Watch A Chinese Odyssey I -- Pandora's Box

"A Chinese Odyssey I -- Pandora's Box" is a 1995 Hong Kong fantasy-comedy film directed by Jeff Lau and starring Stephen Chow, Man-Tat Ng, and Kar-Ying Law. The movie was a commercial and critical success, becoming the highest-grossing film at the Hong Kong box office of all time. The film is a loose adaptation of the classic Chinese novel "Journey to the West" and follows the adventures of the mischievous Monkey King (played by Stephen Chow) and his companions Pigsy (played by Man-Tat Ng) and Sandy (played by Jingwen Wang) on their quest to escort a young woman, Ah Zi (played by Athena Chu), to the West Palace, where she is destined to save the world from demons.

The story is told in two parts, with the first part following the Monkey King's efforts to obtain the key to Pandora's Box from the goddess Nuwa. Pandora's Box is said to contain the secrets of the universe, and the Monkey King believes that mastering it will make him invincible. However, he soon finds himself caught up in a web of deceit and betrayal, as he discovers that Ah Zi has her own plans for the box.

The second part of the film follows the heroes' journey to the West Palace, as they battle against a series of increasingly powerful demons. Along the way, they encounter a cast of colorful characters, including a band of rebels fighting a tyrannical king, a group of monks seeking enlightenment, and a trio of goddesses who have their own reasons for wanting to control the box.

One of the standout elements of "A Chinese Odyssey I -- Pandora's Box" is its unique blend of genres. At times it feels like a traditional martial arts epic, with elaborate fight sequences and dramatic showdowns between heroic warriors and monstrous villains. But at other times, it veers into absurd comedy territory, with Stephen Chow's irreverent humor delivering laughs even in the midst of the film's most serious moments.

The film also features some impressive special effects for its time, with fantastical creatures and magical spells bringing the story to life in vivid detail. And the performances by the cast are all top-notch, with Stephen Chow stealing the show in his boisterous portrayal of the Monkey King.

Overall, "A Chinese Odyssey I -- Pandora's Box" is a fun and entertaining film that combines action, comedy, and fantasy in a way that feels both familiar and fresh. It's a must-see for fans of Hong Kong cinema, martial arts movies, and classic folklore tales alike.