Langlang Shan Xiao Yaoguai

This is a really heartwarming reimagining of (and love letter to) the famous Chinese story "Journey to the West". Instead of focusing on the heroes, we are instead taken along on the journey of a group of weak demons who might just be a side note in the original story. It's a unique and unexpected perspective, seeing the struggles of minor villains. We also get many outsider's perspectives of the original heroes, like villagers who hear rumors of the heroes and await their arrival. This story is all about underdogs, found family, and misfits. There's a lot of heart, and the narrative makes a good balanceof comedy vs. emotion. There's a lot of dry witty humor that's common in Chinese animated media. The characters have so much personality. In classic "band of misfits" fashion, they've all got funny quirks and problems, and get into all sorts of shenanigans. The artwork is lovely. The combination of lively character art and beautiful Chinese ink painting style backgrounds makes this world look incredibly vivid. This movie expects viewers to already be familiar with "Journey to the West". If you're not familiar with the original, a lot of references, jokes, and plot lines might fly over your head. If you are familiar, this movie will make you very nostalgic.