A poster of "Monk Comes Down the Mountain" directed by Chen Kaige. [China.org.cn]

Chinese Taoists are angry with Chen Kaige's new film, "Monk Comes Down the Mountain," claiming the director is demonizing their religion.

An anonymous Taoist has published a series of questions for Chen, asking the director whether he knows anything about real Taoism. According to cnwnews.com, which published the questions, the letter'’s writer is a widely respected figure in Taoist circles.

The Taoist said he has not seen the film but has seen comments and plot synopses on his friends' social network and microblog accounts.

"Nowadays, art needs to express the creator's thoughts while also entertaining, and I want to ask director Chen if this film is in accord with President Xi Jinping's directions for the arts? Does it promote positive energy?"

The Taoist also asked Chen if he knew about the beliefs and philosophical implications of Taoism. The writer was also curious as to why in the film the Taoist played by Wang Baoqiang, has to seek answers from a Buddhist monk.

"In your mind, are Chinese martial artists just concerned with hatred and revenge? When you used 'Taoist' in your film title, did you understand that you were demonizinge and makinge fun of Taoism ? How dare you !" the writer continued. Though the official English title of the film is "Monk Comes Down the Mountain," the film'’s Chinese title literally astranslates to "Taoist Comes Down the Mountain."

Finally, the Taoist questioned film censors about why they allowed this film to exploit Taoism for entertainment. "If it was another religion, would you do the same? We know the policies don't allow propaganda about extreme religious thoughts, but do they allow [artists] the right to make fun of and hurt religion? "

The anonymous Taoist letter-writer is not the only one who has spoken out. Taoist master Li Zhichen also published an essay, criticizing the film on July 8 on a platform of Souhu.com. Li wrote that Chen used inaccurate Taoist costumes, mocked Taoist traditions, and twisted the image of Taoism. He also didn't understand why a Taoist had to consult with a Buddhist monk to resolve his problems in the film. Furthermore, Li pointed out that the film's theme song is a Buddhist song, which he thought is very strange given the fact that the film is supposed to be about a Taoist.

Chen Kaige and the film's producers have not responded to the controversy. China's film and religious departments also have not yet responded to questionings regarding the issue.

In 2001, Hong Kong comedian and director Stephen Chow clashed with the film bureau of the State Administration of Radio, Film and TV over similar problems during its examination of "Shaolin Soccer." SARFT refused to allow "Shaolin Soccer" to be released in theaters or on DVD and HS because of complaints from the Shaolin Temple that putting "soccer" alongside "Shaolin" would insult Buddhists. Chow refused to change the title to "Kungfu Soccer," and the film's producer was banned from shooting on the mainland for one year as a result, Xinhua reported.

Chen seemed not to have encountered such religious censorship problems.

"Monk Comes Down the Mountain" is a Chinese comedy-fantasy-adventure film directed by Chen Kaige and featuring a star-studded cast that includes Wang Baoqiang, Aaron Kwok, Chang Chen, Lin Chi-ling, Fan Wei, Yuen Wah, Vanness Wu, Wang Xueqi, Danny Chan Kwok-kwan, Lam Suet and Dong Qi. The film also features Jackie Chan's son Jaycee Chan, who eventually appeared in the film despite being subject to a ban issued by China's government film watchdog due to the younger Chan's drug conviction earlier this year.

The film tells the story of a young Taoist who finds his way and life philosophy through a series of strange adventures in the big, colorful and temptation-ridden world after leaving a monastery on a mountain. The film is a visual feast full of action, sex and, revenge. It has grossed 383 million yuan (US$61.7 million) in the Chinese film market so far, making it the highest-earning film of Chen's career.

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