August 8, 2024 By Hsu Chih-Ying
The world is constantly moving forward, with the tide of technological innovation loudly proclaiming its arrival, yet truly beautiful things might just be right beside us.
▲"Bajie" promotional poster
Directed by animation director Chiu Li-Wei, the Taiwanese sci-fi animated feature film "Bajie" became the Best Animated Feature Film at the 60th Golden Horse Awards at the end of 2023. In addition to its nationwide theatrical release this May, it will also be screened at the 2024 Kuandu International Animation Festival.
Adapted from the renowned IP "Journey to the West" and infused with a cyberpunk futuristic style, the animated film "Bajie" deviates from the usual heroic Monkey King-centric narrative. It features the gluttonous and lazy Bajie (Pigsy) as the protagonist. The story unfolds in a virtual future world where the overcrowded Old City is abandoned, and only those deemed to have contributed sufficiently to the world can reside in the "New World." The protagonist, Bajie, is determined to bring his Grandma into the New World, embarking on an adventure with Tang Sanzang, Wukong, and Xiaojing (Sha Wujing) along the way.
▲The world view in "Bajie"
International Collaboration and Star-Studded Voice Cast
The production of "Bajie" boasts many highlights, one of which is the collaboration and exchange of international talent. In the early stages of script development, the Taiwanese production team invited Japanese screenwriter Natsuko Takahashi to join, and later collaborated with Dutch production company Submarine to co-develop the script. Based on a classic Asian masterpiece, "Bajie" leverages cross-national collaboration and exchange to ensure the work is also understandable to Western audiences, creating an adventure that can resonate with global viewers.
Another major highlight is the star-studded voice cast of "Bajie." The protagonist Bajie is voiced by Greg Hsu, while Liu Kuan-ting and Chung Hsin-ling portray Tang Sanzang and Grandma, respectively. Other celebrities such as Harlem Yu, Shao Yu-wei, Tu Tsung-hua, and Waa Wei also lend their voices to the film, adding splendor to "Bajie"'s vocal performances.
Family Bonds, Connections, and Growth: An Adventure with Warmth
Although set against a futuristic technological society, "Bajie" portrays human relationships with exceptional delicacy. From Bajie's daily interactions with his Grandma to the bonds formed with Tang Sanzang, Wukong, and Xiaojing, the concept of "family" is evident throughout. Different characters come together for various reasons to embark on a journey, fostering deep connections and personal growth among companions, imbuing this work with a human touch and warmth beneath its fantastical adventure exterior.
▲"Bajie" movie still: Bajie, Tang Sanzang, Wukong, and Xiaojing
Amidst Future Trends, Where Do We Go? — The "Individual" in Modern Technological Society
Set in a world brimming with a cyberpunk atmosphere, "Bajie" explores contemporary societal issues, both old and new.
The protagonist Bajie's fervent desire to go to the New World, contrasted with his Grandma's contentment in the Old City, reflects the clash of values between modern and traditional societies. The varying closeness and distance of interpersonal relationships in the Old City versus the New World also demonstrate the impact of technological innovation on human interaction patterns.
"Bajie" reflects the trajectory of modern societal development. Director Chiu Li-Wei believes that what is good and what is bad depends on individual judgment. For a society progressing so rapidly, with everyone scrambling to move forward, "Bajie" offers viewers a thought-provoking insight: the things truly worth cherishing might be closer than we think.
▲"Bajie" movie still: Interactions between Bajie and Grandma.
The Kuandu International Animation Festival will be held at National Taipei University of the Arts from October 20-26, 2024. On October 21st at 6:30 PM, in addition to a special screening of "Bajie," Director Chiu Li-Wei will also share his creative experiences in a post-screening Q&A session. There will also be other excellent domestic and international animated works. Everyone is welcome to participate and enjoy the unique charm of animation from home and abroad.