Adapted from one of China's most beloved novels, this “spirit magic” film follows the adventures of characters familiar to Gen X from the cult BBC dubbed broadcasts of the Chinese TV series Monkey in the late 70s and early 80s.

Pious Buddhist monk Tripitaka is tasked by the Goddess of Mercy - on instructions from the Buddha - with the mission of journeying to “the West” and bringing back sacred texts.  Accompanying Tripitaka on his quest are three disciples, Monkey, Pigsy and Sandy, and the Dragon prince, who has taken the form of a white horse.

Considered lost until it turned up in the National Library of Norway film collection in 2011 (the first reel and some sequences of the central part of the story remain missing sadly) this lively film featuring shape-shifting, cannibalistic spider-women, elaborate costumes, special effects and a nifty double-axe battle is an exciting rediscovery.

Dir. Darwin Dan | China | 1927 | N/C PG | tinted, b&w | Chinese and Norwegian intertitles with English surtitles | 1h (incomplete)

With: Yin Mingzhu, Xia Peizhen, Wu Wenchao, Jiang Meikang, Zhou Hongquan

Original title: Pan Si Dong

Performing live: Günter Buchwald (piano, violin), Frank Bockius (percussion)

Screening material courtesy of The National Library of Norway. English translation of intertitles courtesy of San Francisco Silent Film Festival

Online programme notes by Yan Wang