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| Synopsis |
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Buddhist monk Sanzo Hoshi heads to Tenjiku to deliver a sutra that has powers to bring peace to the world. On the first day of her journey, she comes across Sagojo, on the second day she meets Chohakkai, and on the third day, she encounters Son Goku. With very different personalities, the four constantly quarrel. But through their journey together, they learn to help one another overcome many difficulties.
After days of not eating anything, they finally reach a town, but the place is burned to ashes. Just when they are trying to find out what happened, a beautiful girl in a wedding gown comes their way, followed by a young man, and then the bride's father.
The bride's father turns out to be Sanzo Hoshi's former mentor, Jintan. They are invited to Jintan's temple for dinner. Sanzo Hoshi looks scornfully at Goku and Chohakkai as they feast like pigs, and asks Jintan what happened to the town. She is told that a monster called Gyumao has burned it down to the ground.
In order to stop him from further damage, the town must offer a young girl as a human sacrifice, and Jintan's daughter has been selected. Sanzo is determined to help her mentor. After putting their heads together, they come up with a solution. Sanzo will dress up like the bride and sneak into Gyumao's castle. | | Fuji TV |
| Drama Reviews (13) |
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!!WARNING!!
The review section may contain spoilers! Please understand
that you may find out about this drama's endings and plots!
| | 1. | After watching the first episode.... [Rating: 5/10]
Warning: writing by a biased person who 'd watched tons of versions of chinese saiyuuki.
There are many many many flaws in this first episode
1. the monk is wearing a white japanese style monk robe, the staff is also nothing like a chinese staff and what's with the ringing of the staff????????????????????????????/
chinese monks don't have robes of that style.
2. the monk is a woman
The monk is suppose to be man
3. there was a girl wearing green qipao (the theif)
qipao- was only worn during the ming dynasty and later, this story happened waayyyyyyy before the ming dynasty
4. the hairstyles of girls really need work...the stylists and directors should have watch some ancient chinese shows or at least look at the pictures of some chinese hairstyles.
5. the monkey acts way too immature and childish
6. the monkey, pig, and the other dude's clothes are too funny looking....y is the pig wearing a clownlike hat?????
7. the story started out with the four of them together already....for those who has never read the manga or saw the chinese versions of the show, they will be confused.
8. also wen the master/monk saw goku trapped in the mountain, she use a stone to help release goku..
i dunno how the manga and the anime wrote it,but the chinese version is definitely not so, in the chinese version, the master was able to rip off the yellow paper stuck on to the mountain by the gods by the chanting..it has nothing to do with the stone.
9. the show showed that the master knew the pig and the other dude before goku....it is definitely not so.
10. the girl in the beginning of the show as well as the master wore a white clothing along with a white viel........in chinese traditions it has always been red and not white...white is a death color.....
11. the wife and the child of the ox king or something have ox horns like him...
NO they do not. in the original version, she has powers too and uses a fan that has enormous wind power and the child can blow very hot fire from his mouth.
Overall, I have to say good try but they should have done more research. For those of you that has seen chinese version (there are tons) you'll be very disappointed. But if you're seeing it for the first time, it may just appeal to you simply because of the casting and the humor. | | Reviewed by qtxyz on 14 January 2006 | | 2. | this is Japanese Drama!!! not chinese!!! [Rating: 9/10]
all rite.. the first time i ever watched Journey to the West was the Chinese version which was made in... 1994 i guess (coz i watched the series in 1997/98)?? well, the one which everyone agree is the best Journey to the West. I was a kid, and I really liked it and love the character Son Goku since then.
now i found out the there was going to be the Japanese version of it.. with Katori!!! first thing in my mind: I GOT TO WATCH IT!!
the 1st episode, it was way beyond my expectation... i was like, this is so different compare to the chinese one....
so i did some research again on the Journey of the West. And i found out that there are many different version of it!! the chinese have got their own version, while the Japanese have got their own version too!! And apparantly, the Japanese version's of the monk is a woman, alias a nun!! so for those who think/comment that this saiyuuki is wrong, or the producers didn't do any research.... i think it's YOU are the one that who didn't do any research!!
as for the story... yeah, i was pretty much dissapointed with the action.. i was really expecting the cool action like the chinese version one...
but then, this is a JAPANESE DRAMA series.. you cannot expect a lot of action ass-kicking thing from a japanese drama. i mean, it's juz not... japanese.... :D
this is one drama that's enjoyable to watch for everyone of any age... the TV-rating for this Saiyuuki is really high for the start of the year 2006 (average over 20%!!), and i think they deserve it....
