Three Monks

One monk shoulders two buckets of water. Two monks lift one bucket of water. Three monks have no water! This is a story told generation after generation, and has much in common with the western saying "too many cooks spoil the broth." When there is one monk in the temple, he fetches water for himself. When there are two, they share the duty. But as the third comes, it's hard to divide the responsibilities. Everyone thinks for himself and nobody fetches water any more. At last, a fire in the temple teaches them the importance of cooperation. From then on, they cooperate and have water every day.

This series is adapted from the most famous Chinese classic cartoon movies, which are handled down generation by generation; most Chinese grow up with them. Some are well-known fairy stories, contain the wisdom and spirits; and some convey the knowledge of nature or science. The original movies are taken by Shanghai Animation and Film Studio, and got a lot of prizes in the international film festivals. Awards: Won the outstanding film award at the 1978 International London Film Festival; Won the 13th Special Interest award at the Czech Republic Karlovy Vary International Film Festival; Won the best art award and children's literature award at the 3nd Chinese film "Hundred Flowers" festival.