One of them is the image of Thai Thuong Lao Quan's "nine knife movements" - the first medicine that once made many viewers curious.
In the movie, the scene of Sun Wukong "stealing" kim dan at the heavenly court is staged in a magical way. In the space of clouds and smoke, bright yellow light and fairytale sounds, sparkling kim dan appear like a heavenly treasure. The image of Sun Wukong eating deliciously makes the audience even more curious, even "craving" to follow.
However, few people know that behind that "noble and delicious" appearance is a very simple truth. According to Chinese media, the "kim dan" stones are actually just... roasted peanuts covered with powder and colored yellow.
In the limited production conditions of the 1980s, the crew made the most of everyday materials to create an impressive visual effect.
This creativity contributed to the success of the film. Without modern special effects or expensive props, the film crew can still recreate a vivid fairy world. Peanuts that seemed ordinary, through the hands of staging and acting, have become a symbol of "panacea" in the hearts of audiences.
Notably, this detail also reflects a characteristic of classic films: taking content and emotions as the focus. The attraction is not in the "luxury" of props, but in the way of telling stories and the ability to evoke imagination. Therefore, despite many decades, Journey to the West still maintains its sustainable vitality in the hearts of the public.
Many viewers once shared that when they were young, they "imitated" Sun Wukong by eating candy, chocolate or cakes and imagining that it was a needle that helped them become "invincible". Those memories, although simple, contribute to creating an unforgettable part of childhood.
Today, when filmmaking technology is developing strongly, recreating magnificent mythological scenes has become easier. However, the authenticity and creativity of old works are still hard to replace. Details like "pearl-knitted needles" are not only interesting behind-the-scenes stories, but also proof of a time of passionate filmmaking.