*n' btw... back in 1978-1980, they had 2 season of the first Japanese version of Journey to the West ever.... tho, that one had more actions... n' much, much longer compare to this 3 months series... :D | | Reviewed by wahyu_ru on 26 March 2006 | | 3. | saiyuuki [Rating: 2/10]
A wowan is playing the role of Sanzo. One word! LOSER! Whatever the creator or producers were thinking, I don't know. And sad to say but the only viewers which would probably enjoy this show are those who absolutely have no knowledge of the actual Saiyuuki story, never read the fictional manga or are just watching to kill time. I am aware that the producers were not aiming to follow the story or manga's original context but that's what makes this show so bad. The least they could have done is to get the characters and setting straight. But then this is what comes out of a low budget. Anyway don't let this comment kill it for anyone, if you wanna watch a bunch of comedy nonsense this is it for you. However being a Saiyuki fan as I am this drama is one of the crappiest but I'll give them credit for trying.
Oh and the cast is really not that great either to start with. | | Reviewed by kirin78 on 15 January 2006 | | 4. | Dun be too serious [Rating: 8/10]
This is a good show, every cast had shown their best.....
Each story in the drama brought us a meaning and something to think abt.
And is very touching, some minor part.
Like the jokes, very funny.
As for the costume, if I dun mind the wrong dynasty thingy, it's actually very creative.
p.s. like Goku suit best.
Every drama had it's style. Saiyuki is orginated from China, Yes. But this drama is a Japan version. This is a drama, not a documentary. So I dun think everything had to follow by the book....
If u can't take this, tell u something worse, the recent Saiyuki movie by Hong Kong even had UFO + spiderman suit.
Ya esp 9 really is a copycat of LOTR....+ the wedding grownin ESP 10 is so modern.... hmm.... | | Reviewed by yuki ando on 31 January 2006 | | 5. | what took me so long? [Rating: 10/10]
never watched it when it came out but finally made time and watched. and i have to say i haven't enjoyed a show this much in years! wonderful characters, wonderful actors, enjoyable story, amazing jokes, amazing sets and costumes...everything about this show gets big thumbs up from me! yes, it is best if you check your brain at the door because it probably won't survive some of the episodes, but its a comedy! try and cram all of the original legend into 11 episodes the way it was written in the books and it will be nearly incomprehensible. This show was just fun and I wish there were more! | | Reviewed by battlegirlai on 13 May 2007 | | 6. | Great Drama [Rating: 8/10]
I'd just thought I'd come and give this show a bit of Rap.. its soo funny and it's soo much like the Japanese Original... Yes the priest is supposed to be a Boy but this is based from the Japanese original in which the producers chose a girl because a Boy would have changed in appearance too much throughout the filming.. So all in all If ur a fan of the old Japanese ones you'll be a Fan of this one i reckon.. as for the Manga never read it.. dont care nothing compares to the Monkey from my Childhood! | | Reviewed by monkeymagic on 17 January 2006 | | 7. | Wow! [Rating: 7/10]
This Saiyuuki is not for everyone. Don't expect to see the traditional 'Journey to the West' 'Xi You Ji' or you will be very disappointed. It is a version of Saiyuuki that is very entertaining, and touching at times.
Katori Shingo's performance was excellent! The chemistry was great between Gokuu and other main characters.
The storyline was generally weak, but it makes up for it with funny jokes, cool fight scenes, and many memorable lines. | | Reviewed by 8thSin on 20 December 2005 | | 8. | good. ppl that said bad and stuff, ill do somethin [Rating: 10/10]
the last eps touched my heart.i loved eps:4n 9 cuz i most liked gojo(or gosho) and who cares if it's not chinese?it's japan style!n the person that said opy of lord of the rings, even if it is, ur too mean! and the person who said LOSER, ur the total double LOSER!!!!!!!!!i hate ppl that gave a low rank to my SAIUKI. | | Reviewed by hero too good! on 3 May 2006 | | 9. | Great Adpatation [Rating: 8/10]
I'm surprised that some people are bashing it because it doesn't follow the novel completely...I think they've done a great job in re-adapting the entire story and putting humanity back into all the characters. And the SMAP dude was amazing as Goku. | | Reviewed by en6117 on 14 April 2006 | | 10. | any familiar scenes to you [Rating: ?/10]
Did anyone see eps 9?
I thought the army was a familiar copycat of lord of the rings. | | Reviewed by mysticalgal84 on 15 March 2006 | | 11. | watch it [Rating: 10/10]
too good!must watch!shingo, im a fan ov u now | | Reviewed by hero too good! on 15 May 2006 | | 12. | saiyuuki is the best [Rating: 10/10]
i loved everything!especially sagojo. | | Reviewed by hero too good! on 5 May 2006 | | 13. | too good [Rating: ?/10]
sagojo, u rock! | | Reviewed by hero too good! on 15 May 2006 |
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| Comments From Users (51) |
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!!WARNING!!
