Super Monkey Returns (2011 Film)

Super Monkey Returns (Korean: 서유기 리턴즈; RR: Seoyugi Riteonjeu) is a 2011 South Korean science fiction comedy film directed by Shin Jae-Ho. The film reimagines the classic characters from the Chinese literary epic Journey to the West within a contemporary South Korean setting.

Promotional poster for the film Super Monkey Returns.

Plot

The narrative centers on the legend of the Chun Bo Kyung, an ancient scripture said to grant immense power to its possessor. Two millennia ago, the Buddhist monk and his disciples—Son Oh-Gong, Jeo Pal-Gye, and Sa Oh-Jung—successfully defeated evil forces and sealed them within a gourd. In modern-day Seoul, construction workers accidentally unearth the relics of these legendary figures, inadvertently breaking the seal and releasing the ancient evil. To combat the threat, scientists utilize DNA extracted from the recovered relics to revive the heroes.

Production and Release

The film was written by Shin Jae-Ho and Lim Jung-Yeon, with production managed by Kim Jae-Sun. It features cinematography by Park Kwan-Suk. The film was released in South Korea on February 17, 2011, with a total runtime of 79 minutes. It was distributed by Film JoseE.

Cast

Kim Byeong-Man as Son Oh-Gong
Ryu Dam as Jeo Pal-Gye
Han Min-Kwan as Sa Oh-Jung
Jung Seung-Won as Sa Oh-Jung (child)
Choi Hong-Il as King Wooma
Han Sung-Yong as Geum-Gak
Seo Jin-Won as Japanese national team
Kim Wang-Geun as Dr. Kim
Jang In-Ho as Researcher 1
Seo Jung-Wook as Entourage 2