NeZha 2: A New Phenomenon in Global Films

In the past month, the Chinese blockbuster NeZha 2 has been breaking numerous box office records. As a sequel to NeZha 1, NeZha 2 is now the highest-grossing film in China and ranks among the highest in the All-Time Worldwide Animated Box Office. It is currently ranked eighth overall on the global chart, grossing around 1.8 billion dollars so far. It is the first non-American movie to surpass one billion dollars and the first film to achieve this milestone in a single market. But what is all the hype about? What kind of children’s animation could enchant so many people?

NeZha 2 is a comedy, action and fantasy film with NeZha as the main character. NeZha is a popular figure from Chinese mythology, and both films base their stories on the original myth, albeit with their own alterations. NeZha 2 continues directly after the first film, in which NeZha lost his body and becomes a spirit. Now NeZha must go through numerous trials to save himself and his friend while facing battering waves of deception, loss, oppression, and anguish.

Although the story arc may seem cliché, the depth of NeZha 2 cannot be overstated. Themes of defying unjust authority appear throughout the film, and each character learns to overcome the powers that oppress them. There are many twists that show how no one is purely good or evil. NeZha 2 also features parents and children, following every family's struggles with love, protection, and sacrifice. The movie is very rich in meaning, with countless lessons that apply to modern society.

Putting aside the plot, the graphics and animation of NeZha 2 is also praiseworthy. Until now, animation has been dominated by Western corporations such as Disney, Pixar, and DreamWorks. However, NeZha 1 and NeZha 2's producer, JiaoZi, whose name translates to "Dumpling," recruited over 130 small animation studios in China and refined the animation over the course of five years. The result was around 2,000 special effects shots and over 10,000 special effects elements. The colors are vibrant, blending elements from Chinese culture and mythology with modern styles. Words cannot fully capture the stunning visuals; they can only be fully experienced through a movie screen.

As for critiques, the film may be hard to fully grasp without familiarity with Chinese culture. However, this doesn’t detract from the overall experience. The occasional crude humor also deviates from western styles, and certain dark scenes may be intense for young children.

Overall, this is a five star film, although audiences should definitely watch the first film before the second, as it provides important context for the sequel.