Ji Gong (TV series)

Ji Gong
Also known asThe Mad Monk
Traditional Chinese濟公
Simplified Chinese济公
Hanyu PinyinJì Gōng
GenreChinese mythology, fantasy, historical
Based onJi Gong
Written byQiao Gufan
Qian Shiming
Xue Jiazhu
Directed byZhang Ge
StarringYou Benchang
Lü Liang
Opening themeYou Benchang Xie'erpo, Mao'erpo (鞋儿破帽儿破)
Country of originChina
Original languageMandarin
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes12
Production
Production locationLingyin Temple
CinematographyZhang Xinfa
Production companiesHangzhou Television
Shanghai Television

Ji Gong (Chinese: 济公; pinyin: Jì Gōng) is a 1985 Chinese mythology fantasy television series directed by Zhang Ge, and starring You Benchang and Lü Liang as the "Mad Monk" Ji Gong, a popular Chinese folklore figure from the Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279).[1][2][3]

Synopsis

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Production

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The character Ji Gong took inspiration from a popular Chinese folklore figure Ji Gong from the Southern Song dynasty. You Benchang stated that Ji Gong is heavily influenced by Charlie Chaplin, the British silent film maestro.[4] "First it is very humorous and comedic. Secondly it sincerely advocates sincerity, kindness and beauty. However, it does not ruthlessly beat the false and the evil but instead educates them, making them realize their faults and helping them to amend them. It is full of love and mercy, not only to human beings but to all creatures. It shows that everything can be taught to be good...Chaplin very much as he has taught me a lot about mime." he said.[4]

Critical reception

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The television series received positive reviews. In 1985, streets in towns and cities across China were expected to empty soon as people gathered in front of televisions to watch the hot TV series.[5] The series has been replayed many times in the years since.[4]

Awards and nominations

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Award Category Nominee Result Notes
4th China TV Golden Eagle Award Best Actor You Benchang Won [4][6]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "You Benchang, Live Ji Gong". CRL. 2009-04-15. Archived from the original on March 20, 2014.
  2. ^ "济公"游本昌:我的人生座右铭——无我利他. People.com (in Chinese). 2014.
  3. ^ 欠债几百万,住老人院?还记得“济公”游本昌吗. iFeng (in Chinese). 2016-04-21.
  4. ^ a b c d "You Benchang, Live Ji Gong". CRL. 2009-04-15. Archived from the original on March 20, 2014. You Benchang says it's Charlie Chaplin, the British silent film maestro, who helped him become 'Live Ji Gong'. A mime master, You Benchang thinks mime and silent film have much in common. Though not a mime production, 'Ji Gong' contains many vivid imitations of Charlie Chaplin's plays.
  5. ^ 游本昌:济公火了我得罪了一批人 一闲就是20年. CNTV (in Chinese). 2010. Archived from the original on 2017-06-05. Retrieved 2014-03-20.
  6. ^ "HD video online viewing – MangoTV" 第四届大众电视金鹰奖 [The 4th China TV Golden Eagle Award]. mgtv.com (in Chinese).