This section may contain spoilers! Do not proceed if you
do not want to read about this drama's endings and plots!
| | 1. | Comments by donna8157 [Rating: 6/10]
When I first had heard that the studio had a live action "Xi Yu Ji" (Saiyuuki) in production, I wasn't that enthusiastic about it. I had watched the original Mainland Chinese drama back when I was a little kid and had loved the series, since then I have not yet found one that could be considered its equal.
From watching the first three episodes of this high production value series, all I can say is that my initial feelings were true, this series is just not as good as the Chinese one made back in the 1980s. What's wrong with it? Nothing too blatant, just my own quirks about how they portrayed each of the characters - Su Wu Kung, Zhu Ba Jie, and San Shi Di. They're very different from how they are portrayed in the book - louder and maybe even dumber, especially Su Wu Kung (named Son Goku in the drama).
One good note is that Fukatsu Eri does a pretty good job as Houshi, not great, but pretty good. I know I sound very strict in critiquing this series thus far, but it's hard for this one to equal up to the "Xi Yu Ji" of China. | | 2. | Comments by aik0 [Rating: 4/10]
I dont care about whether the show follows closely to the original. But the /character design/ for the team is quite bad, clothes with ugly colors, non-distintive features etc. The /art direction/ and that most of the scenes are film inside *studio*�@makes this production look like a Shaw's production in the 70s. The action/fighting is subpar compared to Japan's own power rangers types let alone HK productions. Special effects are also seriously inferior.
Character development is so far lacking and there aint much chemistry exists inbetween. The only thing that sticks out is the constant shouting of Goku. The villains are so unconvincingly weak that this looks like a 2nd-rate power ranger. Overall, this feels like a 80s/early 90s production, which doesn't quite cut it. | | 3. | Comments by kanshu [Rating: 6/10]
I'm not impressed with this version of the Saiyuuki tale. The stories fail to catch me as a viewer, and the solid acting can't safe it. The costume department did a fairly good job, though.
Katori Shingo's performance alternates between really good scenes (whenever he's not screaming), and his screaming disrupting not only the flow and mood of the scene, but also his acting. Of course, I can see how Goku IS a loud character, but there's a difference between loud and screaming.
All in all only 6 points, because the flaws outweight the good points. | | 4. | Comments by gopro [Rating: 8/10]
8.5ish. At first when I was watching the 1st episode, I was thinking to myself "This is so crappy, I think Imma stop watching." Then I thought "Wait, I watched Ganbatte Ikimashaoo till the end so may as well watch this." Well, I am glad that I did. Very good show. Person who played Gokuu did a really really good job, also RinRin was good also.
Comedy, Action. Must watch! Show gets better and better with each episode! Episode 10(or 9) was hella funny also. (Wintter 06) | | 5. | Comments by nadrika [Rating: 7/10]
Watched this for the sake of watching because it was shown on 8tv after Proof of the Man finished airing. It was just so that i have my weekly dose of Japanese drama. The plot was just okay, in my opinion. This drama got an extra point for introducing me to MONKEY MAJIK's music, which i am really addicted to now. Another reason for watching this was so that i can sing along at the end of each episode to 'Around the World' :) | | 6. | Comments by Ralbol [Rating: 2/10]
Ah la la c'etait vraiment nul, a part Goku et quelques invites, tout est a jeter. Decors laids, costumes encore plus laids, jeu d'acteur...oula. Ce qui aurait pu faire un anime trees moyen, devient un drama minable, qu'on regarde parcequ'on a commence et qu'il faut finir, mais qu'on aurait prefere ne pas voir... | | 7. | Comments by Akiiness [Rating: 7/10]
At first I didn't quite like how it's so different from Journey to the West (HK version) and how everything seems so exaggerated. Eventually, I got used to it and I think it's uniqueness from the Chinese version(s) is what makes it good. Recommended if you need to turn away from romance & tragedies. :) | | 8. | Comments by loveaomori [Rating: 6/10]
It's entertaining thanks to Shingo but I didn't feel any emotions! A quite empty dorama. And The episode 9 was so similar to lord of the ring! �����܂ł܂˂��ĕ��C�Ȃ́HAnyway the song is Monkey Majik and one of the two gaijin in this group was living in Aomori (my dear land) for 8 years. So big respect! | | 9. | Comments by Nermal [Rating: 8/10]
AWESOME! from beginning to end, it had me laughing and crying! ^^ It was truly entertaining and you gotta love Shingo! ^^ The cast of actors were simply brilliant put together, no amtter how silly it was. It`s not a masterpiece in the making, nor the acting, but talk about fun! ^^ | | 10. | Comments by x_XJules [Rating: 9/10]
at first i didn't like this show. i thought it was ridiculous and awful. but for some reason i couldn't stop watching it.. and before i knew it i was secretly enjoying it. i could understand why some people may not like it, but this show really is funny and entertaining. | | 11. | Comments by natzumi [Rating: 8/10]
Seen several eps, but not all. Enjoyed ep 1 as it's great to see Kimura and Katori Shingo in the same drama. There's no doubt that Shingo is a good actor. Plot is so so.
