The film follows the story of He Anxia (played by Wang Baoqiang), a naive Buddhist monk who has lived his entire life secluded in the mountains. When his master passes away, he is instructed to leave the temple and experience the "real world." With no survival skills other than his martial arts training, he descends into a bustling, modernizing 1920s/30s China. There, he encounters a series of eccentric characters—including a Daoist master, an opera singer, and a mysterious doctor—learning lessons about life, love, and vengeance along the way.
Monk Comes Down the Mountain (2015), also known by its Chinese title Dao Shi Xia Shan, is a high-budget martial arts fantasy film that blends traditional wuxia storytelling with modern cinematic spectacle. Directed by the acclaimed Chen Kaige (Farewell My Concubine), the movie follows a naive young Taoist monk, He Anxia, who is forced to leave his secluded monastery and navigate the treacherous world of 1930s Republican-era China. Plot Summary and Themes
The story begins with He Anxia (played by Wang Baoqiang) winning a series of trials at his impoverished monastery, only to be cast out by his abbot to experience "the real world" and learn about human nature. His journey is episodic, bringing him into contact with various "masters" who challenge his morality and martial skills:
The Pharmacist: He is first taken in by a kind doctor, Cui Daoning (Fan Wei), but soon finds himself entangled in a tragic domestic conspiracy involving Cui’s wife (Lin Chi-ling) and younger brother (Vanness Wu).
The Kung Fu Masters: He later becomes a disciple to legendary fighters, including the broom-wielding Taoist Zhou Xiyu (Aaron Kwok) and the opera star Boss Zha (Chang Chen), who are embroiled in a deadly rivalry over a secret martial arts technique known as "Ape Strike". Monk Comes Down the Mountain (2015) - IMDb
Monk Comes Down the Mountain is a 2015 Chinese fantasy-adventure-comedy directed by Chen Kaige, following a naive Taoist monk, He Anxia, who explores the secular world, encountering various martial arts masters. The film features an ensemble cast, high-production action, and received mixed reviews for its episodic narrative and tone. For more details, visit Kung-fu Kingdom.
Monk Comes Down the Mountain (2015) - Chen Kaige - Letterboxd
Genre: Action / Adventure / Comedy / Fantasy Director: Chen Kaige Starring: Wang Baoqiang, Aaron Kwok, Lin Chi-ling, Chang Chen
