The Chinese animated film, All Wishes Come True, brings legendary Chinese mythology to the big screen with a few modern twists. As I wrote in my review, the film is a unique blend of genres, taking iconic Chinese folklore characters and putting them in a fantasy heist story with dynamic characters, excellent action and plenty of humor.
I sat down with writer/director Mu Zhengyang and Pearl Studio CEO Catherine Yin to discuss their latest film, which is designed to appeal to both Chinese and international audiences. The filmmakers discussed reimagining the mythology of The Eight Immortals for a new generation and creating an animated adventure that combines Chinese culture and mythology with humor, action and heart. Of course, we also talked about the iconic Monkey King, Sun Wukong, who is the best known Chinese fictional character for western audiences.
Watch our full interview below:
Official Synopsis of All Wishes Come True:
On a magical island where mortals and Immortals live side by side, a legendary vaultis said to hold treasures beyond imagination.Determined to claim its riches, Lv Dongbin and Zhongli Quan devise an audaciousplan: masquerade as Immortals and pull of the greatest heist the heavens have everseen. Along the way, they recruit six unlikely companions: He Xiangu, Tieguai Li,Han Xiangzi, Cao Guojiu, Lan Caihe, and Zhang Guolao. Together, these eightordinary souls embark on an extraordinary adventure, where every step brings themcloser to unimaginable riches, and ever greater danger.What begins as a daring quest soon takes an unexpected turn when the unlikely bandfinds itself caught in an ancient conspiracy that threatens the fragile balance betweenthe mortal and immortal worlds. As the stakes rise, the fate of both realms may rest inthe hands of the most unexpected heroes.Inspired by the timeless Chinese legend ofThe Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea*,All Wishes Come True!reimagines one of China’s most cherished folktales as an epicanimated adventure, blending humor, heart, breathtaking action, and richly imaginedmythology for audiences of all ages.
Ron is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of POC Culture. Â He is a big believer in the power and impact of pop culture and the importance of representation in media.