Glad that the dorama ended the way it did. I liked the last ep v. much. | | 12. | Comments by jessiesoon [Rating: 8/10]
quite funny, especially the character, "roushi"...haha!!!!
japanese version of saiyuuki is so diff..i thought they are not supposed to drink alcohol n eat meat..but, they did!!!
anyway, i still find the drama quite hilarious!! | | 13. | Comments by ongrina82 [Rating: 7/10]
Don't expect the traditional "Journey to the West" for this Japan version...I watched only cos of Takuya Kimura in 1st episode...but later realised tat it's not a bad drama...can be touching at times... | | 14. | Comments by xhidex33 [Rating: 9/10]
Heard it's really different from the original story, but I've never read or watched the original.
Anyway, this is funny and very different from all the other dramas airing currently. | | 15. | Comments by aiscess [Rating: 10/10]
Well made.. I like the setting, their costumes and of course the character plus those familliar bgms. I'm happy that their re-tell of one of my fave stories/legend was this superb. | | 16. | Comments by Bodhi [Rating: 8/10]
Terrfic fantasy adventure show with a heart. Think LOTR on a TV budget with an eastern philosophy. The pervert god Roushi was very funny with his tree of breasts. | | 17. | Comments by Ikuko [Rating: 8/10]
The firsts 3 episodes are very... errr.... horrible... But it improves and the drama became very nice. I liked the story... and Katori Shingo is very cute X3 | | 18. | Comments by MrNiceGuy [Rating: 7/10]
It's fun! Total different with Chinese version thus I feel weird somehow. "The greatest people in this world are the people who do their best!" | | 19. | Comments by idetakun [Rating: 5/10]
Funny!!!
Some episodes are boring but most are interesting enough to keep me in-front of the TV every week.
Shingo is cute. | | 20. | Comments by CdMe [Rating: 9/10]
This one is not really comparable to other dramas because it's so different but you really should watch it! It's hilarious! | | 21. | Comments by Sevenz [Rating: 6/10]
Not bad, but definitely below my expectation. The fighting scenes are a little boring, although the storyline is great! | | 22. | Comments by hero too good! [Rating: 10/10]
too good.it touched mua heart on the last eps. i especially liked eps:4n9cuz especiallly liked gojo.must watch drama. | | 23. | Comments by kawaii_blue [Rating: 6/10]
entertaining but can get a bit boring due to the repeated plot (new villain per episode). oh, Goku is crack. lol | | 24. | Comments by orenji [Rating: 8/10]
I LOVE the first episode! It was so funny from the start to the end! Looking forward to watching more~~ <3 | | 25. | Comments by onigiriman [Rating: 6/10]
This was okay... a different take on the traditional Son Goku story. Katori Shingo was okay as Goku... | | 26. | Comments by emiko [Rating: ?/10]
ep 1..quite good so far but the story of journey to the west never been my fav before so....ehem2.. | | 27. | Comments by iez [Rating: 6/10]
it's Journey to the west Japanese version.....but i think it's more fun and hilarious........ | | 28. | Comments by wanderingfish7 [Rating: ?/10]
I only watched the first episode and didn't feel like watching the next one. painful. | | 29. | Comments by lovejdorama [Rating: ?/10]
Avail for trade! 2-DVD English Sub http://www.geocities.com/reddashay/jdorama.html | | 30. | Comments by sweetkisses7574 [Rating: 9/10]
FUNNY!! and pretty touching at the end!! i loved it alot!! it was good!! :) :) |
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Read all 51 comments from users
| Users who voted for this drama (4) |
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| 1. | battlegirlai
i love this show. i can rewatch it over and over and enjoy it every time! Shingo ROCKS as Gokuu and I'm not even a SMAP fan! | | 2. | wahyu_ru
enjoyed it.... worth watching... | | 3. | SMAPxELAINE
A Good Drama! Must Watch... | | 4. | lonewolf82
Hilarious drama. |
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