dun's capture

The travelers stay at an inn that is revealed to be run by trolls in disguise. More trolls arrive, and Wukong fights them, but Hun Dun defeats him and captures the girl. The group prepares a plan to rescue them.

Night Inn
10

Liuer seeks help from Fa Ming

Liuer decides to rescue the abducted children and seeks assistance from his mentor Fa Ming. He nearly gets captured while pursuing the plan, underscoring the danger of Hun Dun's threat.

Soon after the inn confrontation Fa Ming's location/monastery
11

Wukong and Pigsy prepare to intervene

Wukong discovers a doll of himself that Liuer had, recognizing his symbolic importance as a figure. He and Pigsy set out to help Liuer and the kidnapped children.

After Fa Ming's involvement Near Liuer's dwelling/forest path
12

The rescue and the eclipse

Wukong and Pigsy succeed in rescuing Liuer and the 49 children. Hun Dun transforms into a giant beast during a solar eclipse, and Liuer appears crushed by the wreckage. Wukong is filled with fury but remains determined to save them all.

During the solar eclipse climax Battle site during eclipse
13

Wukong regains power and defeats Hun Dun

Moved by Liuer's apparent death, Wukong forcibly breaks Buddha's seal and regains his original powers. He defeats Hun Dun with ease, reaffirming that his strength comes from protecting others.

Immediately after Liuer's apparent death Battle arena
14

Liuer survives and returns the children

Liuer is shown to have survived the rampage, and the children are returned to their families. The story echoes the canon by revealing Liuer as the younger Xuanzang, with Wukong embodying the enlightened mind that guards and guides toward enlightenment.

End of the film Village/families

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 06:46

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Jaded Heroes Finding Redemption like in Monkey King: Hero Is Back

Worn-out heroes rediscover their purpose through the innocent trust of others.If you enjoyed seeing the Monkey King rediscover his heroic spirit in 'Monkey King: Hero Is Back', you'll love these movies about weary heroes getting a second chance. This collection features similar stories of redemption where cynical characters find their purpose again through protecting the innocent.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern begins with a powerful figure in a state of decline or exile, often due to pride or past failures. A threat emerges that they initially want to ignore, but an innocent's plight forces them to act. Their journey involves overcoming their own cynicism and self-doubt, culminating in a selfless act that reaffirms their identity as a true hero.

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Movies in this thread share a core character arc of a fallen warrior or deity reclaiming their honor. They blend high-stakes action with a personal, emotional journey, balancing intense conflict with a fundamentally hopeful and uplifting tone about the capacity for change.

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Narrative Summary

These stories typically feature a clear, straightforward quest to defend a community from a physical threat. The pacing is fast, moving quickly from one action set-piece to the next. The emotional weight comes from the relationships formed under pressure, often between an unlikely group of heroes, and the central theme of selfless protection.

Why These Movies?

They are grouped together for their successful blend of high-intensity animated spectacle and a strong, emotionally resonant core. They appeal to viewers who want exciting action but also crave stories with hope, humor, and meaningful character bonds.

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Monkey King: Hero Is Back Summary

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Monkey King: Hero Is Back Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Monkey King: Hero Is Back

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Monkey King: Hero Is Back. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Monkey King: Hero Is Back

Monkey King: Hero Is Back Spoiler-Free Summary

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