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Dream retold for the silver screen

By Xu Fan | China Daily | Updated: 2023-07-27 07:55

Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms, the inaugural installment of the eponymous trilogy, brings to life a series of renowned characters, such as Daji, the fox demon-turned-beauty played by Naran. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Focus on the human

Creation of the Gods tells the story of a notorious tyrant and his overthrow by an army of justice approximately 3,000 years ago. The trilogy once again brings to life the legends of Fengshen Yanyi (The Investiture of the Gods), a Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) novel that has spawned popular TV series and animated works.

The ancient novel, spanning 100 chapters, blends historical records with mythology, transporting readers into a fantastic world where humans, celestial beings and monsters co-exist.

In the original story, a household tale for many Chinese, the tyrant King Zhou becomes captivated by Daji, the fox demon which takes possession of a beautiful woman's body. The cunning creature entices the ruler into indulging in debauchery, abusing his power and mercilessly slaughtering innocent people.

Ji Fa, a prince of a subordinate territory, rises in rebellion, leading the armies of his territory to resist the tyrant.

As immortals join the two conflicting sides — with some supporting King Zhou, believing him to be the heaven-chosen ruler, while others standing with Ji, seeing him as the savior of the suffering people — the war becomes prolonged and relentless.

During the war, many figures emerge, some of whom become widely recognized heroes. Among them are Jiang Ziya, a wise sage whose talent is discovered in his 70s, Yang Jian, a superhero with a third eye on his forehead, and Nezha, who possesses flaming wheels beneath his feet. Some of these iconic mythological figures are featured in the movie, with the character Jiang played by actor Huang Bo.

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