Xuan Zang (2016)

When it comes to movies about historical figures I tend to take them with a grain of salt, sometimes a whole bag. I'm neither familiar with Xuan Zang's life nor am I a scholar of Buddhism or this time period so this review is based sheerly on my enjoyment of this film as a work of art. Though I am sure there are discrepancies as with most historical films I have no quarrel with the filmmakers for at least the major characters were dealt with respectfully. I've also neither read the novel nor seen the movie Journey to the West which are based on Xuan's life.

Xuan Zang set out for India, when it was forbidden to leave the country, in order to bring copies of more accurate Buddhist scriptures home. Reason, laws, and the threat of death could not deter him from his holy quest.

The cinematography was extraordinary and a treat for the eyes as Xuan traveled through both cities and desert wilderness, often alone. Varying from lush green to desolate sand and stone, and later snow capped mountains, the scenery was breath-taking. Ancient ruins, temples, and shrines are visited. Often the scenery showed him barely visible, a tiny monk making his way through a vast and sacred world. The music fit with the mood perfectly.

This is a slow, reflective film as Xuan's faith meets up against disappointment and hardship. Living in a time when I can find information with the push of a button, I'm in awe of someone who was willing to risk death, imprisonment, starvation, and thirst to increase his knowledge and faith and then the overwhelming desire to bring it back home again to share. His journey took between 16 and 19 years depending on the source and he covered over 25,000 km (15,534 miles). This film gives a glimpse of what he accomplished, the people he met, the effect he had on others, and the joy the scriptures brought to him. There are a couple of narrative hiccoughs when an inexplicable time and place jump occur, but that's a rarity, and a small quibble. The censor's heavy hand causes a few shadows as well. For the most part this is a film to soothe the eyes, ears, and soul. Every moment and person is treated as holy and a gift. It may be the idealized version of his life but it was a pleasure to sink into it and let the beauty of the colors and notes and love for all life wash over me.

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19 years - 110 Countries - 25,000 miles!

The cinematography and music was excellent in this movie!

The support cast worked great to support the main cast's performance.

I liked especially the majority movie showing the hazards, hardships and trials that befell Xuan Zang in his 25,000 mile-110 countries-19 year journey...

Instead of giving you my own opinion of this movie, I am letting others tell you 'their' opinion of this movie:

Smith Watson
2 months ago
As an Indian we are only taught about Hiuen Tsang as a Chinese traveler who visited India but we never knew how much sacrifices he made to reach India and that he was a Buddhist monk who spread Buddhism in China via the texts. Great man, Salute to him. He has written 'Si-Yu-Ki' i.e Buddhist records of the western world.

I love the scenery!

I love the attempt at making this seem to have been filmed in the time period in which the character lived.

I love the interaction on a respectful, human level which seems to be so lacking in society today.

I love the historical accuracy since I reported on this person as part of a Religious Studies class in college.

And I love being able to escape into a time where things were simpler...

Bill Amos
1 year ago
I came upon this movie totally by accident, and I'm so glad I did! It has spurred me to read more about Buddhism, the Silk Road, and Tang-era China.

Jaydeep Ghosh
8 months ago
Beautiful , love from India. Yes, Hiuen Tsang is part of Indian school syllabus in 7-8th grade history. Great to get some glimpses of ancient India and China. Love and respect!

FT- Anjana PV
5 months ago
Omg... Such a beautiful movie.. kudos to actor portrayed Xuan.. i m so glad hearing a Chinese speaking hindi and Indian actors to be a part of Chinese movie.. i really hope India and China to be friends forever. No war no hatred. Peace only. I hope people will understand this

anandita adhikary
7 months ago (edited)
Thank you China for such a beautiful film. I absolutely loved it. Have read about Xuansang as a part of history syllabus in school but to see a movie depicting his eventful and inspirational life was an experience in itself. The present relationship between the two countries is far from what it happened to be or what it should have been. The two great civilizations would have benefitted a lot from one another ;had the evil forces of destiny didn't intervene !
I have visited ruins of Nalanda University, Mahabodhi temple and the banyan tree where Lord Buddha got enlightenment personally and have great reverence for Him ??❤️

Rose Lover
1 year ago
I am a Christian and I found this movie inspiring and moving. If a horse can have a kind and compassionate heart what excuses do we as humans have? We ought to love and treat each other better.

Ruchi in China
11 months ago
Love from India! A subscriber referred to this movie and I can’t believe I haven’t watched it. Every Indian should watch this beautiful movie to learn the historical significance of these events.

Zel L B.
9 months ago
Such a film! The sceneries and phases in this film translated so well. These magnificent landscapes surely lead us to our own inner journey. Kudos to Chinese and India filmmakers, happy to have stumbled upon this.

teve a
11 months ago
I was a tourist at the Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra, India, on the day they were filming this movie and got to watch them for a bit. This main Actor who played Xuanzang is very famous and well known in India and people were lined up to say hello to him after the filming. It was all surreal to see this ....Just like stepping back in time

Jason Watkin
11 months ago
What a devotional masterpiece. I would have watched it just to hear the monks chanting Om Mani Padme Hum, or the Mandarin version of the Heart Sutra. Even the precision of the difference between Hīnayāna and Mahāyāna - Hīnayāna seeing the universe as material and perception as illusory and mutable, while Mahāyāna seeing “both” as illusory and mutable is very succinct and skillful. The cinematography and content are awe-inspiring!

triple terrific
5 months ago
As an Indian, I have great admiration for Hieuntsang about whom I learnt while at school. Thank you for writing about our history. At least through your books I learn about the golden times of my Bharatha

Any questions? A whole page full of like comments are at the English Subtitled version of this movie - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulDzLjz0wdw

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