Monkey King cartoons through the years

1961

A scene from Havoc in Heaven. [Photo/Mtime]

Havoc in Heaven

Director: Wan Laiming

The four Wan brothers created the film at the height of a booming Chinese animation industry from 1961 to 1964. It was one of the longer animated colored features at the time.

The story centers on how the Monkey King causes an uproar in Heaven and his troubles with the Jade Emperor, who presides over the deities. The stylized animation, drums and percussion accompaniment used in this film is heavily influenced by the traditional performing art of Peking Opera.