Few know that the role of Tang Seng in “Journey to the West” has been portrayed by three actors. While the first two actors, Uông Việt and Từ Thiếu Hoa, left the film for personal reasons, the third actor, Trì Trọng Thụy, won the hearts of many viewers with his upright appearance, fitting for a high monk. However, upon revisiting this film, many were astonished by the true personality of Tang Seng.
A notable instance occurs in the episode “Nüzi Guo,” where Tang Seng and Zhu Bajie accidentally drink water from the Zimu River, leading both to become pregnant. While Zhu Bajie expresses excitement and eagerly anticipates fatherhood, Tang Seng worries about how to “resolve” the pregnancy. This detail highlights the contradiction in Tang Seng’s thoughts. He preaches compassion and kindness, so why does he want to abandon his own child? Is it that the position of a high monk, a practitioner, prevents Tang Seng from confronting this “scandal”?
Moreover, Tang Seng often leaves viewers shaking their heads in frustration due to his stubbornness and rigidity. In the episode “Three Times Defeating the White Bone Spirit,” Tang Seng scolds and chants the Golden Hoop Spell, causing Sun Wukong pain, all due to a misunderstanding. Although Sun Wukong repeatedly helps, Tang Seng remains skeptical of this “monkey’s” loyalty. Tang Seng’s actions reveal to viewers that beneath his dignified exterior, he is just a human filled with desires, anger, and attachments.
It can be said that the character Tang Seng serves as a testament that no one is perfect. Behind noble titles and moral teachings, everyone has their own hidden aspects.