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Japanese Cult

The Water Margin
written by BC7 (Beren Camlost)

A Cult TV Classic from Japan shown in the 70's in the UK. Pre-dated Monkey and in so many ways much better. None of the cheesy antics of Monkey and Co, instead much Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Sword Fighting Tom Foolery.

Basically a Chinese version of Robin Hood, the series revolves around the stories of Lin Chung and His Merry Men and Women fighting the Evil Chinese Government Overlords.

Every week you could usually guarantee 2 things:

1. A Mega Sword Fight, which could take all day in a good episode, and

2. Some Girl would die, in heroic circumstances

Also much Cod Chinese Proverbs like "Do not despise the snake for having no horns, for who is to say that he will not become a Dragon"

Indeed.

Monkey (Magic)


Masaaki Sakai as Monkey		 Monkey Magic or Saiyűki as it was locally known in its native country Japan was produced by Kokusai Hoei and NTV, and first aired in Japan, October 1978. It was a favourite with the British school children of the late 70's and early 80's and it seemed to have a cult following during this time and older people will remember it well.

Although produced in Japan it had been comically dubbed into English with equally funky and comical sound effects and music. The star was actress Masako Natsume who played the main charachter Tripitaka (but at the time viewers were confused weather or not it was a man or a woman) the other charachters were Tripitaka's followers the pig monster - Pigsy, the fish demon - Sandy and last but by no means least Monkey.

The story follows the ancient chinese legend about the origins of Bhuddism. It charts the adventures as the heroes travel across China to India in there search for Bhudda to retrieve holy scriptures that can save the world. Highlights of the show are Monkey and his magic staff which can change instantly to any length, Kung-Fu fights and funky music, and the magic pink cloud which Monkey uses to travel around.
Looking for this on video? Its available at Blackstar. Click the logo to find out more.

This page last updated 22nd March 2002.