Xuanzang - 2016 Movie

As part of my exploration into writing Tang-era essays, I recently watched a Chinese movie that, while not something I would rave about, is still worth discussing: Xuanzang (大唐玄奘, 2016). True to its title, it is a semi-realistic biopic of Tang Xuanzang, the famous Buddhist monk who elevated the understanding and transmission of Buddhism during the Tang Dynasty—one of China’s golden ages.

Tang Xuanzang is a cultural icon, and many adaptations have been made based on Journey to the West. This 2016 film, however, offers a more grounded glimpse into his life. The narrative focuses on his pilgrimage from China to India to spread proper understanding of Buddhism, a task made all the more challenging by the perilous nature of travel at the time.

As a historical-period biopic, Xuanzang is not particularly flashy in terms of action, contrary to what some might expect. Yet it impresses with high-quality visuals, reflecting its significant production value. What stood out to me most was the depiction of Xuanzang’s time in India, featuring strong performances from Indian actors and actresses. This aspect demonstrates careful coordination between Chinese and Indian cultural representation, offering depictions of Indian settings that are rarely seen outside of Bollywood.

All in all, I don’t think 2016 Xuanzang movie can replace or eclipse the legendary monk’s firsthand historical accounts. However, the film does succeed in sparking interest in the legacy of a figure whose journey inspired one of China’s Four Great Classical Novels, making it a worthwhile cultural exploration.