Adaptations of Journey to the West

A screen capture from Uproar in Heaven. [Photo/Mtime]

Uproar in Heaven

Produced by Shanghai Art Film Studio from 1961 to 1964 and released by French company Les Films de ma Vie, animated feature Uproar in Heaven was one of the first films China exported to the world. The film reflected the conflict and struggles between the oppressed (the Monkey King) and the oppressor ("officials" in heaven). It showed the Monkey King's bravery, optimism and willingness to resist to pressure, while at the same time mocked the intransigency, cruelty and incompetency of the Jade Emperor, the Dragon King and the officials from heaven. As a milestone in China's animation, Uproar in Heaven influenced many audiences in China with its distinctive and positive theme and deep, clear and high-spirited tone of storytelling.

Director: Wan Laiming, Tang Cheng

Release date: July 25, 1964