Okay, here is an English introduction to the plot of Tian Shu Qi Tan (天书奇谭):
Plot Summary:
A Journey to the West: Legend of the Stone Book (天书奇谭), often simply referred to as Tian Shu Qi Tan, is a 1983 Chinese animated fantasy film produced by the Shanghai Animation Studio. It is loosely based on the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West.
The story primarily focuses on the character of Nezha (哪吒), the divine child known for his immense power and fiery personality. The film begins by establishing Nezha's life in his underwater palace, where he is trained in martial arts and sorcery by his father, the Dragon King.
However, trouble arises when the Bodhisattva Guanyin seeks a sacred artifact known as the "Heavenly Book of Myriad Illusions" (天书). This book possesses immense power and is considered a key to controlling the balance between the human and spiritual worlds. To retrieve it, Guanyin summons Nezha.
Nezha is initially reluctant but eventually accepts the task. He is given a magical weapon, the Nine-Tailed Fox Saber (九尾狐剑), and tasked with retrieving the Heavenly Book from the Grimy Hell (血盆岭/恶龙潭), a treacherous location guarded by demons and the formidable Nine-Tailed Fox (狐狸精).
The journey is fraught with danger. Nezha encounters various challenges, battles numerous monsters, and must rely on his strength, wits, and the power of the saber to overcome obstacles. His quest highlights themes of courage, perseverance, and the struggle against evil forces.
While the film centers on Nezha's adventure, it also weaves in elements from the Journey to the West saga, particularly the relationship between the Monkey King (Sun Wukong) and the Tang僧师徒, although their direct involvement in this specific film is more limited compared to the overall legend.
In the end, Nezha successfully retrieves the Heavenly Book, demonstrating his growth and bravery. The film is celebrated for its imaginative storytelling, distinctive animation style, and memorable characters, making it a classic in Chinese animation history.
