News:Gorillaz create 'Journey to the East' for BBC Olympics coverage
July 27, 2008
BBC Sport has unveiled a title animation featuring several anthropomorphic animals as part of their coverage of the Beijing Olympics.[1]
Created by Jamie Hewlett, illustrator of the virtual band Gorillaz and with music by Gorillaz creator Damon Albarn, the animation is based on Journey to the West; an ancient Chinese tale of pilgrimage to retrieve Buddhist scriptures which mixes adventure, allegory, and spiritual enlightenment. Both band members were born in the Year of the Monkey, and were fans of the British TV series Monkey.[2][3]
Depicted in the animation are lead characters Sūn Wùkōng, the Monkey King, and his golden-banded staff; Xuánzàng the monk; Zhū Bājiè (or Pigsy), once field marshal of the Milky Way, wielding his rake; and Shā Wùjìng (Sandy), an immortal banished from heaven for smashing a crystal goblet, with his monk's spade.
The same story inspired elements of manga and anime such as Dragon Ball, InuYasha, and Ranma ½.
Sports featured include the hammer throw, hurdling, javelin, high bar, diving, taekwondo, and pole vault.
Congratulations Wu Kong, on your pilgrimage
For hope and glory
Kindle the dream, share life and death
Travel the world without pause
Push forth despite difficulties and hardships
Break through the fear, quest for hope and glory
A bright and colorful dream, combining body and soul
Sources[edit]
- ↑ BBC Sport - Meet Monkey (July 24, 2008)
- ↑ Jamie and Damon (Gorillaz co-creators) on Monkey (June 15, 2007)
- ↑ What was Monkey Magic all about? - BBC News (July 23, 2008)