UNSEEN: Masaaki Sakai interview (2000) about "Monkey" 1970s TV show (Eng subs) 

Same.

It's from 24th August 2000 - I've just added "(2000)" to the title to clarify that it's not a recent interview. Thanks for the feedback!

They remake it every couple of years on Chinese TV and movies. At one point there were two competing blockbuster movies. It would be the equivalent of Lord of the Rings coming out twice at the same time. Some of the other versions are quite fun like Stephen Chow's two different versions and the 1960s one with Peng Peng with a giant beer gut and man boobs playing Pigsy.

@@TimChuma Thanks for the info. I would hate for Holywood to do it. But I think a big budget tv series could work in the right hands. Have you seen the reboot of Shogun?

I totally know what you mean - he comes across as really funny, down-to-earth and humble, doesn't he... if only he could be persuaded to attend a Comic-Con type convention in the UK or Australia - the fans would go nuts, and I'm sure he would have a great time!

@@monkeytvjp I would pay the money to see him, that's for sure! My first crush was Masako Natsume and I was devastated when I first got on the internet in around 2000 and heard that she had passed just a few short years after watching her play Tripitaka.

@@japaneselie If you're ever in Japan in December - he does a dinner show in Tokyo every year. I went to it several years ago - even though there was nothing Monkey-related in his show, it was just such a privilege be in the presence of Mr. Sakai for a couple of hours.

@@monkeytvjp Definitely a privilege but one I'm not likely to experience first had. Unfortunately i can't see myself getting to Japan any time soon.🤔Appreciate the info though.

He was in a lot of stuff including on of the Stray Cat Rock movies. When I interviewed John Jarrat he said similarly people remembered you for whatever you were most famous in.