Why Xuanzang Is a Cinematic Pilgrimage Through Time and Faith
In an age of fast-paced blockbusters, Xuanzang (2016)—a historical epic about the Tang Dynasty monk’s 17-year journey to India—stands as a meditative masterpiece. While Huang Xiaoming portrays the titular pilgrim, Xu Zheng’s supporting role as Governor Li Daliang adds gravitas to this underappreciated gem. Directed by Huo Jianqi, the film transcends mere biography, weaving spirituality, geopolitics, and human perseverance into a tapestry that resonates globally.
- Reimagining the “Journey to the West” Without Monkeys or Magic
Most Western audiences know the fantastical Journey to the West, but Xuanzang strips away myth to reveal the historical figure: a scholar-monk who walked 10,000 miles alone to retrieve Buddhist sutras. Unlike the CGI-heavy adaptations, this film grounds itself in stark realism—blistering deserts, political betrayals, and existential doubt.
Xu Zheng’s Governor Li symbolizes the era’s ideological clash. Initially ordered to arrest Xuanzang for defying the travel ban, Li evolves from antagonist to reluctant ally, embodying Confucian pragmatism yielding to spiritual curiosity. Their tense dialogues—”Why risk death for foreign scrolls?” vs. “Truth has no borders”—mirror modern debates on cultural exchange versus nationalism.
- Cinematic Landscapes as Spiritual Metaphors
The film’s visual grandeur rivals The Revenant, but with philosophical intent:
- The Taklamakan Desert: Shot in Xinjiang’s real dunes, the endless golden waves symbolize both physical peril and mental purification.
- Nalanda University Ruins: The crumbling Indian monastery, reconstructed with archaeological precision, becomes a metaphor for fragmented wisdom awaiting revival.
- The Ice Mountains: Stark blue filters and dizzying angles convey Xuanzang’s isolation, contrasting with warm-toned flashbacks of Tang Chang’an’s bustling markets.
Cinematographer Wang Yu’s decision to use natural light during the desert sequences—resulting in a hauntingly minimal palette—echoes Buddhist teachings on embracing impermanence.
- Xu Zheng’s Subtle Mastery in a Limited Role
Though Huang Xiaoming dominates the screen, Xu Zheng’s Governor Li is pivotal. Eschewing his comedic persona, Xu delivers a restrained performance:
- Political Ambiguity: His furrowed brows and measured tone reflect a bureaucrat torn between duty and admiration.
- Silent Transformation: Watch the scene where Li secretly supplies Xuanzang with water—no dialogue, just a lingering glance that speaks of quiet rebellion.
This role foreshadowed Xu’s later dramatic depth in Dying to Survive (2018), proving his range beyond satire.
- Historical Fidelity with Modern Parallels
The film meticulously recreates 7th-century Asia, consulting the Great Tang Records on the Western Regions—Xuanzang’s own writings. Yet its themes are strikingly contemporary:
- Cultural Diplomacy: Xuanzang’s debates at Nalanda mirror today’s academic exchanges amidst U.S.-China tensions.
- Migration & Identity: His encounters with Turkic tribes and Indian kings reflect multicultural coexistence—an antidote to modern xenophobia.
- Environmental Hardship: The desert sequences, filmed during real sandstorms, parallel climate crisis narratives.
Notably, the film avoids romanticizing the Silk Road. Bandit attacks and diplomatic snubs remind us that ancient globalization was fraught with peril.
- Buddhism Through a Humanist Lens
Unlike proselytizing religious films, Xuanzang focuses on the man, not the doctrine. Key moments:
- Doubts in the Dunhuang Caves: A raw monologue where Xuanzang questions his mission—”Am I a pilgrim or a fool?”—humanizes spiritual pursuit.
- The Burning Sutra Scene: When fire destroys texts he nearly died for, his calm acceptance—”Words ash, wisdom remains”—challenges materialistic views of knowledge.
- Legacy Over Legend: The postscript reveals Xuanzang spent his final years translating sutras, not basking in fame—a critique of our influencer culture.
- A Counterpoint to “Orientalist” Stereotypes
Western films often exoticize Asia, but Xuanzang flips the script:
- India as a Scholarly Beacon: Nalanda’s vibrant debates dismantle colonial-era “mystic East” tropes.
- Tang China’s Cosmopolitanism: The Chang’an scenes—featuring Persian merchants and Korean scholars—correct the “isolated Middle Kingdom” myth.
- Female Agency: Princess Khyentse of Gaochang (played by Purba Rgyal), who funded Xuanzang’s journey, embodies Silk Road women’s influence often erased in histories.
- Why Global Audiences Need This Film Now
In a fragmented world, Xuanzang offers:
- A Non-Western Epic: Comparable to Lawrence of Arabia in scale but rooted in Eastern philosophy.
- Quiet Heroism: In contrast to Marvel’s loud saviors, Xuanzang’s power lies in resilience and intellectual humility.
- Cross-Cultural Dialogue: The film’s China-India co-production (filmed in both countries) models artistic collaboration despite political rifts.
Conclusion: More Than a History Lesson
-Xuanzang* isn’t just about a monk—it’s about the eternal quest for meaning. As Xu Zheng’s Governor Li admits in the finale, “I enforced borders, but your mind was always free.”
For international viewers, this film is a gateway to:
- China’s historical openness overlooked in modern discourse.
- Buddhist philosophy’s relevance to mindfulness movements.
- Cinematic storytelling that values introspection over explosion.
Final Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)
Where to Watch: Available on Amazon Prime with English subtitles.